Dr. Li is a Professor in the Public Health Sciences Division at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and is a Research Professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Washington. Additionally, he serves as the founding Faculty Director for Fred Hutch’s Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. He received his M.D. from the University of California, San Francisco, and his Ph.D. in Epidemiology from the University of Washington. At Fred Hutch, Dr. Li works in the Cancer Epidemiology Research Cooperative (CERC), which is in Fred Hutch's Epidemiology Program.

Dr. Li’s research spans breast and colorectal cancer early detection, screening, etiology and survivorship. His work has identified novel risk factors related to the development of cancer and has evaluated the molecular features of cancer that are associated with poor outcomes. He also investigates the causes of disparities in cancer incidence, treatment and mortality and is at the forefront of efforts to ensure that cancer research benefits all patients regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender, income, education or geography. Additionally, Dr. Li co-leads our NCI-funded cancer registry serving western Washington state, our NCI-funded Population-based Research to Optimize the Screening Process (PROSPR) coordinating center focused on improving screening for cervical, colorectal, and lung cancers, and an Early Detection Research Network (EDRN) Clinical Validation Center focused on breast, colorectal, and ovarian cancers.

As a scientist of both Mexican and Chinese heritage, early in his career he received funding through a National Cancer Institute program that supports underrepresented minority scientists. He provides on-going direct mentorship to minority researchers and leads our regional Geographic Management of Cancer Disparities Program that is a supplement to our CCSG grant focused on supporting the career development of underrepresented minority trainees and junior faculty in academic institutions all along the west coast. Nationally, he has served as both a member and chair of the American Association for Cancer Research’s (AACR) Minorities in Cancer Research Council. He has also co-chaired AACR’s annual conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities.