Lian obtained her master's degree in Geochemistry at Yangtze University in 2016 and then was awarded her PhD (2020) in organic geochemistry at Macquarie University, for her work on source rock evaluation and Cretaceous-Eocene paleoclimate reconstruction in the Gippsland Basin. From 2021 to 2023, she worked as a research assistant at Macquarie University. She is now a postdoctoral research fellow at Macquarie University and Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, China. Lian has a robust background in organic geochemistry and is an expert in biomarkers and aromatic compounds found in geological sediments. Her research interests include biomarker-based reconstructions of paleoclimate and paleovegetation.