Lecturer From Jiangsu Ocean University, China
Dr. Tingting Li is a highly accomplished academic, currently serving as a Lecturer and Master’s Supervisor at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiangsu Ocean University. With a multidisciplinary background in biotechnology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and developmental biology, she integrates advanced knowledge and research to address significant scientific challenges. Her expertise centers on enzyme structural biology, synthetic biology, and mechanisms of plant stress tolerance. Dr. Li is known for her contributions to both teaching and research, guiding numerous graduate students and instructing undergraduate and postgraduate courses such as Enzyme Engineering and Biochemistry. Her scholarly output includes 15 peer-reviewed publications and two patents, reflecting her commitment to innovation and real-world application. She has led multiple research projects as the principal investigator, funded by the Jiangsu Provincial Natural Science Foundation and collaborative industry-academia initiatives. Dr. Li is also actively involved in structural and functional analysis of enzymes and membrane proteins, bringing deep insights into protein engineering and molecular dynamics. A dynamic mentor, educator, and researcher, Dr. Li exemplifies academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and scientific leadership. Her work not only contributes to the field of pharmaceutical sciences but also promotes sustainable solutions and novel therapeutic strategies through interdisciplinary collaboration.
Professional Profiles
Education
Dr. Tingting Li’s academic journey has been marked by rigorous training and interdisciplinary focus, laying the groundwork for her research in pharmaceutical sciences. She earned her Ph.D. in Developmental Biology from Wuhan University in 2018, where she conducted significant research on molecular mechanisms regulating plant responses to environmental stress. During her doctoral studies, she developed a strong foundation in molecular biology, cellular signaling pathways, and biochemical techniques. Prior to that, she obtained her M.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Jilin Agricultural University in 2012. Her master’s thesis focused on enzyme activity and functional genomics, which introduced her to structural biology and bioinformatics. Dr. Li began her academic career with a B.S. in Biotechnology from Shandong Agricultural University in 2009, where she first developed her passion for molecular science and laboratory research. These degrees have equipped her with a diverse and in-depth understanding of biological systems, from basic biotechnological principles to complex regulatory networks in living organisms. Each stage of her education contributed to her development as a researcher, fostering her analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and technical proficiency. Her solid academic background now underpins her success as an educator, investigator, and mentor in the evolving field of marine pharmaceutical science.
Professional Experience
Dr. Tingting Li brings over a decade of professional experience in academic research and education. Since July 2018, she has served as a Lecturer and Master’s Supervisor at Jiangsu Ocean University’s School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, contributing to the Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Pharmaceutical Compound Screening. In this role, she leads research projects focusing on enzyme structural biology, synthetic biology, and plant stress tolerance mechanisms. Her work bridges basic research with applied pharmaceutical solutions, using innovative approaches to enzyme engineering and molecular design. She mentors more than five graduate students, providing scientific guidance and helping them navigate their academic careers. She also teaches core courses such as Enzyme Engineering and Biochemistry, integrating hands-on learning and cutting-edge research into the curriculum. Prior to this, Dr. Li worked as a Research Associate at the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2012–2014), where she specialized in structural and functional studies of membrane proteins. There, she gained extensive experience in protein crystallization and structure-function analysis, which remains central to her current research. Her blend of research and teaching experience has made her a respected figure in the pharmaceutical sciences community, known for her collaborative spirit, academic integrity, and scientific acumen.
Research Interest
Dr. Tingting Li’s research interests lie at the intersection of structural biology, enzyme engineering, synthetic biology, and plant stress physiology. A major focus of her work is elucidating the structure-function relationship of enzymes to develop novel biocatalysts with industrial and pharmaceutical applications. She is particularly interested in characterizing thermostable and solvent-tolerant transaminases and exploring their use in asymmetric synthesis and green chemistry. Her studies often employ X-ray crystallography and molecular dynamics simulations to understand protein behavior at the atomic level, enabling rational design and directed evolution of enzymes. Another area of her research investigates plant stress tolerance mechanisms, especially how molecular signaling pathways are modulated under abiotic stress conditions like salinity and drought. Her previous work on sorting nexins and nitric oxide signaling in plants has revealed potential targets for improving crop resilience. Furthermore, Dr. Li’s collaborative projects with industry explore the scalability of enzymatic processes and sustainable bioproduction. She aims to bridge basic biological insights with applied innovation, contributing to advancements in pharmaceutical development, agriculture, and environmental biotechnology. Through interdisciplinary research and strong academic collaboration, Dr. Li aspires to solve real-world problems by leveraging the power of biomolecular science.
