Principal Investigator
Cheng-Yu Li, Ph.D
Assistant Professor
pronouns: he/his/him
office: ILSB #209
Lab: ILSB #214
cyli@umbc.edu
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 taking photos.
Graduate Students
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
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
B.A. in Psychology (Expected Spring 2024)
B.A. in Biology (Expected Spring 2024)
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.
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