Yi Li, Ph.D., appointed dean of the Wright State College of Science and Mathematics

Li comes to Wright State from the University of Iowa (UI), where he has served as the mathematics department chair since 2007. During that time, he was also a professor in informatics and applied mathematical and computational sciences.

Yi Li, Ph.D., has been named dean of the College of Science and Mathematics at Wright State University. His appointment is effective July 1, 2011.

Li comes to Wright State from the University of Iowa (UI), where he has served as the mathematics department chair since 2007. During that time, he was also a professor in informatics and applied mathematical and computational sciences.

“We are very excited to welcome Dr. Li to the Wright State family,” said Wright State Provost Steven Angle, Ph.D. “His wealth of experience in higher education will complement the strengths of our university.”

Under Li’s leadership, the University of Iowa’s mathematics department made great strides in enhancing its diversity. In 2005, the department was honored with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring from President George W. Bush for its work with minority students.

Prior to his appointment as department chair, Li served as the UI director of the Applied Mathematical and Computational Sciences program, associate chair/director of graduate studies and acting director of undergraduate studies.

Li has dedicated his mathematical research during the past 20 years to the study of nonlinear problems and their applications in physics, geometry, biomedical engineering, medical research and molecular physiology. His work has been published in more than 70 peer-reviewed publications.

A native of China, Li earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Xi’an Jiaotong University. He earned his doctoral degree, also in mathematics, from the University of Minnesota.