Dr. Yan Li didn’t set out to become a mentor to high school students. But after opening her laboratory at Florida State University to young researchers, she discovered that their curiosity, enthusiasm, and fresh perspective could enrich the research environment in unexpected ways.
That realization has shaped her approach to mentorship. Today, Dr. Li has mentored five high school science fair projects and regularly hosts students through Florida State University’s Young Scholars Program, giving talented high school students the opportunity to experience biomedical research firsthand.
One of the students to benefit from that opportunity was Shaoxuan (Lily) Ma.
Working in Dr. Li’s laboratory, Lily investigated human stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease using patient-derived brain organoids. Her project, grounded in human-relevant research, earned the 2026 NAVS Humane Science Award at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). More importantly, it gave Lily the opportunity to conduct research in a laboratory dedicated to advancing human-relevant science.
Dr. Li’s interest in mentoring was influenced in part by raising her own two children, who are now both studying biomedical engineering at Johns Hopkins University. Watching them develop their own interests in science inspired her to begin creating opportunities for other young scientists. Since then, she has come to appreciate the curiosity, dedication, and attention to detail that motivated high school students bring to the laboratory.
Dr. Li’s commitment to creating opportunities for young scientists mirrors the philosophy that guides her research.
Her laboratory develops organoids and other human-relevant models to better understand diseases such as Alzheimer’s. By studying disease in systems derived from human biology, her research seeks to answer questions that traditional animal models cannot. “They can capture some features that animal models cannot capture because they have a human background,” she explained.
Introducing students to these technologies early shapes how they think about biomedical research. Rather than viewing human-relevant methods as alternatives, students like Lily experience them as powerful tools for understanding human disease and developing more predictive models for future discoveries.
One aspect of Lily’s experience that Dr. Li is especially quick to recognize is that mentorship extended well beyond the faculty level. While she guided the overall direction of the project, much of Lily’s day-to-day experience was shaped by one of her graduate students, Justice Ene.
Dr. Li credits him with creating an environment where Lily felt comfortable asking questions, learning new techniques, and contributing to ongoing research. Instead of guarding his work, he welcomed her into the laboratory, encouraged her to take ownership of experiments, and helped build the confidence every young scientist needs. As he prepares to graduate this fall, Dr. Li hopes to foster that same mentoring spirit in the next generation of graduate students.
For Dr. Li, mentorship is a shared responsibility. Faculty, graduate students, and trainees each play an important role in helping young researchers build confidence, develop new skills, and discover the excitement of scientific research.
She also recognizes that opening a laboratory to high school students requires time, resources, and funding. Yet experiences like Lily’s demonstrate why that investment matters. Given the opportunity to work alongside experienced scientists using cutting-edge human-relevant technologies, students can develop the confidence, skills, and curiosity that shape future careers in research.
Every project recognized through the NAVS Humane Science Award reflects more than scientific achievement. It also reflects the mentors who create opportunities, share their expertise, and encourage young scientists to pursue ambitious ideas. We are deeply grateful to Dr. Li and to all of the faculty members, graduate students, and researchers who dedicate their time and expertise to advancing human-relevant research through mentorship.
