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Principle Investigator
Dr. Jie Li (He/Him)
B.S. and M.S., Sichuan University
Ph.D., The Ohio State University
Postdoctoral training, University of California, San Diego
Email: jie.li@austin.utexas.edu
Post Doctoral Fellow
Dr. Mingming Xu (He/Him) received his Ph.D. from Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, where his doctoral research focused on the structural elucidation and biological evaluation of natural (9β-H)-pimarane and ent-kaurane diterpenoids from the genus Icacina. He subsequently conducted postdoctoral research at the University of South Carolina. He focuses on the biochemical potential of the human microbiome and its interactions with the host. His long-term goal is to uncover novel bioactive molecules and elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which commensals maintain host homeostasis.
Post Doctoral Fellow
Dr. Leilei Gou (She/Her) earned a BS in Pharmacy and an MS in Medicinal Chemistry before obtaining a PhD in Pharmacology. This multidisciplinary background in drug discovery and mechanism of action led her to current research, which focuses on the intricate role of the human microbiota in cancer development. By investigating how microbial communities influence oncogenesis, she aims to uncover new therapeutic targets and insights into disease progression. Outside the lab, she enjoys reading and traveling.
Email: leilei.gou@austin.utexas.edu
PhD Candidate
Michael Madden (He/Him) was born in South Carolina and raised across the world in France, Thailand, and China. He was first introduced to the world of microbial metabolites in Dr. Jie Li's group while pursuing an undergraduate degree in Chemistry at the University of South Carolina. Following his graduation, he enrolled in the USC School of Medicine graduate program and established a co-mentorship with Dr. Carole Oskeritzian before eventually transferring to UT. His research is interrogating the immunomodulatory functions of sphingolipid mimics produced by the human skin microbiome. Outside of the lab, Michael enjoys cooking, annoying his cat Lavender, and trying to understand art history.
Email: mm234256@my.utexas.edu
Graduate Student
Conor Pulliam (he/Him) received a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of South Carolina in 2024. He joined the Li lab in 2022 during his undergraduate sophomore year and began pursuing a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences with the Li lab in 2025. He hopes to complete his research in the Li lab with the goal of securing a professorship for his long-term career. Outside of the lab, he enjoys spending time with family, listening to music, and trying new restaurants.
Email: cwp938@my.utexas.edu
Graduate Student
Katherine Holandez-Lopez (She/Her) earned her BS in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology from the University of Georgia in 2024. She began her PhD studies at the University of South Carolina, and from there followed the Li Lab to the University of Texas, in pursuit of a degree in Chemical Biology & Medicinal Chemistry from the College of Pharmacy. Her research interest lies in the small molecules that microorganisms produce to adapt to various environments, including the human microbiome, and how genetically distant microbial species co-evolve in these environments. Outside the lab, she enjoys creating new worlds through drawings and writing, and collecting vinyl records.
Email: ksh2727@my.utexas.edu
Graduate Student
Hanyu Xiao (She/Her) is a PhD student in the Cell and Molecular Biology program at UT Austin, co-advised by Dr. Jie Li and Dr. Ilias Georgakopoulos-Soares. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Biology from Huazhong University of Science and Technology and gained a master's degree at University of Nebraska Medical Center. Her current research focuses on computational omics, especially on biosynthetic metabolites mining and tumor microbiome investigation. Outside of research, Hanyu enjoys music, movies, and sports.
Email: haxiao@austin.utexas.edu
Laboratory Assistant
Paige Ellingson (She/Her) is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, and she recently graduated with her B.S. in Mathematics, Data Science, and Biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2025. Her research interests include omics and big data computational methods to study lipid signaling in metabolism. In her free time she enjoys figure skating, trail running, downhill skiing, and hiking.
Pharmacy Student
Lisa Yang (She/Her) is a Year two Pharmacy Student at the University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy, and currently on rotation in the Li lab. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Texas at San Antonio, she is committed to combining empathetic patient care with innovative scientific research. She is interested in cancer pharmaceutics and experimental therapeutics, along with advocating for early prevention and screening measures. She currently serves as a co-chair for New Student Orientation and member of Kappa Epsilon.
Email: ly5577@my.utexas.edu
Undergraduate Student
Roger Friedl (he/him) is a sophomore pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology. His research interests include the structure-function relationship of antimicrobial peptides. In the Li lab, his recent work includes investigating the antibiotic activity of compound, trilenodin. For fun, he likes to play piano and pickleball.
Email: rgf546@my.utexas.edu
Undergraduate Student
Adrian Quintana (he/him) is a sophomore pursuing a B.S. in Neuroscience at The University of Texas at Austin, along with a Spanish for Medical Professions Certificate. He is particularly interested in the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular processes and plans to pursue a career in medicine and research. He is currently a member of the Longhorn Pep Band and enjoys performing at and attending Texas Volleyball and Basketball events. In his free time, he enjoys making and listening to music, playing video games, and exploring new places.
Email: quintana.adrian@utexas.edu
Undergraduate Student
Henry Tian (he/him) is a freshman pursuing a bachelor's degree in biochemistry and is interested in further exploring how microbes and their natural products can be used as a novel platform for human health, especially with regard to their mechanistic effects. He is planning on pursuing additional educational opportunities in either graduate or medical school. Outside of the lab, he enjoys trying new restaurants around the Austin area and running.
Email: hzt69@my.utexas.edu
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