Q&A with Shannuo Li: Inspired by Women in Science, Driven to Fight Cancer

While studying for her master’s degree at Sweden’s Uppsala University, Shannuo Li found herself surrounded by impressive women scientists.

“It was inspiring to see women leading labs, teaching students, and making important scientific decisions every day,” she said. “It made a career in science feel possible for me. I remember thinking, maybe I can do this too.”

Now, Li is pursuing her PhD in molecular pharmaceutics at the University of Utah. She received a 2026 PhRMA Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship in Drug Delivery for her work on developing new treatments for multiple myeloma, a blood cancer that often returns after treatment.

Her research focuses on a novel approach called Multi-Antigen T Cell Hybridizers, or MATCH, which is designed to help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells, while making it more difficult for tumors to evade treatment.

MATCH works like molecular building blocks: One piece recognizes proteins on cancer cells, while another recruits immune cells. These pieces join together only at the tumor site, helping direct the immune attack where it is needed while reducing damage to healthy tissues. Li hopes this approach will lead to a safer, more flexible treatment for multiple myeloma and, ultimately, other cancers.

Watch this video to learn more about Li and her research.