I am a dedicated science fellow with a strong background in regenerative medicine and developmental biology research. My core expertise lies in CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and the application of human pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs and hESCs), particularly in their directed differentiation into complex 3D structures like retinal organoids. My research covers the interconnected fields of cell and molecular biology, developmental biology, and tissue engineering. I am particularly interested in understanding how cells differentiate, acquire spatial identity, and self-organize into tissue-like structures that mimic in vivo development. A key focus of my work is the modeling of early differentiation, axon growth, and pathfinding of human retinal ganglion cells. My work also involves the use of 3D culture systems, nanofibrous scaffolds, and biomaterials to create functional biological environments that support lineage-specific differentiation. Additionally, I have experience in human genetics, with expertise ranging from cytogenetic analyses (karyotyping and FISH) to detect chromosomal abnormalities and molecular genetic testing to identify specific genetic disorders.
Nexus Institute of Research and Innovation (NIRI)
Kathmandu, Bāgmatī, Nepal
Department of Natural and Applied Sciences (NAAS)
FFS / Hanson Family Trust Postdoctoral Award
Fight of Sight, NY
Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of CRB1-associated retinal dystrophies using human retinal organoids. https://fightforsight.org/grants/past-awardees/
3-D Retina Organoid Challenge (3-D ROC)- NEI/NIH Phase II Prize
National Eye Institute/NIH, Bethesda, MD
NEI awards a team led by Wei Liu, Ph.D., Albert Einstein College of Medicine $40,000 for developing two different types of organoids, one which is enriched for cone photoreceptors and the other organoid demonstrating RGC axon pathfinding abilities. https://www.nei.nih.gov/about/goals-and-accomplishments/nei-research-initiatives/3-d-retina-organoid-challenge-3-d-roc/2017-ideation-challenge/2017-ideation-winner-and-honorable-mention
Best PhD Thesis
Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (hiPSC)-Derived Retinal Organoids and Retinal Pigment Epithelium to Model Retinal Development and Degenerative Diseases.
Senior Scientist or Principal Investigator
Nexus Institute of Research and Innovation (NIRI), Lalitpur, Nepal
01 Sep 2024 - present
Research Consultant
Anka Analytica, Melbourne, Australia
01 Jan 2023 - 01 Jul 2024
Post Doctoral Researcher
Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, US
01 Feb 2020 - 01 Jul 2023