Bio
I am a PhD candidate in Biological Sciences at UC San Diego, conducting my research in Diana Hargreaves' laboratory at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. My work explores how chromatin regulation shapes tumor immunity and responses to cancer immunotherapy.
My research focuses on the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, innate immune signaling, and mechanisms of resistance to immune activation. My background in bioengineering and applied mathematics informs how I approach biological questions and analyze data.
Beyond the lab, I have been involved in graduate student leadership, mentoring, and the life sciences consulting and entrepreneurship communities.
Research
Chromatin regulation and tumor immunity. I contributed to work showing how ARID1A loss activates an R-loop-mediated STING–type I interferon response and promotes anti-tumor immunity, published in Cell in 2024.
Resistance to immune activation. My AACR 2025 abstract with Diana Hargreaves examines MYC-mediated resistance to immune activation following SWI/SNF mutation or chemical inhibition.
Selected publications & presentations
- Li S, Hargreaves D. MYC-mediated resistance to immune activation by SWI/SNF mutation or chemical inhibition. Cancer Research 85 (8 Suppl), Abstract 4849 (2025). AACR Annual Meeting conference abstract.
- Maxwell MB, Hom-Tedla MS, Yi J, Li S, et al. ARID1A suppresses R-loop-mediated STING-type I interferon pathway activation of anti-tumor immunity. Cell 187, 3390–3408.e19 (2024).
- Peng Q, Weng K, Li S, Xu R, Wang Y, Wu Y. A Perspective of Epigenetic Regulation in Radiotherapy. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology 9, 624312 (2021).
Education
University of California San Diego | La Jolla, CA
PhD in Biological Sciences | 2021–2027 (expected)
Research laboratory: Diana Hargreaves, Salk Institute for Biological Studies
B.S. in Bioengineering: Biotechnology | September 2016 - June 2020
B.S. in Mathematics - Applied Sciences | September 2016 - June 2020
Experience
Salk Institute for Biological Studies | Graduate Student Researcher | January 2022–present
Diana Hargreaves Lab | San Diego, CA
Investigate how SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling regulates tumor-intrinsic immunity and therapeutic response. Combine CRISPR perturbations, genomic and epigenomic profiling, and mouse tumor models to study ARID1A–cGAS–STING signaling and therapeutic vulnerabilities involving SWI/SNF, KRAS, and immune checkpoint blockade in pancreatic cancer.
Genentech | Research Oncology Intern | June–September 2026
Fred de Sauvage Lab | South San Francisco, CA
Screened targeted-therapy combinations in genetically diverse colorectal cancer models. Validated compensatory transcriptional programs and signaling crosstalk using functional assays and genomic data, and applied selectivity controls to distinguish effects specific to a genetic background and guide project priorities.
Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute | Research Associate / Lab Manager | August 2020–August 2021
Crystal Zhao Lab | San Diego, CA
Developed cell-based reporters to study protein interactions and identify therapeutic targets, and investigated RNA-binding proteins in post-transcriptional gene regulation. Maintained stem-cell and patient-derived culture models while coordinating laboratory resources and inventory to support day-to-day research operations.
Leadership & service
- VP External, APD Consulting Club
- Operations, Nucleate San Diego
- First- and second-year representative, Biological Sciences Graduate Student Council
- Biological Sciences PhD admissions reviewer
- Salk SURF mentor (2023) and application reviewer (2024)
Selected honors
- UC San Diego BioSci Travel and Professional Award (2026)
- AACR–Sanofi Scholar-in-Training Award (2025)
- AAI Introductory Course in Immunology Travel Grant (2025)
- Salk Cancer Center Travel Award (2024)