Meet UNMC New Investigator Yutong Liu, Ph.D.

UNMC researcher Yutong Liu, Ph.D., answers questions about his work, life and interests.









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Yutong Liu, Ph.D.
NOTE: This profile is part of a series highlighting the 24 researchers who will be honored at a May 2 ceremony for UNMC’s 2010 Scientist Laureate, Distinguished Scientist and New Investigator award recipients.

  • Name: Yutong Liu, Ph.D.
  • Title: assistant professor of radiology
  • Joined UNMC: 2006
  • Hometown: Beijing

Describe your research in laymen’s terms.

I am currently developing bioimaging and image analysis techniques using small animal models to help the studies of neurologic disorders caused by HIV.

How does your research contribute to science and/or health care?

The imaging and image analysis techniques can be used to study the disease progression, to help the diagnostics of neuroAIDS and to monitor the therapeutic efficacy of drugs.

Name someone at UNMC who provides vital contributions to your success and briefly describe how they help you.

Drs. Michael Boska and Howard Gendelman. They helped me to jump-start my academic research career, advised me on my research strategy and design and provided me essential resources for my research. They also taught me the management of research and how to balance research work and personal life.

List three things few people know about you.

  • I couldn’t count to 50 when I got into first grade. My parents were quite worried.
  • I am a fan of Xiangsheng (or crosstalk, a traditional Chinese comedic performance). I even performed on stage when in elementary and high schools.
  • I wanted to be a professional novelist when I was in high school. Everyone, including my parents and teachers, scared me with stories of famous writers starving to death (they became famous after they died). I was scared.