Symonne Liu

Biography:

Symonne Liu graduated from the University of Chicago with a double major in Molecular Engineering and Biological Sciences. With a strong background in genetics, bioengineering, synthetic biology, and computational biology, Symonne has been actively involved in research projects spanning RNA interference pathways, retrovirus resistance mechanisms, and Schistosomiasis vaccine development. At the Golovkina Lab, Symonne investigates the mechanism of retrovirus infection in congenic mouse lines. As a leader in UChicago Gene Hackers, Symonne spearheaded the development of a novel virus-like particle vaccine for Schistosomiasis and collaborated with the NIH-funded Schistosomiasis Resource Center to conduct immunogenic studies. Symonne is also a prominent figure in the field of synthetic biology, leading a team that was nominated for the Best Project in Infectious Diseases at an international synthetic biology competition. Their expertise in designing and engineering biological systems has contributed to groundbreaking advancements in vaccine development and therapeutic strategies. Beyond research, Symonne has engaged in biomedical entrepreneurship and pharmacogenomics initiatives, bridging the gap between lab discoveries and clinical applications. As the founder and board member of the Chicagoland Virology Journal Club, they are dedicated to fostering STEM education and scientific communication on infectious diseases.