Meet Dr. Chen Li, the inaugural recipient of the Mark S. Wrighton Award for McDonnell Academy Alumni in 2019. As the first honoree, Dr. Li set a powerful example of global impact, academic excellence, and enduring commitment to the McDonnell Academy’s mission.
In this conversation with Kurt Dirks, director of the McDonnell Academy, Dr. Li shares reflections on his Scholar experience, the significance of being the first award recipient, and the ways he continues to foster international collaboration and inspire future leaders.
Chen Li graduated from Washington University School of Law with both his Doctor of Juridical Science and his Juris Doctor in that unconventional order. Dr. Chen Li is currently a professor at Fudan University Law School in Shanghai, one of the Academy’s first university partners, affirming his goal:
to take the gift of my unique legal education home and to help shape a new era of law teaching and research in China.
Chen Li received his legal education in China, Singapore, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Belgium. His legal research interests include Legal History, Economic Law, Public International Law, Comparative Law, and Human Rights Law. Since 2016, he has published over 10 articles in highly impacted journals, such as Asian Journal of International Law, The Journal of Comparative Law, Oregon Historical Quarterly Review, Journal of Intellectual Property Law & Practice, UCLA Pacific Basin Law Journal, and The Asian Pacific American Law Journal. Dr. Chen has made great contributions to helping the McDonnell Academy recruit new Scholars, build our ties with partner universities, and influence the enhancement of Washington University’s reputation as a global research institution. During his visit to Washington University, Chen Li talked to current McDonnell Scholars about his experience as a Scholar and how the program enhances leadership and career opportunities.
The Mark S. Wrighton Award for McDonnell Academy Alumni was established this year in honor of Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton, founder of the McDonnell International Scholars Academy and the 14th Chancellor of Washington University.