Qian, Li
Professor

Biography

Li Qian received her BASc (honours), MASc, and PhD degrees from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, in 1993, 1996, and 2000, respectively. From 2000-2003, she was a senior scientist in Corning Incorporated, Corning, NY, before returning to her alma mater as an assistant professor. In 2008, she was promoted to associate professor. She brings both industrial and academic expertise to fiber-optic technologies. In 2001, she led the optical design of the world’s first commercial extended L-band erbium-doped fibre amplifiers in Corning Inc. After returning to academia, she continued her pursuit in novel fibre-optic devices and systems, and in commercializable technologies. Her research group is currently conducting experimental research in quantum key distribution, fiber sensing, and nonlinear fiber devices, including fiber-based entangled photon sources. Her group’s research on dispersion measurement was commercialized by Inometrix Inc., a start-up company headed by one of her graduate students. Prof. Qian holds a Canada Research Chair (2006-12) in Photonic Technologies and Applications.

Memberships/Awards

• Fellow, Optica (Formerly OSA), 2023
• Member, OSA, 2001–2022
• Canada Research Chair in Photonic Technologies and Applications, 2006–2012
• Premier’s Research Excellence Award, 2004
• University of Toronto Alumni Association Early Career Award, 2003