Lili joins the group after completing a PhD in health services and policy at the College of Public Health at the University of Iowa, USA.
She has an interdisciplinary background in pharmaceutical science and health services research and is particularly interested in care for older people and the healthcare workforce. She is keen on exploring the intersections of her research interests and the epidemiology research on pain, arthritis, and musculoskeletal health.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I graduated with a BSc degree in Information Systems and Information Management from China Pharmaceutical University in 2011. To further my interest in drug discovery, I pursued an Master's degree in Medical Chemistry at Fudan University, where I focused on computer-aided drug design. After that, I joined the Shanghai Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, a Fudan University-based centre that promotes translational medicine and facilitates collaborations between basic researchers, clinicians, and industry. During that time, I found my interest in health policy (especially policies related to drug affordability and accessibility) and policies that support older people. In 2018, I undertook a PhD in Health Services and Policy at the University of Iowa. My PhD research looks at the access, costs, and quality of US nursing homes and assisted living facilities, using quantitative and qualitative research approaches.
What will you be working on with the Epi Group?
I will work across various quantitative studies within the group, initially joining up with the project teams of British Society for Rheumatology Register in Psoriatic Arthritis (BSR-PsA) and the UK Antimicrobial Registry (UKAR).
Are you currently involved in any other research?
In my spare time, I am writing up two manuscripts generated from the research I did during my PhD study. One of the papers evaluates the impact of nursing home closure on nearby nursing homes and the other one examines the impact of minimum wage policy on home health care workers in the US.
Why did you choose Aberdeen?
I decided to relocate to the UK when I was ready for the job market. It was a consideration of both personal and professional development. I always embrace new adventures and opportunities life has to offer. I’d like to think coming to Aberdeen and joining the Epidemiology group is what the Chinese call “yuánfèn” (which broadly translates as "fateful coincidence" in English). I recently arrived in Aberdeen and I enjoy learning something new about the city and people here, which helps me appreciate the city a bit more every day.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy walking around the city and in nature. I like swimming and I play table tennis and badminton. I picked up Chinese calligraphy during the pandemic lockdowns and I've been enjoying practising it ever since. And I enjoy time with family and friends.