Carol Liu

I’m excited about the opportunity to join your research team. With a background in biomedical engineering and hands-on experience in cell culture, immunoassays, PCR, and microscopy, I am eager to contribute to advancing scientific innovation in healthcare and life sciences.

My work on projects involving bioreactor development, cancer dynamics, and sleep apnea diagnostics has equipped me with skills in literature review, experimental design, and data analysis. These experiences have honed my ability to interpret data, troubleshoot challenges, and communicate findings effectively.

I excel at combining attention to detail with a problem-solving mindset and value teamwork in achieving research goals. I am committed to applying my skills to drive meaningful discoveries and innovations in your dynamic research environment.

Current Thesis | Exploring Relationships Between Cardiopulmonary Coupling (CPC) and Physiological Parameters
University of Sydney | Oct 2024 – Present

•  Investigating the relationship between CPC and EEG delta waves to improve the accuracy and ease of sleep apnea diagnosis.

•  Exploring the intercorrelation between High-Frequency Coupling (HFC) and ECG

delta waves.

•  Incorporating additional factors such as Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and respiration stability to enhance diagnostic precision.

•  Currently conducting an extensive literature review on these interdependent mechanisms.

Team member  | Deciphering the Mechanical Forces Driving Cancer Dynamics

USYD - Sydney | Jul 2024 to Nov 2024

•  This project aims to investigate how variations in cell ECM stiffness influence cancer cell behavior, and to discern the biomechanical differences between Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and more aggressively metastatic cancers.

•  Conducted a comprehensive literature review on the relationship between ECM stiffness, viscosity, and cancer cell metastasis.

•  Examined the effects of ECM stiffness and viscosity separately on cancer cell

migration, proliferation, and survival, identifying their distinct roles in metastasis.

•  Investigated molecular pathways activated by changes in ECM properties, focusing on signaling cascades that promote metastasis.

•  Compared biomechanical responses of BCC to more metastatic cancers to discern key differences in cell behavior under varying ECM and viscosity conditions.

•  Performed data analysis to identify correlations between ECM mechanical properties and cancer cell dynamics, informing potential therapeutic targets.

•  Synthesized research findings to provide insights into how ECM stiffness and viscosity collectively influence cancer progression and metastatic potential.

Team Member | Development of a Bypass Hemofiltration and Albumin Dialysis System

USYD - Sydney | Feb 2024 to Jul 2024

•  This project aims to develop a functional haemodialysis and albumin dialysis system for use on liver perfusion machines.

•  Conducted a literature review on albumin dialysis principles, focusing on optimal pH settings for acid and base filters to ensure effective filtration.

•  Researched and determined the compositions and concentrations of dialysis fluids, with particular emphasis on buffer solutions to maintain system stability.

•  Designed and integrated the acid and base filtration system, waste management system, and albumin recycling components to optimize dialysis performance.

•  Incorporated sensors for temperature, pressure, and oxygen levels to enable real-time monitoring and enhance system functionality.

Team Member | Improvement of Arterial Bioreactor

USYD – Sydney | Jul 2023 to Nov 2023

•  This project developed a bioreactor that maintains simultaneous in-vitro stability and optimizes the culturing of multiple vascular grafts, with a focus on enhancing usability for operators.

•  Contributed to the development of a bioreactor for maintaining a stable in-vitro

environment to culture multiple vascular grafts.

•  Designed and refined manifold inlets and outlets to achieve precise control of flow distribution, pressure, and velocity.

•  Enhanced the rotating chamber functionality to optimize cell culture conditions and ensure consistent performance.

•  Simplified component design and incorporated a self-healing polymer membrane to improve usability and operator efficiency.

•  Conducted iterative testing, load analysis, and force calculations to determine optimal dimensions and verify structural integrity under physiological conditions.

Team Member | Proposals of Yamanaka's Factors in Skin

USYD – Sydney | Feb 2023 to Jun 2023

•  This project focused on enhancing the safety of Yamanaka's factors for partial reprogramming of skin cells into progenitor cells, addressing the risk of tumorigenicity associated with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

•  Replaced c-Myc with Glis-1 to mitigate oncogenic risks while maintaining effective reprogramming outcomes.

•  Applied TGF-beta to improve the proliferation and functionality of myofibroblasts in regenerative processes.

•  Performed immunofluorescent staining and flow cytometry to identify and characterize iPSCs accurately.

•  Analyzed metabolic profiles to verify the presence and differentiation of myofibroblasts and iPSCs.

•  Implemented risk control strategies by editing Yamanaka's factors to balance reprogramming efficiency and safety.

Team Member | Customized 3D Scanner Hand Splints

USYD – Sydney | Jul 2022 to Nov 2022

•  This project developed an affordable and user-friendly 3D scanning device to improve accuracy in hand therapy by integrating existing 3D scanning software with a customized hand splint.

•  Designed optimal dimensions and angles for the device to achieve precise hand positioning and scanning accuracy.

•  Performed stress and force analysis to ensure the structural integrity and durability of the splint.

•  Conducted risk analysis to identify and mitigate potential patient discomfort and injury during use.

•  Refined the splint design through iterative testing to minimize device volume while maintaining scanning accuracy.

•  Integrated user-centered design principles to enhance ease of use for hand therapy applications.

Research Participant | Research on Aflatoxin Testing

iGEM Competition – Shenzhen | Jan 2017 to Jan 2018

•  IGEM was a competition allowing students to practice related skills in biomedical laboratory and research. Our program targeted on quick and affordable testing of aflatoxin to deal with the risk of food contamination due to mould.

•  Contributed to a project focused on developing a quick and affordable aflatoxin testing method to mitigate the risk of food contamination from mold.

•  Prepared experimental materials and equipment, ensuring accuracy and readiness for laboratory procedures.

•  Cultured cells and bacteria for use in molecular biology experiments, maintaining sterile techniques and optimal growth conditions.

•  Assisted in PCR and gel electrophoresis, gaining hands-on experience in DNA amplification and analysis techniques.

•  Organized and analyzed experimental data, enhancing skills in data interpretation, documentation, and troubleshooting.