Qingqing Zeng (曾清清), Student (G5)
During her undergraduate studies, Qingqing primarily focused on the structural modification of natural products with the aim of discovering derivatives with enhanced biological activity. With the curiosity and interest of biocatalysis, she joined the Liu lab trying to develop novel and efficient transformations using engineered proteins. In her free time, Qingqing enjoys cycling, watching movies, and spending time with her cat.
Hong-Ning Yin (尹红宁), Student (G5)
B.E. in Chemistry, Qingdao University of Science and Technology
During her undergraduate studies, Hong-Ning specialized in the surface functionalization of gold nanoparticles. In Dr. Liu’s laboratory, she is enthusiastic about developing innovative and effective methods in the field of biocatalysis. In her spare time, Hong-Ning enjoys playing the guitar, sketching, and travelling.
Hometown: Tengzhou, Shandong (China)
Shuangyu Dai (代双玉), Student (G5)
Sc. in Chemistry, Lanzhou University, 2018–2022
Ph.D. candidate in Biology, NIBS, 2022–Present
Shuangyu earned her undergraduate degree from Lanzhou University, focusing on flame-retardant polyurethanes to enhance their safety in consumer products. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at NIBS under the supervision of Dr. Liu, researching enzyme-catalyzed selective oxidation chemistry. Her work aims to develop efficient and sustainable synthetic methodologies. Outside of lab, Shuangyu enjoys painting and creative DIY projects.
Xinchen Yang (杨昕晨), Student (G4)
B.E. in Pharmaceutical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology
During his undergraduate studies, Xinchen Yang focused on the field of nanomedicine delivery. He is excited to be a part of Prof. Liu’s lab, where he is exploring the potential of enzymatic catalysis. His research seeks to contribute to the development of more efficient and sustainable chemical processes. Outside of his research, Xinchen enjoys playing basketball and computer games.
Hometown: Hefei, Anhui (China)
Yunfei He (何云飞), Student (G4)
Yunfei joined the group as a graduate student in August 2022. In 2023, Yunfei obtained his B.Sc. degree from Taishan College, Shandong University, under the guidance of Professor Liu Lei. Before joining the group, he was interested in asymmetric oxidation work.
Zihan Liu (刘茈涵), Student (G4)
Zihan conducted her doctoral research on artificial enzymes, aiming to broaden the scope of biocatalysis. In her spare time, she has a wide range of interests and hobbies, including outdoor sports, football, science fiction movies, anime, computer games and so on.
Xiang Zhao (赵翔), Student (G3)
Before joining the Liu Lab, Xiang worked on a wide range of transition metal-catalyzed C−H bond activation reactions. He is currently using directed evolution methods to bring novel reactivities to the flavin-dependent enzymes. In his free time, Xiang enjoys running, swimming, and tasting delicious food.
Jiqiang Zang (臧吉强), Student (G3)
B.S. in Applied Chemistry (Major), 2020–2024, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China. B.S. in Data Science and Big Data Technology (Minor), 2022–2024, College of Information and Electrical Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.
Jiqiang’s research interest focuses on using green, efficient methods to address challenges in chemical synthesis and related areas. He is also dedicated to enhancing enzyme function and performance through protein evolution and design. In his spare time, he enjoys listening to music, practicing landscape photography, and exploring computer-related technologies.
Shurui Yang (杨书睿), Student (G3)
B.S. in Chemistry, 2020–2024, College of Science, China Agricultural University.
During his undergraduate studies, Shurui focused on the total synthesis of natural products. Currently, in Dr. Liu’s laboratory, he is working on developing enzymatic synthesis methods through protein engineering. In his spare time, Shurui enjoys listening to music and playing computer games.
Huijun Yang (杨慧君), Student (G2)
B.S. in Pharmacy, Zhengzhou University, 2017–2021
M.S. in Pharmacy, Nanjing university of Chinese medicine, 2022–2025
Before joining the Liu group, Huijun worked on the synthesis of unnatural amino acids using PLP-dependent aldolase (see https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jacs.5c07660). She became a member of the group in July 2025. Her research focuses on developing new biocatalytic reactions to address longstanding selectivity challenges and broaden the use of enzymes in sustainable chemical synthesis. Outside the lab, she enjoys reading novels, watching talk shows, and attending concerts.
Xin Shen (沈鑫), Student (G2)
B.S. in Chemistry, 2021–2025, Lanzhou University
During her undergraduate studies, Shen Xin focused on the total synthesis of natural products. She is delighted to join the Liu laboratory to explore the potential of enzymatic reactions. She is committed to exploring and establishing novel and efficient reaction strategies and methodological systems in the field of biocatalysis. Outside of research, Shen Xin enjoys playing table tennis, watching TV series, and tasting delicious food.
Hometown: Chongqing (China)
Yuezhen Qi (齐悦臻), Student (G2)
B.S. in Chemistry, 2021–2025, Taishan College, Shandong University.
Driven by interest in enzyme catalysis and protein engineering, Yuezhen joined the Liu Lab. Her current research focuses on developing selective reduction systems, aiming to expand the synthetic applications of new-to-nature reductases. Outside of research, she enjoys traveling, watching anime, and K-pop.
Lulu Song (宋露露), Student (G2)
B.S in Pharmacy, 2021-2025, China Pharmaceutical University.
During her undergraduate studies, Lulu focused on developing immunomodulatory Pt(IV) anticancer agents. Motivated by her interests in enzyme catalysis and protein directed evolution, she joined Dr. Liu’s laboratory to develop efficient biocatalytic methods. In her spare time, Lulu enjoys traveling and photography.
Ziyi Chen (陈子毅), Technician
M.S. in Biology, Yangzhou University, 2022–2025
Technician in School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University, 2025–2026
Before joining the Liu group, Ziyi worked on the enzymatic site-selective δ-C–H lactonization of aliphatic carboxylic acids. His current research in the Liu Lab focuses on enzymatic non-natural dehydrogenation reactions. In his spare time, he enjoys playing basketball and working out. He is also enthusiastic about trying other sports and traveling.
Bo Zhang (张博), Manager