K.j. Liu

Biography

Liu holds a BS in chemistry from Peking University in China (1982) and a PhD in radiation biochemistry from the University of Leeds in England (1988). He served as a research assistant professor at Dartmouth College before joining the UNM faculty in 1999.

Research Interest

Liu’s research focuses broadly in two different areas of research: metal toxicity and neuroscience. In the metal research area, he investigates the molecular mechanism of arsenite and chromium-induced toxicology and carcinogenesis with particular attention to the roles of free radicals, oxidative and nitrosative modification of zinc-finger DNA repair proteins, and zinc supplement as a chemoprevention strategy for reducing arsenic toxicity and carcinogenesis. In the neuroscience area, his lab is studying and mechanism and neuroprotection of brain injury due to stroke. Liu has presented frequently at national and international conferences and given seminars at academic institutions around the world.