Jun Liu
Professor of Molecular Biology and Genetics
Robert J. Appel Professor of Molecular and Cell Biology
Jun "Kelly" Liu did her postdoctoral research at the Carnegie Institution of Washington, Department of Embryology, where she was awarded a National Institutes of Health Postdoctoral Fellowship. She joined the faculty at Cornell in late 2001, and is currently a member of the Graduate Fields of Genetics, Genomics & Development (GGD) and Biochemistry, Molecular & Cell Biology (BMCB). Her research is primarily funded by the National Institutes of Health.
Education
- Doctorate
Cornell University - 1996 - Bachelor of Science
Wuhan University - 1988
Recent Research
The Liu lab uses the free-living nematode C. elegans as a model system for two areas of research: 1) to discover new players and dissect their functions in a highly conserved signaling pathway, the BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) pathway, and 2) to understand how pluripotent precursor cells divide to produce multiple differentiated cell types. We use a combination of molecular, genetic, cell biological and biochemical approaches for these studies. Results from these studies will contribute to the general understanding of developmental processes, stem cell biology, and fundamental mechanisms involved in cell-cell signaling.
Outreach and Extension Focus
I believe that science is for everyone. I co-direct a summer REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) program with the goal of broadening access to STEM research, and I enjoy participating in outreach to K-12 students and teachers.
Publications:
https://blogs.cornell.edu/liuwormlab/publications/
Areas Of Expertise
- C. Elegans
- Cell Fate Specification
- Cellular Reprogramming
- Developmental Biology
- Developmental Genetics
- Mesoderm
- Pattern Formation
- Signal Transduction
- Stem Cell
- Tgfbeta Signaling
Awards & Honors
- National Academy of Sciences Kavli Frontiers of Science Fellow (2006)
- Merrill Outstanding Educator Award, Cornell University (2014)
- Kendall S. Carpenter Memorial Advising Award, Cornell University (2015)
- Robert A and Donna B Paul Award for Excellence in Advising, Cornell University (2021)
- Elected Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (2021)
Courses Taught
Dr. Liu co-teaches BioMG1350 (Introductory Biology: Cell and Developmental Biology. She also participates in several GGD and BMCB graduate level courses. She aims to engage students and stimulate their interest in science and scientific problem solving. Towards this goal, she makes an effort to prepare and deliver course materials in an interesting, efficient and organized way, and to make time available to help students both in and out of the classroom.
Contact Information
439 Biotechnology Building
Ithaca, NY 14853
JL53 [at] cornell.edu
Additional Links