Xin Li, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor and Specialization Lead in Early Childhood Education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Houston (UH). She has served as the Faculty-in-Residence (FIR) for Moody Towers since 2025.

Dr. Li teaches and advises M.Ed. and Ph.D. students and leads initiatives to strengthen the Early Childhood Education specialization. Her research focuses on trauma-informed teaching, the role of AI in early childhood teacher education, and the socioecological factors that shape children’s learning and development. In recognition of her scholarly contributions, she was recently honored with the National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators (NAECTE) Early Career Research Award. She is especially proud of launching the UH Research for Early Childhood (REC) Lab, creating a paid undergraduate research internship program, and building multiple university–community partnerships that provide resources for all children and families.

As a Faculty-in-Residence, Dr. Li is committed to building strong connections with students, fostering peer relationships, and helping residents make the most of the resources available at UH. She designs weekly and monthly programs that support academic success, personal growth, and a sense of belonging, while also making herself visible and approachable in everyday community life. Students may find her dining at Moody Towers Dining Commons, playing pool in the Moody Towers lobby, or working out at the Campus Recreation & Wellness Center. Outside of UH, she enjoys exploring Houston’s diverse food scene, singing, dancing, and hiking. She looks forward to creating a welcoming environment at Moody Towers where every student feels a strong sense of belonging and confidence in their UH journey.