In my PhD, I used biochemical approaches to dissect mechanisms of host pathogen defense.  As a postdoc, I used mouse genetics to first show that epithelial stem cells modulate the activity of dendritic epidermal T cells for wound repair, which underscored the importance of epithelial-immune crosstalk.  Next, I delineated an innate immune-like signaling pathway in wound repair that resembles the role of innate immunity in pathogen defense.

As a biochemist at heart, I have a deep desire to study basic, physiological processes that is conserved throughout evolution.  Tissue injury repair is one such fascinating process that is essential for organismal survival.  In our new lab, we will combine biochemistry and mouse genetics to understand physiological tissue repair through in-depth probing of molecular & cellular mechanisms, to better understand the associated pathologies such as cancer. 

Yuan earned a Bachelor degree in Clinical Medicine and a Master degree in Plastic Surgery in South Medical University.  She participated in lab research on skin and hair follicle biology in addition to completing a three-year clinical rotation in Plastic Surgery for her Master's degree. Her research interests are the mechanisms underlying wound healing and injury repair.  Outside of work, Yuan loves drawing and eating delicious food. She is a dog person and has a cute little poodle in her hometown.

Tatiana (or Tati) earned a Bachelor's degree in Biomedicine and a Master's in Molecular Pathology at the University of Brasilia, Brazil. During her undergraduate and Master’s studies, she focused on investigating molecular mechanisms that contribute to the pathogenesis driven by Trypanosoma cruzi infection. In the Liu lab, her research centers on understanding the innate immune regulation of epithelial injury sensing and repair. Outside of the lab, Tatiana loves taking care of her plants and watching cooking shows.

Zaili obtained his PhD from the Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, focusing on the interplay between ER stress and tumor immunity.  At the Liu Lab, he explores how cellular stress responses intricately regulate skin wound healing.  Outside of his research, he enjoys watching animated films.

Xinyu is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology at Wuhan University, China. With a strong interest in skin biology, she has been involved in lab research focused on the development of an essential skin organ—the sebaceous gland. This research has been a rewarding journey, deepening her passion for scientific exploration. She is excited to continue learning at the Liu Lab, where she will focus on epithelial injury repair while gaining valuable hands-on research experience. In her free time, Xinyu enjoys dancing, listening to music, and sharing great food with family and friends.

Lily is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in biology at the University of Texas at Dallas. Driven by a passion for biomedical research, her academic journey has included research in neonatal neuroscience at the University of Washington in Seattle, sparking her interest in the intricate mechanisms of physiological processes. Having lived in China for 18 years, Lily values cultural diversity and loves traveling. Alongside her studies, she actively participates in community service, notably contributing to the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program for 7 years. During her free time, Lily enjoys spending time with her cat Chia, playing guitar, and cherishing moments with family and friends.