Man Wah Li

Scientist in Crop Genomics and Genetics | Stress Biology | Circadian Clock | Plant-Microbe Interaction

New York City Metropolitan Area

About

Experience

  • Assocate Research Scientist at Yale University
    Feb 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 6 mos

  • Independent Curriculum Developer (Consulting) at Soyvestors Co. Ltd.
    Jan 2022 - Dec 2023 · 2 yrs

    - Provided early-stage scientific and curriculum consultation to a STEM education company (Soyvestors Co. Ltd.) during its establishment. - Designed and developed advanced molecular biology curricula, translating current research into structured, audience-appropriate educational materials. - Delivered training and guidance to instructors to support effective curriculum implementation.

  • The Chinese University of Hong Kong (8 yrs 6 mos)
    • Scientific Officer
      Apr 2018 - Jan 2023 · 4 yrs 10 mos

      - Coordinated research progress across 13 teams from four universities, aligning timelines, priorities, and shared objectives. - Led preparation of annual research reports and deliverables to the University Grant Council and multiple funding agencies. - Served as a scientific liaison between PIs, students, and postdoctoral researchers by guiding projects, resolving technical issues, and synthesizing progress updates for leadership. - Contributed scientific ideas and drafting support to grant proposals and funding presentations, coordinating cross-team inputs. - Mentored trainees in research strategy and professional development; contributions recognized through co-corresponding authorship on multiple publications.

    • Honorary Postdoctoral Fellow
      Feb 2016 - Mar 2018 · 2 yrs 2 mos

    • Postdoctoral Fellow
      Mar 2015 - Jan 2016 · 11 mos

      - Performed QTL and genomic analyses to identify agronomically important loci and genes in soybean. - Investigated abiotic stress tolerance mechanisms using integrated genetics and transcriptomics approaches. - Discovered salt-stress priming effects and their impact on histone modifications in soybean. - Established Sinorhizobium fredii as a model for studying soybean nodulation and nitrogen fixation.

  • Postdoctoral Associate at Yale University
    Mar 2016 - Mar 2018 · 2 yrs 1 mo

    - Identified key mutations in circadian clock components underlying reduced photoperiod sensitivity during soybean domestication using QTL and genomic analyses. - Contributed to development of an F-box protein decoy library to study protein degradation affecting the circadian clock and flowering. - Discovered GI-independent ZTL-interacting proteins via proteomics, clarifying ZTL-specific functions in circadian regulation. - Mentored junior researchers in hypothesis testing and experimental design.

  • Research Assistant at The Chinese University of Hong Kong
    Mar 2008 - Jul 2011 · 3 yrs 5 mos