BIO

My journey to academia has been both personal and transformative. After earning a bachelor’s degree in physical education and a master’s degree in human movement science in China, I worked as a PE teacher for three years, where my passion for education and teaching grew. In 2017, I made the life-changing decision to quit my job and move to the USA, following my husband out of love. However, I soon realized that I wasn’t content being a housewife and deeply missed teaching. I wanted to become a teacher again and continue my academic journey, so I began preparing for entrance exams and improving my English skills.

This change sparked my desire to pursue advanced degrees, eventually leading me to start my master’s degree in 2019 and complete my PhD in biomedical science in 2024 at the University of Wyoming. Throughout my studies, I taught as a graduate assistant, gaining valuable teaching experience and applying what I learned in practice. This blend of education and hands-on teaching has reinforced my passion for guiding students and supporting their success.

Now, as a faculty member at The College of Idaho, I value the close interactions that small class sizes offer, allowing me to engage with students on a personal level. I am passionate about guiding students through the complexities of human movement science and encouraging them to explore the subject deeply. My goal is to foster a supportive and interactive learning environment that promotes student growth and success.

EDUCATION

MS in Kinesiology and Health — University of Wyoming (2021)

Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences – University of Wyoming (2024)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Dr. Li holds a PhD in biomedical science from the University of Wyoming, with a specialized focus on sports biomechanics and injury prevention. Her academic research explored the jump landing mechanisms associated with ACL injuries, analyzing movement patterns and investigating key risk factors that contribute to these injuries.

Throughout her doctoral studies, Dr. Li collaborated with research teams and honed her skills in data analysis, biomechanics, and injury prevention. Her research experience has allowed her to translate complex biomechanical concepts into meaningful educational experiences for her students. Now a faculty member at The College of Idaho, she remains passionate about advancing the understanding of human movement science and helping students achieve their goals.

SCHOLARSHIP & RESEARCH

Li, L., Song, Y., Hatcher, P., Fairbanks, R., Hughes, G., & Dai, B. (2025). What if you cannot see and do not know? The effects of vision and knowledge of landing heights on single-leg prelanding and early landing mechanics. Journal of Applied Biomechanics (published online ahead of print 2025). Retrieved May 5, 2025, from https://doi.org/10.1123/jab.2024-0296.

Zheng, G., Zeng, S., Li, T., Guo, L., & Li, L. (2025). The effects of training intervention on the prevention of knee joint injuries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in physiology, 16, 1455055.

Li, L., Song, Y., & Dai, B. (2024). A Systematic Review of in Vivo Anterior Cruciate Ligament Loading During Static, Slow-Speed and Athletic Tasks. Journal of Science in Sport and Exercise, 6(1), 1-13.

Song Y, Li, L., Layer J, Fairbanks R, Jenkins M, Hughes G, Smith D, Wilson M, Zhu Q, Dai B. (2023). Indirect contact matters: Mid-flight external trunk perturbation increased unilateral anterior cruciate ligament loading variables during jump-landings. Journal of Sport and Health Science. 12(4):534-43.

Li, L., Song, Y., Jenkins, M., & Dai, B. (2023). Prelanding knee kinematics and landing kinetics during single-leg and double-leg landings in male and female recreational athletes. Journal of Applied Biomechanics. 39(1):34-41.

Li, L., McGuinness, B. K., Layer, J. S., Song, Y., Jensen, M. A., & Dai, B. (2022). Longitudinal assessments of strength and dynamic balance from pre-injury baseline to 3 and 4 months after labrum repairs in collegiate athletes. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 38(13):2505-2513. Li, L., Baur, M., Baldwin, K., Kuehn, T., Zhu, Q., Herman, D., & Dai, B. (2020). Falling as a strategy to decrease knee loading during landings: implications for ACL injury prevention. Journal of Biomechanics, 109, 109906.