Professor Zhongchi Liu (C) engages with undergraduate students at the Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology on Oct. 10. Shao Jingfeng

Professor Zhongchi Liu, a scientist specializing in strawberry genome research, delivered a special lecture to undergraduates at the Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology (SUAT) on Oct. 10. During the lecture, she shared anecdotes about her mentor, Victor Ambros, from her time at Harvard University. Ambros recently became a Nobel laureate in Physiology or Medicine. Liu also discussed other Nobel laureates she encountered during her academic endeavors and research in the United States.

"Professor Liu's lecture focused on the latest research findings and discussed the research findings that led to the Nobel Prizes in Physiology or Medicine in 2002, 2006, and 2024, drawing parallels to her ongoing scientific endeavors using model systems," stated Li Zhicheng, a freshman at SUAT.

"Our comprehension of advanced biotechnology and its evolution was significantly enriched by our professor's association with Ambros. The lecture provides valuable insights and inspiration," remarked Wang Zhaoxuan, another freshman.

Stories behind Nobel Prize

Reflecting on her lecture, Professor Liu shared, "By connecting knowledge learning with the stories that led to the Nobel Prize, we aim to ignite students' interest in biology and desire to engage in scientific discovery."

Recalling her time at Harvard and the profound influence by Ambros, her PhD advisor, Liu emphasized his focus on cultivating problem-solving skills in students over academic achievements. "He is an excellent human being, driven by a deep passion and curiosity for science," expressed Liu.

As Ambros' first PhD student, Liu highlighted their enduring professional bond and disclosed her intention to invite the Nobel laureate to SUAT. "He has always been supportive. When I decided to transition to strawberry research, he just said, 'You are going to be great at strawberries,'" shared Liu.

Craig Mello, Liu's fellow PhD candidate in Ambros' lab, also received the Nobel Prize for his discovery of RNA interference in 2006, while Ambros' mentor, Robert Horvitz, was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2002. Their contributions have significantly impacted the fields of developmental biology and, more broadly, laid the foundation for new solutions to disease diagnosis and medicine, according to Liu.

A leader in strawberry genome research

Liu, a respected molecular geneticist known for her pioneering work in plant reproductive development, left her position as a tenured full professor at the University of Maryland in the U.S. to become a distinguished professor at SUAT. 

Acknowledged as a pioneering figure in strawberry molecular genetics and fruit development, Liu has made notable contributions through the establishment of advanced molecular genetic research tools in strawberries and mechanistic insights into strawberry development.

With an impressive portfolio of 120 SCI articles, including publications in prestigious journals like Nature, Genes & Dev, and Plant Cell, Liu's research has explored crucial aspects of strawberry fruit development, fruit type diversity, and the molecular mechanisms influencing fruit and seed growth. 

Her expertise extends to elucidating the asexual reproduction processes in strawberries, insights that shed new light on the sophisticated genetic pathways that impact plant characteristics and fruit quality. 

"My proudest achievement lies in pioneering research in strawberry molecular biology, positioning our laboratory at the forefront of global strawberry research," Liu noted.

Following a visit to Shenzhen in April 2023, during which Liu witnessed the dynamic scientific environment and robust research translation capabilities in the city, she returned to China to join SUAT's Faculty of Synthetic Biology in January 2024.

Reflecting on her experiences in the United States, Liu remarked on the stable yet predictable nature of her life there, contrasting it with the dynamic changes she observed upon returning to China, and particularly in Shenzhen. "Every time I returned to China, I saw significant changes," she shared with Shenzhen Daily.

She noted the support from SUAT to help her establish new research directions and translate research results, including establishing a smart greenhouse, which she may not have had access to in the United States.

Future plans

Looking ahead, Liu envisions harnessing cutting-edge gene editing technologies to enhance the color and flavor of strawberries. She also has aspirations to introduce novel varieties like blue and purple strawberries. 

"I aspire to create a new strawberry product that is not only delicious and nutritious but also visually appealing," she said.

Liu also plans to implement innovative precision indoor plant growth to maximize resource utilization and promote sustainability in agricultural practices.

Embracing the vibrancy of Shenzhen's scientific community, Liu underscored the significant role of education in shaping future generations, particularly emphasizing her desire to inspire female students.

Having left China in the 1980s to pursue advanced studies at Harvard University, Liu seeks to motivate her students with her personal experiences. "I aim to serve as a role model for them, showcasing that females can excel as distinguished professors in scientific research," she said.