Dr. Yanfen Li is an Assistant Teaching Professor at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. She received her Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign where her research was focused on the utilization of biomaterials to understand and influence cellular function and epigenetics. Her current research is in engineering education with a focus on curriculum development, formation of engineering identity in undergraduate students, and retention and recruitment of female and minority engineering students. She is a passionate teacher and researcher who aims to inspire students of all ages to solve grand challenges.