Li Wang

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Wuhan, China. After graduating from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, I came to the US in 2007 to pursue my PhD at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Before came to Minnesota, I have spent a few years in Buffalo, New York; Los Angeles, California; and a few months in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Please describe an experience (or 2) that helped you discover/cultivate your interest in the mathematical sciences.

I was lucky to meet a teacher in elementary school who helped a lot in nurturing my mathematical curiosity. Since then, math has become my favorite subject. I have attended many math Olympics and won numerous awards. Also, the TV series "Numbers" astonished me with the amazing power of mathematics.

What is/are your most proud accomplishment(s) in regards to your career in the mathematical sciences?

My biggest accomplishment in my career is to become a math professor. This profession allows me to focus on problems that I am personally interested in, work with very brilliant people, and pass on my knowledge to the younger generation via teaching and mentoring.

What is/are your most proud accomplishment(s) in regards to your personal life?

I am always proud of my family: both my parents are English professors in China, and my dad has written no less than 20 books/dictionaries. I have a twin sister who is now an associate professor of psychology at the University of Washington, Seattle. She is always my closest role model.

Please share some words of wisdom/inspiration.

I deeply believe in hard work. Although math is a subject that attracts the most intelligent people, oftentimes we feel that we can not have the same accomplishment as some others because we are not as intelligent as them, but the truth is, if we work harder, we will find more potential in ourselves and more opportunities that can lead to success. Always keep in mind that chance favors the prepared mind.