Shu Li, PhD, Henry Samueli School of Engineering
Shu Li is a geospatial data analyst and will graduate with a PhD from the Henry Samueli School of Engineering on June 16 in the Bren Events Center.
What is your favorite memory at UCI?
One of my favorite memories at UCI is stepping out of the ISEB building after long days of meetings and work. Each time, I was captivated by the stunning skies, whether it’s painted with sunset colors, soft clouds, or sometimes a bright moon. Those moments always reminded me of how lucky I was to be part of the UCI community. I couldn’t resist taking photos every time; I’ve probably collected hundreds of pictures of the sky, the trees, the moon, and the ISEB building from countless angles. It became my little tradition and a way to appreciate the beauty around me.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to continue my work in natural hazard risk evaluation, mitigation, and emergency response. This field has become my lifelong passion, and I am eager to apply the knowledge and skills I’ve developed at UCI to enhance community resilience and safety.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I see myself continuing to deepen my research into natural hazards, with a particular focus on wildfire behavior and risk assessment using empirical and data-driven models. I believe that advancing our understanding of wildfires will help us better prevent and manage them, ultimately protecting both communities and the environment. My goal is to contribute to more informed decision-making processes for wildfire mitigation, and to continue bridging the gap between science and practical solutions that make a real-world impact.
Who was your biggest influence at UCI?
My biggest influence at UCI has undoubtedly been my advisor Tirtha Bnerjee, along with all the mentors I was fortunate to work with throughout my journey. There’s a saying that really resonates with me: the way we approach life and work and others hides the influence of those who’ve guided us. When I first arrived at UCI, I was a clueless student to research and my career path. I started by observing and learning from my mentors—not just how to conduct research or write scientific papers, but also how to navigate challenges, handle failure, and collaborate with others. They have shaped me into the researcher I am today, instilling in me the values of rigor, humility, and positivity. Any success I’ve achieved, or any positive feedback I receive from colleagues, I owe to the guidance and support of my advisor and mentors.
What do you know now that you wish you had known before coming to UCI?
I wish I had known to fully embrace each moment and not to live life in ‘temporary mode.’ When I first came to UCI for my master’s, I saw my stay as short-term. Even after joining the PhD program, I kept that mindset of ‘I’ll be leaving soon.’ Because of that, I held back on things like decorating my apartment, collecting meaningful art, building a long-term social circle, or committing to hobbies that required time and investment. Looking back, I just realized UCI became the place I’ve spent the most time in besides my hometown. I now believe every day and every moment counts, and take immediate action on things that bring joy, rather than delaying happiness because of uncertainty about the future.
What are your hobbies or interests?
Outside of my research, I enjoy reading, listening to podcasts, hiking, going to concerts and musicals, and building Lego. Recently, I’ve also started exploring new hobbies like pottery, painting, and plant specimen collection, and I’m loving them! They’ve become my little mental sanctuary, giving me a space where I can completely relax and recharge, free from the stresses of daily life.