Yanfen Li, Ph.D., joined the UMass Lowell Biomedical Engineering Department in the fall of 2018. Li received her Ph.D. in Bioengineering at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. She has been a NSF Graduate Research Fellow, focused on research related to the utilization of biomaterials to understand and influence cellular function with a special interest in epigenetics. She also conducts research in engineering education with a focus on curriculum development. She is a passionate teacher and researcher who aims to increase the representation of women and minorities in STEM and inspire students of all ages to solve grand challenges.