I started my work in the Li Lab with a strong focus on method development, specifically using ion mobility mass spectrometry to identify and quantify lipid isomers. Over time, my research has shifted toward more biologically driven questions. I now study how dietary fats, particularly oleate, elaidate, and linoleate, are incorporated into the hepatic lipidome and how they influence lipid storage and lipoprotein secretion in liver cells. More recently, I’ve expanded into organelle-level studies, looking at mitochondria, lipid droplets, and lipoprotein metabolism to better understand how lipid remodeling impacts cellular function. In parallel, I’m developing multiplexed tagging strategies to capture and enrich sphingolipids. Overall, I leverage modern mass spectrometry approaches, including targeted and untargeted proteomics and lipidomics, combined with isotope tracing, and proximity labeling strategies to connect lipid metabolism with cellular function and disease mechanisms (such as atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease).