Haijun Liu

Haijun Liu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Saint Louis University, within the College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on understanding the structural dynamics of biological macromolecules involved in energy capture and transduction during photosynthesis, using advanced techniques like mass spectrometry and biochemical engineering. He holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Louisiana State University (2008), an M.S. in Plant Biology from Sichuan University (1996), and a B.A. in Biology from Hebei Normal University (1993).

Research interests include membrane-bound protein complexes, photosynthetic reaction centers, and structural changes under environmental stress. His lab employs cutting-edge mass spectrometry to study energy flow pathways and light adaptation mechanisms in organisms like cyanobacteria and coral symbionts. Notable contributions involve elucidating phycobilisome allostery and photoprotection mechanisms.

• Key research tools: Mass spectrometry, biochemical assays, and computational modeling.
• Key organisms studied: Cyanobacteria (e.g., Synechocystis sp., Leptolyngbya ohadii), green sulfur bacteria, and coral symbionts.

Publications highlight structural insights into photosystem II assembly, light-harvesting antenna dynamics, and protein quenching mechanisms. Awards include the Rebeiz Foundation Research Paper Award (2013) and recognition for teaching excellence (Phi Kappa Phi, 2003).

Advising focuses on undergraduate researchers, including contributions to studies on protein cross-linking and environmental stress responses. The Liu Lab collaborates on projects involving structural biology and biophysics, with a lab website at hliulab.org.