Andrea J. Liu is the Hepburn Professor of Physics and Professor of Chemistry at the University of Pennsylvania, within the School of Arts & Sciences. She is based in the Department of Physics and conducts interdisciplinary research at the intersection of theoretical physics, soft matter, and biophysics. Her education includes a Ph.D. from Cornell University (1989) and a B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley (1984). Dr. Liu's research focuses on soft matter physics and biophysical self-assembly . She investigates the universal framework of jamming in disordered systems such as glass-forming liquids, foams, and granular materials. Her work explores how these systems develop yield stress or long relaxation times under varying conditions. On the biological side, she studies the mechanical reorganization of actin networks in the cytoskeleton during cell crawling, modeling polymerization, branching, crosslinking, and force generation at the leading edge of cells. Her research combines analytical theory and numerical simulations to uncover the dynamical principles governing morphology and mechanical properties in complex soft and biological materials. Scientific Awards: Hepburn Professor of Physics Dr. Liu leads an active research group focused on theoretical and computational modeling in soft condensed matter and biophysics. Although specific grants are not listed, her position and named professorship imply sustained funding and academic leadership. She advises graduate students and contributes to advanced research training in physics and interdisciplinary sciences. The research group maintains a website, though access to the '/liugroup/' directory is currently restricted (403 Forbidden). However, her curriculum vitae is publicly accessible, indicating ongoing scholarly activity.
