Liqin Zhao

Liqin Zhao’s research focuses broadly on identifying sex and genetic influences on brain metabolism and microglial homeostasis in neurobiology of aging and etiology of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (sAD). The lab research has been continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health and featured in various news media including the following:

• Nature Medicine: Sex on the brain: unraveling the differences between women and men in neurodegenerative disease
• JAMA: In Alzheimer research, glucose metabolism moves to center stage
• NPR News: Keeping your blood sugar in check could lower your Alzheimer’s risk
• KU News: Researchers shed light on potential shield from Alzheimer’s
• USC News: USC scientist recognized for Alzheimer’s research
• Alzheimer’s Association: Spotlight on researchers dedicated to Alzheimer’s

At the KU School of Pharmacy, in addition to directing a research lab, Zhao teaches in both Pharm.D. and graduate (M.S. and Ph.D.) programs, with a teaching focus on pharmacology of the nervous system. Dr. Zhao also directs the “Beyond the Lab” career development program.

Professional Experience

• Research Assistant Professor, Research Associate Professor, Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA (2006-2013)
• Director of Translational Research Laboratory, Director of Core Facilities and Services, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA (2009-2013)