Zhongji Liao
BS, Nanjing University in China
PhD, Mizzou, biochemistry
Current job
I am currently working in Gary Weisman’s lab on the integrin (receptors for extracellular matrix proteins) signaling and trying to answer how the protein-protein interactions affect these signaling and subsequent physiological consequences.
Why Mizzou
The Biochemistry Department has a variety of research directions that cover physical biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, molecular medicine, etc. Also, I realized that Mizzou biochemistry waived the application fee, which is a big incentive to students.
Preparation
As a biochemistry major, I took a lot of experimental courses besides the theoretical classes. It really helps because later when I was at Mizzou, I realized that research relies on the combination of ideas and experiments. At Mizzou, the training continues with more intensive and focused interests and thoughts. Basically, I was taught how to raise and answer a research question, how to give a talk, how to work independently, etc. All this training could help anyone grow into a scientist.
Career choice
Integrins are cell surface receptors that regulate cell adhesion, cytoskeleton, shape and motility, as well as cell cycle. They are involved in a large variety of biological activities, including vascular inflammation, development, cancer progression, etc. This is a huge area [about which relatively little is understood], which, to a large extend, triggers my interest and ambition.
The future
I really want to find something that truly affects our biological or medical life. I am hoping that 20 years from now, when people are talking about something interesting and functional, they could mention my name in a positive way. This sounds too idealistic, but my career goal would be either staying in academia or entering the pharmaceutical industry, contributing what I’ve learned and what I know as a scientist.