Yang Li

Biography

Dr. Li received her PhD in Nursing from the University of Michigan and her MSN and BSN from Shandong University in China. Before joining the faculty at UT Austin, she completed postdoctoral training at the University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing. Her research focuses on the effects of lifetime trauma, including adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and intimate partner violence (IPV), on women's health, with a particular focus on mental health and childbearing outcomes. 

Dr. Li's work involves understanding the biological pathways for the impacts of maternal ACEs and trauma-related psychopathology on perinatal outcomes. Additionally, she has conducted research with Chinese immigrant women, examining the prevalence, risk factors, mental health consequences, and experiences of IPV within this population. She has also developed an empowerment-based mHealth intervention for abused Chinese immigrant women living in the US to reduce further victimization and the mental health effects of IPV. 

Dr. Li's research extends beyond trauma to encompass mental health disparities among underserved populations, particularly Chinese immigrants. She has investigated the impact of racial discrimination on mental health issues within this community. Through her expertise and dedication, Dr. Li strives to shed light on the multifaceted challenges faced by women affected by trauma and to address mental health disparities among underserved populations. Her work has the potential to make a significant impact on improving healthcare outcomes and advocating for women’s health.