Robert Liu

Dr. Robert Liu is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Emory University and Associate Director of the Computational Modeling and Bioinformatics Core (CMBC). He also holds an affiliation with the National Primate Research Center. His academic journey began with a B.S. in Physics from Stanford University, followed by a Ph.D. in Applied Physics, and transitioned into neuroscience through postdoctoral work at the University of California, San Francisco.

• Education
  • B.S. in Physics, Stanford (1991)
  • Ph.D. in Applied Physics, Stanford (1998)
  • Postdoc, UCSF Sloan-Swartz Center for Theoretical Neurobiology

Dr. Liu’s research focuses on the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying natural social behaviors, particularly acoustic communication in mice and pair bonding in prairie voles. His Computational Neuroethology Laboratory integrates computational, electrophysiological, optogenetic, neurochemical, and behavioral methods to investigate how neural circuits encode and adapt to social cues, with emphasis on oxytocin, BDNF signaling, and experience-dependent plasticity.

Recent publications highlight his work in bioacoustic analysis, social learning, and neurochemical modulation. Key themes include auditory cortex function, rodent communication systems, and neural mechanisms of social reward. His research has been continuously funded by the NIH since 2001.

Notable awards include the Winship Distinguished Research Professorship (2014-2017). He contributes to the neuroscience community as program chair for international meetings, advisory committee member for France’s NeuroPSI institute, and NIH study section member on audition. Contact: robert.liu@emory.edu