Dr. Xiaojing Li is a dedicated researcher at Northeast Agricultural University in Harbin, China, specializing in animal science and healthy animal breeding. With a focus on animal nutrition, particularly the role of selenium and its carrier molecules, selenoproteins, Dr. Li has contributed significantly to understanding the nutritional requirements of animals and the antagonistic effects of selenium against heavy metals like lead and cadmium. Her research also delves into the applications of plant-derived compounds such as baicalin, eucalyptol, resveratrol, and tea polyphenols, revealing their potential in mitigating organ damage caused by pesticides and fungicides. Dr. Li’s expertise includes gene function analysis, the construction of selenium deficiency models, and the study of toxicological mechanisms in animals and cells. Her work has led to several impactful publications in prominent journals, such as Poultry Science and Environmental Pollution.

Profile

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Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Xiaojing Li’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in veterinary medicine, which sparked her interest in animal science and its potential to improve animal health and productivity. She pursued her undergraduate studies at Northeast Agricultural University in Harbin, China, where she earned her degree in Clinical Veterinary Medicine. It was during these formative years that she began to explore the intricate relationship between animal health, nutrition, and environmental stressors. Her passion for this field deepened as she recognized the need for sustainable and effective solutions to improve animal breeding and nutrition, particularly in the context of environmental pollution and toxicity.

Building on her veterinary background, Dr. Li continued her education at Northeast Agricultural University, completing a Master’s degree in Clinical Veterinary Medicine by the end of 2020. This further academic pursuit enabled her to delve deeper into her research interests, particularly in the areas of animal nutrition, feed science, and the impacts of environmental stressors on animal health. Her educational background provided her with the tools necessary to understand complex biological systems, setting the stage for her future contributions to animal science.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Li currently holds the position of researcher at Northeast Agricultural University, where she is dedicated to advancing the field of animal science through a multifaceted approach. Her professional endeavors focus on the development of healthier animal breeding strategies, particularly through enhancing nutritional requirements for animals and understanding the mechanisms underlying their responses to toxins such as heavy metals and pesticides.

As part of her role, she has conducted extensive research on selenium, a trace element essential for animal health, and its interactions with other nutrients. One of her most significant contributions is understanding how selenium, particularly through its carrier molecule selenoproteins, can influence animal health. Dr. Li’s work aims to not only improve the nutritional standards of animal feed but also combat the harmful effects of environmental contaminants. Her exploration of plant-derived compounds such as baicalin, eucalyptol, and resveratrol has provided insights into how these natural components can mitigate organ damage in animals exposed to pesticides and fungicides.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Li’s research contributions have provided valuable insights into the intersections of nutrition, animal health, and environmental toxicology. Her most notable work focuses on the nutritional role of selenium in livestock, specifically its deficiency and the resulting effects on organ health. In her research, she has established that selenium deficiency can lead to liver damage through mechanisms like pyroptosis. Her study on Selenoprotein S ablation-mediated pyroptosis in chickens, published in Poultry Science (2025), sheds light on the toxicological consequences of selenium deficiency in animal breeding.

Furthermore, Dr. Li has worked on exploring the protective effects of natural plant extracts in alleviating the organ damage caused by heavy metals like cadmium and lead. Through studies on baicalin’s ability to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in animals, such as common carp exposed to cadmium, she has provided important evidence for using plant-based compounds in enhancing animal health. Her research, published in Environmental Pollution (2024), demonstrated the potential of baicalin in maintaining gill homeostasis in aquatic species.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Xiaojing Li’s dedication and contributions to animal science have earned her recognition in the academic community. While she is still in the early stages of her career, her research has already had a significant impact, with multiple peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals such as Poultry Science and Environmental Pollution. These accolades not only demonstrate her expertise in the field but also highlight the practical implications of her work in improving animal breeding and nutrition.

Dr. Li’s research on the toxicity of heavy metals and the alleviating properties of plant extracts has also garnered attention from environmental and animal health professionals. Her interdisciplinary approach to animal science, focusing on the intersection of nutrition, environmental toxicology, and plant-based interventions, has positioned her as a rising star in the field.

Impact and Influence

The impact of Dr. Li’s research extends far beyond academic circles. Her work on selenium deficiency and its role in animal health provides a foundation for better feeding practices in livestock, which can ultimately lead to healthier animals and more sustainable agricultural practices. Her exploration of natural plant extracts, which could offer eco-friendly alternatives to traditional animal health treatments, has important implications for reducing the environmental impact of animal farming.

Additionally, Dr. Li’s findings on the antagonistic effects of selenium against heavy metals could influence animal feed standards and regulations globally. Her contributions not only advance scientific knowledge but also promote more ethical and sustainable farming practices, which could benefit both the agricultural industry and the environment.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Li’s work is likely to leave a lasting legacy in the fields of animal science, nutrition, and environmental toxicology. As she continues to explore the complex mechanisms of nutrient interactions and toxicology, her research could pave the way for more sustainable farming methods that prioritize animal health and environmental conservation.

Looking ahead, Dr. Li’s ongoing studies on the role of selenium and the application of plant-based compounds in animal nutrition may lead to breakthrough innovations in feed formulation and animal health interventions. Her commitment to improving animal well-being through better nutrition and the reduction of environmental contaminants positions her as a leader in the field, and she is expected to continue making significant contributions to the scientific community.

Publication Top Notes

Journal: Theranostics

Year: 2024

Journal: Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology

Year: 2024

Journal: Aquaculture

Year:  2024