Liqin Zhao

Liqin Zhao’s research broadly focuses on identifying sex and genetic influences on brain metabolism that contribute to brain resilience or risk for the development of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (sAD). The lab research has been continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health and frequently featured in various news media including USC News, KU News, 6News Lawrence, NPR News, JAMA, Nature Medicine, Alzheimer’s Association, and Society for Neuroscience.

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)