Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Languages
References
Timeline
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Albert Weiye Li

Albert Weiye Li

Detroit,MI

Summary

A newly graduated professional eager to take on new challenges, I am a highly motivated team player with over 10 years of experience in scientific research, excelling in communication, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. I have demonstrated resilience and adaptability by working in resource-limited laboratory environments, where I successfully designed and executed complex synthetic strategies with minimal funding and support. My expertise includes performing intricate laboratory work, such as complex organic synthesis, anhydrous reactions, reagent drying to anhydrous conditions, and chromatography purification on both large and small scales—all accomplished efficiently using only simple glassware and hotplates, without reliance on complex instruments or benchtop machines. I also have years of experience establishing new labs from the ground up, starting with minimal supplies and direction, and independently researching and developing synthetic methodologies using only the materials available with innovative approaches. With a strong academic record, I am quick-learning, creative, and highly adaptable to the dynamic and challenging research environments.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

PhD Graduate Assistant

Wayne State University
Detroit, MI
09.2020 - 05.2025
  • Designed and completed intricate synthetic roadmaps to obtain novel and highly customized oligonucleotide monomers (O6meG) to aid their discovery in the human RNA transcriptome, successfully achieving this within the constraints of funding, with a total budget well under $100,000.
  • Utilized innovative protecting group strategy and advanced organic techniques to create modified oligonucleotides, implemented in the synthesis of artificial RNAs.
  • Characterized novel key intermediates and DNA/RNA sequences using advanced analytical techniques, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI), Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry.
  • Utilized LC-MS and synthetic DNA monomers with UV-labile radical-generating moiety to confirm its in-vivo radicalized product.
  • Expert in purifying and drying organic solvents, as well as purifying organic products using high-performance liquid chromatography and flash chromatography.
  • Received comprehensive training in tumor cell and bacteria cultivation, as well as cell-based drug screening assays.

Masters Student

University of Toledo
Toledo, Ohio
08.2018 - 06.2020
  • Developed a stable synthetic degradation product of 5' radicalized thymine and characterized it with LC-MS, serving as a benchmark for identifying transient 5' thymine radicals produced in UV anaerobic/aerobic photolysis of DNAs.
  • Provided mentorship to junior colleagues and undergraduate students, facilitating their comprehension and guiding their entry into scientific research.
  • Teaching assistantships, overseeing the coordination and execution of weekly departmental seminars with renowned guest scientists. Facilitating grading, teaching in lab techniques, and office hours in courses including Fundamentals of Drug Action, Pharmacy Practice, and Immunology.

Undergraduate Peer Educator

University of Toledo
Toledo, OH
06.2013 - 05.2015
  • Assisted struggling students in science courses at the University of Toledo Learning Enhancement Center, with a focus on general chemistry, physics, and fundamentals of biology. Oversaw homework corrections and coordinated exam reviews.
  • Provided academic support to students studying general and organic chemistry as a private tutor for the UT American Chemical Society student chapter.

Quality Control Technician

Shanxi Food and Drug Administration
Taiyuan, Shanxi Province
06.2014 - 08.2014
  • Utilized HPLC to complete drug component identification and quantitative detection of impurities.

Campus Pharmacy Volunteer Technician

University of Toledo
Toledo, OH
07.2013 - 06.2014
  • Assisted in stocking shelves with pharmaceuticals.
  • Provided customer service to patients and instructed on proper use of medications.
  • Verified accuracy of prescriptions filled by pharmacists.

Vice President, UT ACS Student Chapter

University of Toledo
Toledo, OH
01.2013 - 01.2014
  • Led the Social Outreach Committee for UT ACS student chapter, coordinating programs and events with local middle/high schools including Toledo Islamic Academy science fair, developing UT Student Wellness Awareness Team (SWAT), and chaired projects such as “All About Antibiotics” and “BMI Health Fair”

Resident Advisor

University Of Toledo Residence Life
Toledo, OH
07.2012 - 07.2013
  • Designed and implemented weekly programs and themed bulletin boards to support students transitioning into university life.
  • Collaborated with resident advisor colleagues to efficiently rotate duty shifts and conduct regular hall patrols, ensuring the absence of any illicit substances or alcohol abuse on campus.
  • Performed front desk duties, including guest entry bookkeeping, equipment rentals, and general customer service for freshmen students.

Education

Ph.D. - Pharmaceutical Sciences

Wayne State University
Detroit, MI
05-2025

Master of Science - Medicinal And Pharmaceutical Chemistry

University of Toledo
Toledo, OH
07-2020

Bachelor of Science - Pharmaceutical Sciences

University of Toledo
Toledo, OH
05-2016

Skills

  • Oligonucleotide synthesis
  • Organic synthesis
  • Synthetic Scheme and Experimental design
  • Innovation and Creativity
  • Academic Teaching
  • Course Materials Development
  • Student Mentoring
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Lab Management
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration
  • Academic Writing
  • Academic Presentations
  • Grant proposal development

Accomplishments

  • Winner of UT English Department Shapiro Endowment Committee Writing Contest and Undergraduate CSI Writing Prize (2012)

Certification

  • National Certified Peer Educator
  • CPR, AED & First Aid certified; HIPPA compliant
  • Certified Member of Stony Brook University Red Watch Band
  • "Best Team Player" Award, UT International House

Languages

English
Native/ Bilingual
Chinese (Mandarin)
Native/ Bilingual

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

PhD Graduate Assistant

Wayne State University
09.2020 - 05.2025

Masters Student

University of Toledo
08.2018 - 06.2020

Quality Control Technician

Shanxi Food and Drug Administration
06.2014 - 08.2014

Campus Pharmacy Volunteer Technician

University of Toledo
07.2013 - 06.2014

Undergraduate Peer Educator

University of Toledo
06.2013 - 05.2015

Vice President, UT ACS Student Chapter

University of Toledo
01.2013 - 01.2014

Resident Advisor

University Of Toledo Residence Life
07.2012 - 07.2013

Ph.D. - Pharmaceutical Sciences

Wayne State University

Master of Science - Medicinal And Pharmaceutical Chemistry

University of Toledo

Bachelor of Science - Pharmaceutical Sciences

University of Toledo
Albert Weiye Li