Zhi Liu, PhD

Senior Scientist

Dr. Zhi Liu brings over a decade of research experience in materials science, nanomedicine, and drug delivery, with a focus on nanoparticle-based platforms for cancer therapy. He earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences and pursued postdoctoral research at the University of Georgia and the University of Wisconsin–Madison, specializing in nanoparticle-based delivery systems.

Dr. Liu previously served as Senior Scientist and Principal Investigator at Athna Biotech, where he led NIH-funded SBIR/STTR projects developing novel nanocarriers for non-small cell lung cancer and bladder cancer therapy. His expertise spans nanoparticle synthesis and surface engineering, advanced physicochemical characterization, and preclinical evaluation in tumor models, including biodistribution, efficacy, and safety studies. His work bridges materials science and oncology, advancing novel nanocarriers from bench research toward clinical translation.