Ziyu Li

Hi! I’m Ziyu Li, a senior at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign majoring in Mathematics (Data Optimization Concentration).

I’m passionate about applying novel machine learning and AI techniques to solve challenges in synthetic biology and protein engineering. I currently work as an undergraduate researcher in the Zhao Group @ UIUC, advised by Dr. Huimin Zhao, where I develop deep learning models for challenging protein engineering tasks. I am mainly focusing on protein foundation models, conditional enzyme design, and biological knowledge graph.

I am also working as a research intern in the AGI Lab @ Westlake University, advised by Dr. Chi Zhang, where I primarily focus on optimizing diffusion and flow-based models.

I’m a James Scholar and have been on the Dean’s List every semester.

Beyond academics, I serve as an Education Lead for the Illinois Data Science Club, where I design curriculum resources, organize workshops, and support members in learning data science through hands-on projects.

I am currently preparing to apply for PhD programs starting in Fall 2026. I am particularly interested in generative models and AI for science.

In my free time, I have been playing the piano for over 15 years, and you might also find me on the soccer field.