Distinguished W&M mathematics professor wins another Fulbright

After nearly four decades at William & Mary, Ferguson Professor of Mathematics Chi-Kwong Li is preparing for a new chapter. The mathematician recently won the John von Neumann Distinguished Award in STEM, a Fulbright Scholar award that gives senior faculty the opportunity to conduct STEM-related research in Hungary. 

This honor comes during a period of widespread recognition of Li’s academic career. Earlier this month, Li delivered the Hans Schneider Prize Lecture at the Linear Algebra Society Conference at Virginia Tech. He also received the 2025 Béla Szőkefalvi-Nagy Medal from the Bolyai Institute of the University of Szeged, Hungary.  

A past Fulbright recipient, Li was contacted by the Institute of International Education to apply again. Li credits von Neumann as “one of [his] mathematical heroes,” and was encouraged by his colleague at the János Bolyai Mathematical Institute in Hungary to apply for the prestigious fellowship.  

Li was interested in traveling to Hungary, specifically, because of Hungarian mathematicians like Paul Erdős’ influence on the development of graph theory. He also has friends and research collaborators in neighboring countries. 

Li’s first Fulbright experience was in 2010. He returned to his hometown of Hong Kong and collaborated with scholars from other disciplines to help universities transition from a three-year to a four-year educational system and develop general education curriculum. Then, in 2021, Li was selected to receive the Fulbright award for Taiwan, where he planned to conduct quantum information science research. However, Li was ultimately unable to accept the award due to travel complications related to COVID-19.  

Li’s recent Fulbright award is meaningful not only for its distinction in academia, but also because it allows Li to continue learning from and collaborating with others. “I just love to learn. So, with any new challenge, I may not be able to solve all the problems, but it always gives me some new questions to think about,” Li said.  

At this stage in his career, Li describes the opportunity to conduct research of this caliber as a dream come true. “Even at my older age, I can still do something and share my experience. I can always interact with people and learn from colleagues, which is most exciting,” Li said.  

Li also uses this mindset in the classroom and is a strong advocate for the intersection of teaching and research, especially as the field of mathematical research continues to develop.  

“We always tell students that their learning does not stop after they graduate. It's a lifelong process,” Li said. “The more you learn, and the more interesting things you find, the more you feel that you have to learn.” 

Li’s fellowship will be divided into two parts, spring 2027 and spring 2028, using Fulbright’s flex option. Li will continue to develop his research while back in the United States. While in Hungary, Li also plans to teach courses and seminars to students on quantum information science and related topics. Li hopes to “combine other people’s ideas and techniques to solve open problems, advance the subject, or even introduce educational plans for future teaching.” This emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration is central to Li’s approach as both a researcher and educator.  

Li will retire from W&M in August after 38 years of service, including five years as chair of the mathematics department. Still, Li plans to remain an active member of the campus community, guiding students in research and other mentorship.  

As Li enters this new chapter, he is grateful for the colleagues who mentored him early on and the professional fulfillment he has experienced thus far.  

“Alongside the daily joy of pursuing your passions, this work brings recognition and awards. These honors open doors to exploring new knowledge and building lifelong friendships. It is truly a wonderful life,” Li said.