Churchill Scholar Christine Li Says Goodbye to Morningside Heights

Dancer and computer scientist Christine Li BS’26 is headed to Churchill College, Cambridge, as a Churchill Scholar. She plans to pursue an MPhil in Advanced Computer Science before pursuing a PhD in quantum computing. 

During her time in Morningside Heights, Li exemplified Columbia Engineering’s commitment to rigorous technical education and the humanities. 

In addition to being a teaching assistant in the computer science department for the past three years, she has conducted published research in quantum computing and computational art history. Her work has led to three lead-author publications and multiple conference presentations.

A dedicated dancer, Li performed with the Columbia Ballet Collaborative throughout her college tenure, and served as the organization’s executive director. 

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Shanghai, and Beijing, Li was inspired by a sophomore year class taught by Srivani Associate Professor of Computer Science Henry Yuen to focus on quantum computing. 

Here, Li reflects on what she’s learned at Columbia Engineering and what she’ll take with her. 

What drew you to your major?

Computer science is a perfect combination of logic and creativity, with potential for real-world impact.

Was there a class at Columbia Engineering that made a lasting impact on you?

Quantum computing in my sophomore year was the most mind-bending class because it showed how you can do computing using nature itself. It combines a lot of things that I like — from computer science to math and physics — and has shaped my interests and exploration ever since.

What is it about quantum computing that intrigued you? 

It’s essentially leveraging principles from the laws of quantum mechanics to solve computational problems, and it has the potential to solve certain problems far more efficiently than is possible with our present-day computers. What I'm excited about is its potential of accelerating scientific research across a variety of domains, like simulating molecules for drug discovery or discovering new materials for clean energy. In a lot of these fields, quantum computers could have a real breakthrough impact.

You accomplished a lot during your time at Columbia. Does anything stand out?

One of the most meaningful parts of my college experience was serving as executive director of Columbia Ballet Collaborative, the oldest student-run ballet company at Columbia. I trained preprofessionally in ballet for most of my life, so to be able to dance here was very important to me. As part of the board of Columbia Ballet Collaborative, I helped start a number of initiatives, including restarting the Ivy Ballet Exchange, [which had stopped] during the pandemic. We organized a weekend of workshops with 100 dancers from other collegiate dance companies, and the tradition has continued and grown every year. It's meant so much to me to be able to give back to this community that has made me feel like I found a home at Columbia through dance. 

What will you take away from your Columbia experience?

The first time I stepped onto campus and saw College Walk on move-in day in freshman year, I fell in love with this place. I’ve grown and changed a lot these past four years, and I’ve been lucky to have the most wonderful friends and mentors who supported me along the way. I feel like I’ve found my people here, and I’ll cherish all the wonderful memories from my time at Columbia.