It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Dr. Li Yan, who died on March 16, 2026.

Dr. Yan joined the Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering in 1990 and
devoted more than three decades to UMBC. Over the course of his distinguished career, he
rose from an Assistant Professor to Full Professor, helping to shape the department and its academic programs.

A respected scholar in areas including ultrafast optics, nonlinear optics, lasers, and optical
communications, Dr. Yan made significant contributions to his field through his research and publications. He was a dedicated educator, teaching and mentoring generations of
undergraduate and graduate students. Dr. Yan gave generously in service to the department, chairing and serving on key departmental committees and supporting undergraduate education.

Dr. Yan will be remembered not only for his scholarly accomplishments, but also for his 

long-standing presence in the department and the many ways he contributed to our community over the years.