Taibo Li
My research focuses on understanding how genetic changes alter the regulatory programs that drive prostate cancer. Working in the labs of Eneda Toska and Alexis Battle, I studied the transcription factor FOXA1, which helps control how prostate cancer cells respond to hormonal signals. We found that alterations in FOXA1 can disrupt key regulatory networks in prostate cancer cells. Understanding these mechanisms is important because it may help explain how tumors develop and become resistant to therapy, and could ultimately lead to new strategies for treatment.
Questions & Answers
Why did you choose Johns Hopkins for your work?
I chose Johns Hopkins because of its strong tradition of integrating clinical medicine with scientific discovery. I am a surgeon-scientist in training, and Hopkins offers an incredible environment where clinicians and basic scientists work closely together. The opportunity to train alongside outstanding mentors and collaborate across disciplines made it the ideal place for both my research and clinical training.
What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally? Do you have any connection with the particular award you received?
Receiving this award is incredibly meaningful to me. Personally, it reflects the mentorship, collaboration and support I’ve received throughout my training. Professionally, it reinforces my commitment to pursuing a career as a physician-scientist and contributing to research that improves patient care, hoping to bridge discoveries in the laboratory with advances in clinical practice.
What contributed to your project’s success?
This project was successful because of the mentorship and collaborative environment at The Johns Hopkins University. I was fortunate to work with outstanding mentors like Dr. Toska and collaborators across genomics, cancer biology, computer science and urology. My background in machine learning also helped me analyze large genomic datasets and uncover regulatory patterns that would otherwise be difficult to detect.
What thoughts do you have about Young Investigators’ Day itself?
Young Investigators’ Day is a wonderful celebration of the creativity and impact that students and trainees bring to research at Hopkins. It’s inspiring to see the breadth of innovative work happening across the institution, and the event highlights how essential trainees are to driving scientific discovery.
What has been your most memorable experience while at Johns Hopkins?
One of the most memorable parts of my time here has been the opportunity to collaborate with researchers from many different fields. Those interdisciplinary conversations have shaped how I approach scientific questions and have made the research experience especially rewarding.
What are your plans over the next year or so?
I completed my M.D./Ph.D. training last year, and am now a urology resident at the Brady Urological Institute. I am excited to train here in the next five years to become an excellent surgeon, and I’m excited to continue building interdisciplinary collaborations with faculty across the Hopkins community while pursuing research in urologic diseases.
Tell us something interesting about yourself.
Outside of medicine and research, I enjoy traveling, visiting new places and exploring new cultures. I enjoy being outdoors, hiking in national and state parks, as much as I enjoy caring for my four cats at home.