Tina Y. Liu

Tina Y. Liu is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, affiliated with the School of Arts and Sciences Center for Advanced Biotechnology & Medicine (CABM). Her research focuses on microbial defense mechanisms, particularly CRISPR-Cas systems in bacteria and archaea, and their applications in biotechnology and diagnostics. She leads a lab exploring CRISPR signaling pathways, nucleic acid detection technologies, and molecular mechanisms of prokaryotic immune systems.

Research interests include CRISPR-Cas systems, bacterial immunity, nucleotide signaling, and the development of diagnostic tools using CRISPR nucleases. Key techniques employed are biochemistry, structural biology, molecular engineering, and cell biology. She has contributed to advancements in RNA detection via Cas13-based assays and engineered CRISPR systems for medical applications.

Publications highlight innovations in CRISPR-based diagnostics, including the FIND-IT assay for SARS-CoV-2 detection and studies on Type III CRISPR signaling pathways. Her work bridges fundamental CRISPR biology with translational applications in health and medicine.