Xiaolei Liu

Xiaolei Liu holds the Norman R. Gelphman Chair as Associate Professor in the School of Geosciences at the University of Oklahoma, where he leads research on lipid biomarkers to investigate Earth-life coevolution. Based at the Sarkeys Energy Center in Norman, Oklahoma, his work bridges analytical chemistry and geobiology to decode molecular fossils in sedimentary records.

His educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Organic Geochemistry from MARUM, University of Bremen, Germany (2011)
• M.Sc. in Palaeontology and Stratigraphy from Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China (2007)
• B.S. in Ecology and Environmental Microbiology from Shandong University, China (2003)

Dr. Liu's research centers on Geobiology and Lipid Biomarkers, with core objectives to: develop advanced analytical protocols for biomarker detection; trace biological sources and preservation pathways in sediments; and elucidate lipid biosynthesis mechanisms. His lab specializes in GDGT structural diversity, tetrapyrrole derivatives (porphyrins), tocopherols (Vitamin E), arsenolipids, and integrated metal-biomarker proxies for reconstructing ancient redox conditions.

Recent publications (2022-2023) reveal a methodological shift toward high-resolution mass spectrometry for arsenolipid and tetrapyrrole analysis, coupled with paleoenvironmental applications tracking Oceanic Anoxic Events through phytoplankton biomarkers. His work consistently integrates analytical innovation with geobiological questions, spanning analytical chemistry, organic geochemistry, and Earth history reconstruction.

No scientific awards are documented in the provided materials.

Dr. Liu actively recruits graduate students for his Geobiology Lab, advising research in lipid biomarker applications. While specific grants aren't listed, his projects require advanced analytical infrastructure for environmental sample processing. He teaches Organic Geochemistry and Physical Geology courses within the School of Geosciences curriculum.

The Geobiology Lab focuses on molecular structural diversity, natural distribution, and biogeochemical significance of lipid biomarkers, employing cutting-edge techniques like RPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS to analyze complex biological and environmental samples. Current projects include sedimentary records of tocopherols for redox reconstruction and GDGT degradation pathways in marine systems.