Yao-Zhong LiuView profile
Associate Professor
Dr. Yao-Zhong Liu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biostatistics and Data Science at Tulane University’s Weatherhead School of Public Health . With both an MD and a PhD, he brings deep biomedical insight to advanced statistical and computational methods for high-dimensional omics data, including next-generation sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and digital pathology. Education & Training Postdoctorate, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX (2006) PhD, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, USA (2005) MD, Capital University of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China (1993) Research Interests Dr. Liu’s laboratory focuses on the intersection of genomics, computational biology, and clinical medicine. He develops and applies cutting-edge statistical and machine-learning frameworks for: Next-generation sequencing – bulk and single-cell RNA-seq data to dissect cellular heterogeneity in liver and pancreatic diseases. Spatial transcriptomics – mapping gene expression within intact tissue microenvironments to understand tumor–immune interactions. Digital pathology – AI-driven image analysis for precision oncology and gastrointestinal pathology. Meta-genomics – integrative study of host and microbial transcriptomes in infectious and chronic diseases. Publication Themes Across more than 50 peer-reviewed publications since 2009, Dr. Liu’s work has consistently leveraged multi-omics datasets to uncover molecular mechanisms in cancer, infectious disease, and skeletal disorders. Recent emphasis (2022-2025) has shifted toward pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma , hepatocellular carcinoma , and spatial tumor microenvironment remodeling after neoadjuvant therapy, integrating single-cell RNA-seq with clinical outcomes. Scientific Awards Tulane-Xavier Center for Bioenvironmental Research Faculty Fellowship (2016-2017) Alice L. Jee Memorial Young Investigator Award, 33rd International Sun Valley Hard Tissue Workshop (2003) Teaching & Mentorship Dr. Liu teaches core biostatistics and data-science courses such as SPHL 6050 Biostatistics for Public Health , BIOS 6290 Data Management and Statistical Computing , and BIOS 7400 Clinical Trials . While specific advisees are not listed in the provided materials, his sustained publication record and course offerings indicate active graduate-level mentoring. Laboratory & Collaborations Operating within the collaborative ecosystem of the Weatherhead School of Public Health, Dr. Liu’s group maintains strong ties to clinicians at Tulane’s School of Medicine and to national consortia focusing on gastrointestinal oncology and infectious disease genomics.







