Early-Career Scientist Lucy Li Advances Lupus Research at BRI

Lucy Li, MSTP Student E20, plays a key role in research at Benaroya Research Institute (BRI) while balancing medical school and doctoral training. Drawn to biomedical science early on, she gained foundational experience at the University of Pennsylvania studying CAR T‑cell therapy and later developed a strong interest in immunology.

At BRI, Lucy works in the Hamerman and Ray labs to investigate lupus, particularly lupus nephritis, a serious kidney complication. Her work involves large scale genetic screens to identify genes that drive the disease, with several promising targets already emerging. Supported by BRI’s Innovation Fund, this collaborative research aims to uncover new pathways that could lead to more precise treatments. Ultimately, Lucy hopes to lead her own lab and advance understanding of autoimmune diseases to improve patient care.

Read the full BRI blogpost: Early-Career Scientist Lucy Li Advances Lupus Research at BRI | Benaroya Research Institute