Associate professor, Jiangsu University, China
Yingnan Li is an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Design at Jiangsu University, China. With a Ph.D. in Landscape Architecture from Seoul National University, she specializes in ecological landscape planning, urban thermal environments, and climate-adaptive urban design. Yingnan is recognized as a ‘Dual-Creation Doctor’ in Jiangsu Province and has received numerous accolades, including the Social Science Outstanding Youth award in Zhenjiang. As a member of the American Geophysical Union and the Jiangsu Civil Architecture Society’s Landscape Architecture Committee, she contributes to several academic journals. Her extensive design experience includes urban renewal and landscape design projects, significantly enhancing her students’ competitive success in various national and international competitions.
Profile
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Strengths for the Award
- Academic Excellence: Dr. Yingnan Li holds a Ph.D. in Landscape Architecture from a prestigious institution (Seoul National University) and has published over 10 academic papers in reputable journals. Her research on ecological landscape planning, urban thermal environments, and climate adaptive design is both relevant and impactful.
- Research Impact: Her work has significant implications for urban sustainability and climate resilience, addressing pressing global challenges such as urban heat islands and ecosystem service evaluation. The breadth of her research reflects a strong commitment to advancing knowledge in these critical areas.
- Professional Recognition: Dr. Li has received several awards, including recognition as an Excellent Academic Mentor and Excellent Instructor at Jiangsu University, highlighting her contributions to education and mentorship. Her involvement in notable academic societies and competitions further underscores her standing in the academic community.
- Active Engagement: She regularly presents her research at international conferences and serves as a reviewer for leading journals, demonstrating her active engagement in the scientific community and her commitment to advancing research in her field.
- Student Success: Dr. Li’s guidance has led her students to win numerous prestigious awards in design competitions, showcasing her effectiveness as an educator and her ability to inspire and cultivate talent in future professionals.
- Practical Application of Research: Her extensive experience in design practice complements her academic work, allowing her to translate theoretical research into practical applications, which enhances the relevance of her research findings.
Areas for Improvement
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: While Dr. Li’s work is commendable, exploring interdisciplinary collaborations could enhance her research impact. Engaging with experts from fields such as urban planning, public health, and environmental science could lead to more comprehensive studies.
- Broader Outreach: Expanding her research’s public engagement and outreach efforts could further enhance its visibility and applicability. This could include workshops, community projects, or partnerships with local governments.
- Funding Opportunities: Actively seeking external funding for research projects could help expand the scope of her work and enable larger-scale studies that could contribute even more significantly to the field.
- Publication Strategy: Focusing on publishing in high-impact journals and diversifying the publication types (e.g., reviews, policy papers) could enhance her academic visibility and influence.
Education
Yingnan Li earned her Ph.D. in Landscape Architecture from Seoul National University, South Korea, from September 2014 to August 2018, under the supervision of Youngkeun Song. Before this, she obtained her Master’s degree in Horticulture from Yanbian University, where she studied from September 2012 to June 2014. Yingnan completed her undergraduate studies in Landscape Architecture at the same institution, graduating in June 2012. This strong academic foundation has equipped her with comprehensive knowledge and skills in landscape architecture and environmental design, enabling her to address complex ecological and urban challenges effectively. Her educational journey reflects a commitment to academic excellence and a passion for sustainable design practices.
Experience
Yingnan Li’s professional journey includes significant roles in academia and research. Since September 2018, she has been an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Design at Jiangsu University, where she also serves as a Master’s Supervisor. Prior to this, she worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Department of Landscape Architecture at Southeast University from November 2019 to December 2021. Additionally, she was a researcher at the Environmental Planning Institute of Seoul National University from December 2021 to December 2023, supported by the CSC Young Backbone Teacher Grant. Yingnan has a wealth of experience in design practice, completing projects focused on urban renewal, rural transformation, and residential landscapes. Her expertise bridges theory and practice, enhancing both her research contributions and her students’ educational experiences.
Awards and Honors
Yingnan Li has received numerous awards recognizing her contributions to academia and student mentorship. In 2023, she was named the Excellent Academic Mentor of Jiangsu University for the 2022-2023 academic year. She was also honored as an Excellent Instructor at the 11th Chinese National College Student Digital Media Technology Works and Creativity Competition in 2023. Her students have thrived under her guidance, achieving multiple awards in various competitions, including the Chinese National Digital Art Design Competition and the Asia Design Academic Year Award. In 2021, she received the Outstanding Award for her performance in the English Teaching Competition at Jiangsu University. Her involvement in the Jiangsu province high-level innovation and entrepreneurship talent plan further underscores her commitment to fostering creativity and excellence in the field of environmental design.
Research Focus
Yingnan Li’s research interests encompass ecological landscape planning, urban thermal environments, climate-adaptive urban design, and ecosystem service evaluation. She aims to understand the interaction between urban landscapes and their ecological functions, particularly in the context of climate change. Her work on microclimate variations in urban green spaces has provided insights into enhancing thermal comfort and urban resilience. Yingnan’s research also focuses on quantifying ecosystem services provided by urban trees and green spaces, contributing to more sustainable urban planning practices. By integrating scientific knowledge with design, she strives to promote environmental sustainability and enhance the quality of urban life. Her scholarly contributions are reflected in over ten academic papers and various presentations at international conferences, showcasing her commitment to advancing the field of environmental design.
Publication Top Notes
- Optimization of vegetation arrangement to improve microclimate and thermal comfort in an urban park 🌳
- Spatial and temporal patterns of microclimates at an urban forest edge and their management implications 🌲
- Quantifying tree canopy coverage threshold of typical residential quarters considering human thermal comfort and heat dynamics under extreme heat ☀️
- Zonal classification of microclimates and their relationship with landscape design parameters in an urban park 🏞️
- Evaluation and prediction of land use change impacts on ecosystem service values in Nanjing City from 1995 to 2030 🌍
- The Impacts of Morphology of Traditional Alleys on Thermal comfort: A case study of Da Long Wang Xiang in Zhenjiang, China 🏘️
- Measuring and Modeling the Influences of Street Tree Species on Microclimate and Pedestrian Comfort 🚶♀️
- Microclimate Variations in Urban Green Spaces Depending on Site Characteristics 🌿
Conclusion
Dr. Yingnan Li is a highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award, demonstrating exceptional contributions to the field of landscape architecture and environmental design. Her academic achievements, professional recognition, and dedication to mentoring students position her as a leading figure in her field. By addressing the suggested areas for improvement, Dr. Li can further amplify her impact and continue to lead innovative research in ecological landscape planning and climate adaptive urban design. Recognizing her with this award would not only honor her past accomplishments but also encourage her ongoing contributions to academia and society.