Meet Mingda Li

We were lucky to catch up with Mingda Li recently and have shared our conversation below.

Mingda, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

A lot of my resilience comes from hip-hop music. I used to be a rapper in college back in China, writing songs about my struggles, social issues, and love. Unlike most Harvard students, I come from a small area in China called Dangshan. Many people there have never, and likely will never, go abroad—let alone attend a top school like Harvard.

Getting here wasn’t easy. I had to work extremely hard to overcome numerous challenges, including prejudice and discrimination because of my background. Hip-hop, both in China and the U.S., is often rooted in the underground, with many rappers coming from tough situations and rising above them. The lyrics in hip-hop are often deep, philosophical, and incredibly inspiring.

One of my favorite rappers is Key-L from Changsha, China (you can find him on Instagram here: [Key-L Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/key.l.272/?hl=en)). As a child, he was weak, not popular and frequently bullied by his peers. He once wrote a letter to his older self, vowing not to let himself or his parents down. Through hard work and perseverance, he became a successful rapper, speaking out for those who suffer and those who are bullied. His story resonates deeply with me and has been a significant source of inspiration on my journey.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

As a physics PhD student, the most exciting aspect of my work is researching how to use quantum tools to detect dark matter. Our platform is based on ultracold SrOH (strontium monohydroxide) molecules.

First thing first, let’s talk about what “ultracold” means and why it’s so important. To us humans, Boston winters feel cold, but for molecules, that’s nothing. Even in freezing temperatures, molecules in the air move at speeds of about 500 m/s—faster than an airplane! At such high speeds, it’s impossible to control or study them. That’s why, in our lab, we use laser cooling to bring the molecules’ speeds down to 1 m/s or less ([arXiv:2409.04948](https://arxiv.org/abs/2409.04948)). This allows us to trap and conduct in-depth research on these molecules.

Now, why focus on SrOH molecules? The answer lies in their potential to help us investigate dark matter—the mysterious, unseen matter that makes up most of the universe. Specifically, we’re studying a candidate for dark matter called the ultralight bosonic field. SrOH’s complex internal structure provides exceptional sensitivity to detecting this type of dark matter ([arXiv:1805.08185](https://arxiv.org/abs/1805.08185)). Our research is advancing steadily toward that goal, and it’s an incredibly thrilling frontier to explore.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

This is a tough question for me because it’s hard to narrow it down to just three. But if I had to choose, I’d say **curiosity**, **self-learning**, and **conscientiousness**—these are the qualities that guided me into the fascinating world of physics.

Let me tell you all a story.

I have been drawn to the magic phenomenon of quantum teleportation since my childhood. One day, while I was watching a TV program called *Close to Science*, the host transferred one object from one place to another like a magician. He then explained that this was similar to quantum teleportation, which can be explained by quantum mechanics. That moment sparked my curiosity so strongly that I started teaching myself college-level physics while still in high school, despite the limitations of my school’s curriculum.

In college, that same passion, combined with a growing sense of conscientiousness toward my research projects and the people I worked with, helped me excel in my academic career.

Even now, these three qualities continue to guide me. They’ve broadened my horizons to explore new areas like the AI, financial markets, and psychology. I believe these qualities will stay with me throughout my life, driving me to keep learning and growing.

For those just starting out, my advice is to nurture your curiosity—ask questions and explore topics that fascinate you. Commit to self-learning because it’s one of the most powerful tools you’ll ever have. And finally, cultivate conscientiousness by staying disciplined and mindful of the impact your work has on both your field and the people around you.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

This is another tough question, but if I had to choose, I’d say my grandfather. He was a carpenter—persistent, creative, kind, and respectful—and his influence on me has been profound. He faces challenges head-on, lives a simple and humble life, and is relentless in his efforts to overcome obstacles and keep pushing forward.

As a child, I loved spending time at his house, watching him work. The things he crafted were incredibly delicate. Every rope and every pattern was as beautiful as the work of nature. I was deeply influenced by the idea that as long as I focus and take a thing seriously, I would never fail.

I know that the word “craftsmen” often mean stubbornness, slowness, and labor. But what is implied behind this is concentration, skill, and the pursuit of perfection. I think the most precious and irreplaceable thing of all the finely crafted things is the word “human”. People have feelings, beliefs, and attitudes. Therefore, nothing is taken for granted and it’s about doing the best you can amidst countless variables and possibilities. This philosophy has shaped how I approach my own life and work, and I am forever grateful for the lessons my grandfather instilled in me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mintttt329/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mingda-li-65011b281/
• Other: RED: Minttt