Department of Plant Pathology
Sanzhen Liu, PhD

Sanzhen Liu, PhD

Associate Professor
Plant genomics

4729 Throckmorton PSC
1712 Claflin Road
Manhattan, KS 66506

Ph: 785-532-1379

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Curriculum Vitae (pdf)
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Research Lab

Biography

Dr. Sanzhen Liu graduated from Iowa State University in Genetics and minored in Statistics. He received his Bachelor and Master degree at Xiamen University in China, majoring in Microbiology and minoring in Computer Science. His lab research combines genetics, molecular biology, and computational biology to study maize, wheat, and pathogens.

Education

  • Ph.D. Genetics with a minor in Statistics, Iowa State University, 2010
  • M.S. Molecular Microbiology, Xiamen University, 2000
  • B.S. Microbiology with minor in Computer Science, Xiamen University, 1997

Research

Sanzhen Liu lab primarily utilizes next generation sequencing technologies and computational tools to address biological questions of interest. The research is focused on plant embryogenesis / regeneration, plant / microbial genomics, plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. The current interests include the utility of multiple cutting-edge technologies for genome assemblies, methodologies in efficient gene mapping and cloning, understanding plant responses at the molecular level to biotic and abiotic stresses (e.g. Goss’s wilt, drought condition), identification of critical genes involved in embryogenesis / regeneration and resistance genes to various pathogens in maize and wheat, as well as genomic dynamics of fungi causing blast diseases. Liu lab is currently supported by the NSF Plant Genome Research Program (PGRP), the NSF/NIFA Plant Biotic Interactions (PBI), Kansas Wheat Commission, and a few other programs from both the NSF and USDA.