Her research interests lie in the area of RNA metabolism in human diseases, ranging from characterizing the structure and function of long non-coding RNA to various RNA-binding proteins involved in pathogenesis. One of her currently studying proteins is RBM45, an RNA-binding protein implicated in ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) and FTLD (Frontotemporal lobar degeneration). Dr. Li is leading the project that characterizes the macromolecular assembly of RBM45 protein oligomers and its implications for ALS.