Projects in Dr. Liu’s Lab

I’m currently working on several projects with Geoff, including:

 

1. Venous thromboembolism in ALK-mutated NSCLC patients

2, Smoking and drinking behaviors in head and neck cancer patients

3. Cardiomyopathy caused by breast cancer chemotherapy

 

Given my genetics background, I focus on genetic analyses such as GWAS, polygenic risk scores, and Mendelian randomization. In essence, my role is to use genotype data to predict phenotypic risks and survival outcomes in cancer patients.

 

Why This Research is Important

Traditionally, risk and survival predictions rely heavily on observational phenotypic data. For example, oncologists assess the likelihood of venous thrombosis in cancer patients using Virchow’s triad—factors like platelet count, fibrosis level, and sedentary behavior. However, these phenotypes vary with age and conditions.

 

Genes, on the other hand, provide a consistent internal blueprint that influences health outcomes. Think of genes as bullets and phenotypes as triggers. Without the bullets, pulling the trigger won’t cause a disease. By incorporating genetic data, we can improve the accuracy of risk and survival predictions, offering a personalized method to patient care.

 

What I Enjoy Most About Dr. Liu’s Lab

I appreciate everything about Geoff’s lab: the warm peer relationships, the scientific discussions, and Geoff’s mentorship. It’s hard to choose just one aspect as my favorite—they all contribute to an enriching experience.

 

What Attracted Me to This Role

Initially, I joined the lab because of our shared research interests. Over time, my appreciation for the lab has deepened. Each moment here is rewarding, even when the work is challenging.

 

Future Plans

I aim to apply for clinical residency, whether in China, the US, or Canada. Integrating my research into clinical practice excites me, as I believe it bridges the gap between discovery and patient care.

 

National Scholarship

The National Scholarship is the highest honor in each university in China awarded to outstanding students at the undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels. I received this scholarship during my undergraduate, where I ranked first out of 344 students. It provided a one-time award of 30,000 CNY (approximately 5,800 CAD).