Massachusetts Institute of Technology | United States
Author Profile
Scopus
Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Cheng Li began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Engineering from the South China University of Technology in Guangzhou, China. His passion for biotechnology and biochemical engineering led him to pursue advanced studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, US, where he completed his Ph.D. in 2018. During his doctoral studies, Dr. Li focused on metabolic engineering and synthetic biology, laying a strong foundation for his future research endeavors.
Professional Endeavors
Following his Ph.D., Dr. Li embarked on a series of postdoctoral research positions. He first served as a Postdoctoral Associate at the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology from September 2018 to March 2021. Subsequently, he continued his postdoctoral research at MIT until March 2022. His work during these years was pivotal in advancing his expertise in microbial biotechnology and metabolic engineering. In April 2022, Dr. Li was appointed as a Research Scientist at MIT, where he continues to contribute to cutting-edge research.
Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Li's research primarily revolves around the engineering of microorganisms for the production of valuable biochemical compounds. His notable contributions include optimizing the heterologous production of α-carotene in Corynebacterium glutamicum, developing modular engineering techniques for microbial production of carotenoids, and improving recombineering techniques in Corynebacterium glutamicum. Additionally, he has explored the recycling of selectable markers in Pichia pastoris and engineered phytase expression for potential use as a feed supplement.
Accolades and Recognition
Dr. Li's work has garnered significant recognition in the scientific community. He has published extensively in high-impact journals, showcasing his innovative research in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology. Some of his prominent publications include works in Metabolic Engineering, Bioresource Technology, Biotechnology and Bioengineering, and Scientific Reports. His research on engineering carbon source division of labor for efficient α-carotene production in Corynebacterium glutamicum is particularly noteworthy.
Impact and Influence
Dr. Li's research has made substantial contributions to the field of biotechnology, particularly in the areas of metabolic engineering and synthetic biology. His innovative approaches to microbial engineering have potential applications in the production of pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and other valuable biochemicals. By advancing the efficiency and scalability of these processes, Dr. Li's work supports the development of sustainable biotechnological solutions.
Legacy and Future Contributions
As a Research Scientist at MIT, Dr. Li continues to push the boundaries of microbial biotechnology. His ongoing research aims to further refine and optimize the production of high-value compounds through microbial engineering. By mentoring the next generation of scientists and collaborating with industry partners, Dr. Li is poised to make lasting contributions to the field. His work not only addresses current scientific challenges but also paves the way for future innovations in biotechnology and synthetic biology.
Notable Publications
Engineering carbon source division of labor for efficient α-carotene production in Corynebacterium glutamicum 2024
Systems metabolic engineering of Corynebacterium glutamicum to assimilate formic acid for biomass accumulation and succinic acid production 2024
Engineering Corynebacterium glutamicum for efficient production of succinic acid from corn stover pretreated by concentrated-alkali under steam-assistant conditions 2023 (7)