Melissa Liu

Melissa Liu is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Division of Humanities and Sciences / Designmatters, affiliated with the University of Washington, Seattle. Her academic work bridges anthropology, design, and neuroethics, with a focus on innovative care environments for individuals with cognitive conditions.

Her educational background includes advanced training in sociocultural anthropology and interdisciplinary science studies:

• PhD Candidate in Sociocultural Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle
• MA with Honors in Medicine, Science & Technology Studies, University of California, Irvine
• BA with High Distinction in Anthropology, University of California, Berkeley

Melissa's research explores the intersection of design, technology, and dementia care. Her primary interests include the sociocultural dimensions of aging, therapeutic interventions such as music therapy for dementia patients, and the ethical and spatial design of dementia villages. She integrates anthropological methods with design thinking to address complex health and social challenges.

Her scholarly contributions are recognized through prestigious National Science Foundation support, reflecting the innovation and societal impact of her proposed work. These fellowships highlight her leadership in neuroethics and human-centered design research.

• National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship (Dementia Village Project)
• National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship (Neuroethics Thrust, Center for Neurotechnology)

Melissa Liu is actively engaged in research and academic instruction, contributing to interdisciplinary education through the Designmatters initiative. While no formal advisees are listed, her NSF fellowships suggest grant-supported research activity. She is building a scholarly profile at the nexus of anthropology, ethics, and design innovation, with potential future work in dementia-inclusive communities and neurotechnological care frameworks.