Chemical Functional Genomics
Liau Lab @ Harvard University, Cambridge MA
Our science
The Liau Lab studies the molecular mechanisms underpinning biological processes, cancer mutations, and drug mechanism of action using chemical biology and genomics.
We are collaborative and multidisciplinary, combining organic chemistry, cell and molecular biology, protein biochemistry, and large-scale genetic screening in our research approach.
Our team
We're a multidisciplinary group of scientists from all walks of science, including chemical biology, cell and molecular biology, organic synthesis, biochemistry, and functional genomics. As part of an interdisciplinary research program, trainees tackle problems at the interface of chemical biology and genomics using a diverse array of techniques.
Recent news
2025
October
The lab bids farewell to Dr. Olivia Zhang, who will be sorely missed. Wishing her the best on her next adventure!
We are very grateful to receive research funding from the Mark Foundation ASPIRE award to pursue high-risk high-reward research on E3 ligases.
And finally congratulations to Dr. Emma Garcia on a stellar PhD defense!! Emma’s mentorship and expertise will be missed by the lab, and we congratulate you on your new postdoctoral role in Ben Lehner’s group.
September
We’re happy to announce the CTCF and TDAC-seq papers officially published in eLife and Nature Methods, respectively.
And a big welcome to Mekedlawit Setegne, our newest postdoc fellow joining us from Stanford University.
August
Congratulations to Dr. Heejin Roh for a fantastic thesis defense!! Heejin’s persistence and creativity in developing TDAC-seq is an inspiration to us all.
June
Congratulations to Dr. Nicholas Chen for defending his thesis, wrapping up his joint Ph.D. between our lab and Liron Bar-Peled!
May
A warm welcome to Sarah Canarelli, our new postdoctoral fellow joining us from Boston College!
Congratulations to Dr. Megan Yeo and Dr. Olivia Zhang for successfully defending their theses!! We are extremely proud of these two integral members to our lab and wish you only the best as you transition to the next step of your career.
April
Congratulations to the T448 team on their paper officially out in Nature Communications!
February
Congratulations to the UM171/KBTBD4 team on their papers being officially published online!
January
We welcome Nomin and Ryosuke to the lab to usher in the new year! And we are grateful to be supported by the Ono Pharma Foundation.
