Welcome to the lab!

By Mahamudun Bhuiyan and Zhuqing Liang

Dr. Zhuqing Liang is a postdoctoral researcher specializing in lipid metabolism, mitochondrial function, and the molecular mechanisms of genetic disease. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Stomatology from Nanjing Medical University and began her research journey in Dr. Eugene Xu’s lab at the State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine in Nanjing, China. There, she studied the protein Dazl in spermatogenesis, leading to a publication in National Science Review. Dr. Liang completed her Ph.D. from Dr. Miriam Greenberg’s lab in Biological Sciences at Wayne State University, focusing on cardiolipin’s role in Barth syndrome and its regulation of the TCA cycle and pyruvate dehydrogenase. Her work has appeared in Nature Metabolism, JBC, and other leading journals. Driven by a philosophy that science can be fun, rigorous, and accessible to audiences, Dr. Liang is an American Heart Association Fellow and a contributing reviewer for journals like BBA Lipids and MDPI. Dr. Liang is the upcoming co-chair of the 2025 Gordon Research Seminar on Molecular and Cellular Biology of Lipids. She aims to translate her research into clinical advances to improve human health.

Where are you from?

I’m from China and currently working in the U.S. as a postdoc.

What drove you to pursue a career/education in the sciences?

I’ve always been captivated by the complexity and interconnectedness of biological systems. As I delved deeper, lipid and mitochondrial biogenesis research stood out because of how central these processes are to health and disease. My passion has only grown as I’ve gained experience and witnessed firsthand the potential for new discoveries in this area, particularly in understanding cellular organization and disease mechanisms.

Is there a particular scientific question/problem you are interested in?

Yes! My main focus is on lipid-related diseases, especially how lipid trafficking and inter-organelle communication regulate metabolic processes and disease states. Recently, I’ve also become interested in the bone marrow niche and hematopoiesis, given their relevance to cell metabolism and disease. I’m fascinated by the mechanisms linking organelle contact sites to metabolic regulation and the role of lipids in neurodegeneration.

Who are some of your scientific (and/or non-scientific) “heroes”?

I admire scientists such as Miriam Greenberg, Randy Shakeman, Steven Claypool, Michael Schlame, Valerian Kagan, Hanna Hariri, and others around me who are excellent sciences and role models . These mentors embody the tenacity and perseverance that I hope to cultivate in my own career—they never give up on their scientific pursuits, even in the face of setbacks. Their commitment to their work and their resilience are qualities I deeply respect and aspire to emulate. Listening to their stories about both career and life has had a profound impact on me, encouraging me to remain positive, supportive, and kind. They’ve shown me that success in science is not only about technical skills but also about the kind of person you are and the encouragement you provide to those around you. In them, I see the model of a scientist and a human being that I hope to become.

What scientific finding/paper/book (in any field) impacted you most?

The story of Katalin Karikó has been incredibly inspiring for me and for many others in science, especially for women in science. Her journey toward the groundbreaking development of mRNA technology—a key factor behind COVID-19 vaccines—was filled with immense challenges, including skepticism from colleagues, limited funding, and a career path that seemed, at times, stalled or dismissed. What resonates most with me about her story is her unshakeable commitment to science, her rigor in pursuing each piece of evidence, and her ability to persist even when the path ahead was uncertain.

Katalin Karikó’s resilience reminds me of the importance of sticking to scientific questions with the tenacity and rigor they deserve, regardless of initial setbacks. Her experience has shown me that scientific discovery isn’t always about immediate success but about pushing forward with curiosity, creativity, and a bit of humor, even when things don't work out the first time (or even the hundredth time!). Her dedication highlights the need for fun and flexibility in science, showing how a combination of hard work and a lighthearted approach can fuel persistence.

In a field where women have historically faced barriers, her success reaffirms that passion and rigor can transcend those challenges. Karikó’s achievements remind me to keep moving forward in my career, no matter how long or winding the road may seem. Her legacy, I believe, will continue to inspire generations of scientists to embrace science with a balance of curiosity, resilience, and determination to contribute something meaningful to the world. I highly recommend her book “Breakthrough”.

What are some of your non-science hobbies?

Outside the lab, I enjoy exploring new places, especially since I recently moved from Michigan to New York. Getting out into nature and spending time with friends is a great way for me to recharge and bring a fresh perspective back to my work.

Anything else of interest you’d like to add?

I’m currently the co-chair for the 2025 Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) on lipids, which I’m very excited about! This position allows me to connect with and learn from others in the

field.

I am passionate about mentoring students and teaching, which I consider central to my work as a scientist. I find great fulfillment in helping students develop their scientific curiosity, guiding them through challenges, and encouraging them to approach science with the same rigor, persistence, and joy that inspire me. This role allows me to not only share knowledge but also foster the next generation of scientists.