Xinyu Liu

Biography

Ph.D. University of Toronto M.Eng. Harbin Institute of Technology B.Eng. Harbin Institute of Technology

Research Interest

My research interests are in robotics, MEMS/NEMS (Micro- or Nano-Electro-Mechanical Systems), and applied microfluidics (also referred to as Lab-on-a-Chip technologies), with a strong focus on bio-oriented applications. Specifically, my previous and current research has been focused on three major directions: i) developing microrobotic systems and microdevices for mechanical manipulation and characterization of biological cells; ii) addressing interesting biological/biomedical questions (e.g., large-scale testing of mitochondrial proteins and detection of oocyte defects for assisted reproduction) using high-throughput automated cell manipulation and characterization; and iii) developing microfluidic devices and systems for performing point-of-care medical diagnostics and studying biological cells and organisms (e.g., C. elegans). Under a unified theme of Micro and Nanosystems Engineering for Life Sciences, my research group is investigating the design, manufacturing, and application of novel micro/nano devices and systems to address emerging issues in biology and medicine. Leveraging our unique multidisciplinary capabilities, our research projects bridge technological advances in robotics, bioMEMS, biomaterials, and biochemical analysis, with both fundamental biological research and clinical diagnosis/treatment needs. The ultimate goal of my research program is to invent/innovate enabling engineering technologies to fundamentally change the ways how biological research is performed and how health care is practiced, in terms of higher throughput, higher success rates, lower cost, and better accessibility.