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Zhongyu Li

Zhongyu Li

Machine learning for hidden cancer risk in diabetes

PhD Student

Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health

Your week at a glance

Zhongyu Li is a PhD candidate in Nutrition and Health Sciences at Emory University, where she works with Dr. Jithin Varghese on type 2 diabetes heterogeneity and its links to cancer risk. Her research integrates electronic health record data and genomics to advance precision medicine for chronic disease prevention. A Seattle-area alum, Zhongyu earned her BS in Biology from the University of Washington before completing her MSPH in human nutrition at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She is a recipient of the PhRMA Foundation Award in Value Assessment and Health Outcomes Research. Beyond research, Zhongyu is passionate about translating science into real-world health technology, with a long-term interest in entrepreneurship at the intersection of precision medicine and lifestyle. Outside the lab, she enjoys CrossFit, golf, and spending time outdoors.

Awards & honors

Recognition

  • Predoctoral Fellowship in Value Assessment and Health Outcomes Research, PhRMA Foundation (2026)
  • Winship Invest Award, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University (2025)
  • Doctoral Support Fund, Emory Global Diabetes Research Center (2025)
  • Georgia Center for Diabetes Translation Research Micro-Grant, Rapid Funding Mechanism Program (2025)
  • Student Research Travel Grant Award, American Diabetes Association (2026)
  • Master's Tuition Scholarship (MTS), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (2019)
  • Dean's List, University of Washington (2013–2017)

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