Research Skills
Dr. Tingting Li possesses a comprehensive and technically diverse skill set, essential for high-level research in pharmaceutical and biological sciences. In the field of structural biology, she is proficient in X-ray crystallography, protein purification, and crystallization techniques. Her experience includes solving crystal structures of complex proteins such as odorant binding proteins and membrane proteins, contributing to a deeper understanding of molecular function and interaction. She is also skilled in computational modeling and molecular dynamics simulations, which she uses to investigate enzyme stability and design mutations for improved activity or selectivity. In enzyme engineering, Dr. Li employs strategies such as directed evolution, site-directed mutagenesis, and metabolic pathway reconstruction. She designs biocatalysts for industrial applications, including the asymmetric synthesis of amines and other pharmaceutical intermediates. Her lab expertise spans from molecular cloning and gene expression to high-throughput screening of enzyme variants. Additionally, she is adept at integrating multi-disciplinary tools for systems biology, including plant molecular biology methods to analyze stress-response pathways. Dr. Li’s technical skills are complemented by her analytical thinking and problem-solving approach, enabling her to manage complex experiments and collaborative projects. Her hands-on experience across multiple scientific domains positions her as a leader in both fundamental and translational research.
Awards and Honors
Throughout her academic and professional journey, Dr. Tingting Li has been recognized for her contributions to scientific research and academic excellence. She has successfully secured funding as the Principal Investigator for multiple competitive grants, including two projects from the Jiangsu Provincial Natural Science Foundation General Program since 2022. These grants support her innovative research on enzyme function, structure-based drug design, and plant tolerance mechanisms. Additionally, Dr. Li has led three major industry-academia collaborative projects since 2023, demonstrating her ability to translate basic research into practical applications with real-world impact. Her research findings have been published in internationally renowned journals such as ChemBioChem, Chemical Biodiversity, and Frontiers in Plant Science, earning her recognition within the global scientific community. Beyond publications, Dr. Li holds two patents related to enzyme discovery and co-extraction methods, showcasing her commitment to innovation and intellectual property development. Her mentorship of graduate students and contribution to teaching have also garnered praise within Jiangsu Ocean University, highlighting her balanced commitment to education and research. These accolades reflect Dr. Li’s sustained excellence, scientific rigor, and leadership in a competitive and evolving research environment.
Conclusion
Dr. Tingting Li stands out as a dynamic and impactful figure in the field of pharmaceutical sciences, blending deep scientific expertise with a strong commitment to education and innovation. Her multidisciplinary background and research interests have led to significant advances in enzyme engineering, structural biology, and plant stress physiology. Through both her academic roles and research leadership, she contributes meaningfully to the development of sustainable and innovative solutions in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Dr. Li’s ability to secure competitive research funding and produce high-quality publications and patents underscores her commitment to scientific advancement. Equally dedicated to student mentorship, she fosters a collaborative learning environment that prepares young researchers for success in academia and industry alike. Her professional journey reflects a balance of discovery, application, and mentorship—an embodiment of the modern scientific scholar. Looking ahead, Dr. Li aims to expand her research through interdisciplinary collaboration, industrial partnerships, and global engagement. Her long-term vision is to develop novel bio-based solutions that address critical challenges in health, agriculture, and the environment. With a career marked by innovation, integrity, and academic excellence, Dr. Li continues to be a driving force in shaping the future of marine pharmaceutical science.
Publications Top Notes
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Title: Identification, characterization and application of M16AT, a new organic solvent–tolerant (R)–enantio–selective type IV amine transaminase from Mycobacterium sp. ACS1612
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Authors: Tingting Li, Hai Zhu, Weiwei Jia, Xia Tian, Ziwen Xu, Jiang Zhu, Wencheng Liu, Yang Cao
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Year: 2024