James C. Liao

Dr. James C. Liao is an Associate Professor at the University of Florida, affiliated with the Department of Radiation Oncology and based at the Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience. His research integrates biomechanics, sensory biology, and robotics to study fish locomotion and environmental interactions. Liao earned a B.A. in Biology (magna cum laude) from Wesleyan University, followed by an M.A. and Ph.D. in Biology from Harvard University. Postdoctoral training included neurobiology at Cornell University.

Research interests focus on fish swimming efficiency, sensory systems (e.g., lateral line), and the interplay between morphology, flow dynamics, and behavior. Key areas include: 1) Biomechanics of fish acceleration and flow refuging strategies; 2) Neural mechanisms underlying sensory feedback during locomotion; 3) Evolutionary adaptations in cavefish sensory systems; and 4) Development of bio-inspired robotics. Recent work explores vortex street interactions, predator-prey dynamics, and microbiome-resistome dynamics in agricultural contexts.

Publications highlight interdisciplinary methods, combining experimental biology with computational fluid dynamics and robotics. Notable themes include flow sensing in turbulent environments, energy optimization in swimming, and sensory modulation under stress. Collaborative efforts bridge marine biology, engineering, and medical applications (e.g., yeast-based cancer therapies).

Liao leads the Liao Lab at Whitney Laboratory, focusing on experimental studies of aquatic organisms and their hydrodynamic environments. Ongoing projects include 3D-printed fish prototyping for flow analysis, optogenetic dissection of sensory circuits, and field studies of wild fish schooling behaviors.