Principal Investigator
Cheng-Yu Li, Ph.D
Assistant Professor
pronouns: he/his/him
office: ILSB #209
Lab: ILSB #214
Postdoc University of Maryland College Park (2024)
Ph.D. University of Alabama (2018)
M.S. National Taiwan Normal University (2011)
I am a neuroethologist with a broad interest in neuroendocrine systems and animal behavior. My research investigates how individuals perceive and process social information from their environments, and how this translates into neurophysiological responses (e.g., hormonal responses) and adaptive behaviors (e.g., aggression, mating, and parental care). While I’ve worked with various fish species, my current lab focuses on African cichlids and mangrove rivulus killifish.
I was born and raised in Taiwan, where I earned my B.S. from National Yang Ming University and my M.S. from National Taiwan Normal University. I then moved to the U.S. to pursue my Ph.D. at the University of Alabama and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Maryland, College Park, before joining the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
Outside of work, I love hiking, kayaking, camping, gardening, exploring new cities, and photography.
Lab Research Technician Assistant
Lauren Norwood (lnorwoo1@umbc.edu)
B.S. Biological Sciences, UMBC (2022)
Driven by the idea of ecologically friendly solutions to human-environment interaction, I study the evolution of animal behavior in order to understand what factors most negatively affect species diversity and habitat loss across multiple ecosystems. I believe a greater variety of voices are needed in the science community, and so I’m passionate about diversifying the natural science field through outreach and involvement with underrepresented groups. Exploring a variety of biological systems, I have studied freshwater darter mating patterns, weedy radish evolution, frugivorous bat foraging behavior, and now neuroendocrine systems in cichlids. During my free time, I enjoy traveling, being outdoors, crafting, and exploring new dining experiences.
Graduate Students
AMB students
Curtis Deng (dengbuo1@umbc.edu)
Rotation Ph.D. Students
Kellee Toler (ktoler1@umbc.edu)
Could be you! The lab is recruiting graduate students to start Fall 2025!
Interested in joining the Li lab?
Here’s some info on how:
JOIN THE LAB
Undergraduate Students
Morris Hirsch (morrish2@umbc.edu)
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
B.A. in Psychology (Expected Spring 2025)
B.A. in Biological Sciences (Expected Spring 2025)
Morris Hirsch is an undergraduate researcher majoring in biology and psychology. In the lab, Morris will work with mangrove rivulus killifish, investigating how an indvidual processes contest information in the brain and how it is translated into adaptive behavioral response. During his free time Morris enjoys spending time with his German Shepherd, Maya.
Thanh Trieu Nguyen (thanhtn1@umbc.edu)
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
B.S. in Biological Sciences (Expected Spring 2026)
My name is Thanh-Trieu Nguyen, I am a B.S Biology major. I am expected to graduate Spring 2026. During my free time, I enjoy playing tennis, hiking, and eating good food.
Nahed El Fiky (nelfiky1@umbc.edu)
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
B.S. in Biological Sciences (Expected Fall 2025)
I am a Junior majoring in Biological Sciences (B.S.) with a passion for biomedical research, particularly in neuroscience, endocrinology, and dermatology. I aspire to pursue an MD/PhD, combining patient care with research that addresses unanswered questions in medicine. Outside of the lab, I enjoy being involved in many student organizations on campus, traveling, running, and spending time with my friends and family.
Brenna Carter (brennac1@umbc.edu)
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
B.S. in Biological Sciences (Expected Spring 2028)
I am a freshman Meyerhoff Scholar majoring in Biological Sciences (B.S.) with minors in Psychology and Chemistry. I have an interest in neuroscience and plan to pursue my MD/PhD and aspire to become a surgeon. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, attending concerts, and going to the gym.
Onkarpreet kaur (onkarpk1@umbc.edu)
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
B.S. in Biological Sciences (Expected Fall 2027)
I am Onkarpreet Kaur, a sophomore majoring in B.S. Biological Sciences. I am expected to graduate in Fall 2027. During my free time, I enjoy reading nonfiction books, going for a walk and spending time with my friends.
Simon Poudel (ppoudel1@umbc.edu)
High School Student Intern
Jonas Van Kirk (jonasvankirk@gmail.com)
River Hill High School
I am a Senior at River Hill High School in Clarksville, Maryland. I hope to major in Biomedical Engineering in college. In my free time, I spend time with my three dogs, play for my school’s ice hockey team, and rock climb.
Could be you! The lab is recruiting multiple undergraduate research assistants!
Interested in joining the Li lab?
Here’s some info on how:
JOIN THE LAB