Her research focuses on student engagement and motivation in language learning, inclusive language teaching, and professional development for teachers. She has taught English for academic purposes at a transnational university, worked with both typically developing students and students with special needs in K-12 school settings, served as a research assistant in federally funded research programs, and has received Harvard Initiative for Learning and Teaching grants for educational innovations. She specializes in educational counseling as a certified global career development facilitator, and coaches teachers through a nonprofit for people with disabilities.
Li has a B.A. in economics from Boston University and an M.Ed. in language and literacy from Harvard University.