Prof. Zi-Jun Liu | Fluoroscopy Awards | Excellence in Research
Prof. Zi-Jun Liu, University of Washington, United States
Dr. Zi-Jun (Zee) Liu, DDS, MS, PhD, is a prominent figure in the field of orthodontics, currently serving as a Research Professor in the Department of Orthodontics at the University of Washington, Seattle. He earned his Bachelor of Medical Science (BMSc) from Nanjing Medical University, China, followed by a Master of Science and a PhD in Medical Science from The 4th Military Medical University. Additionally, he completed a PhD in Dental Science at Osaka University, Japan. With extensive academic and clinical experience, Dr. Liu has held various faculty appointments, including roles as Assistant Professor and Associate Professor at The 4th Military Medical University and Kagoshima University, Japan. His teaching contributions include courses on tooth anatomy, occlusion, and orthodontic theory. Dr. Liu’s research interests focus on the biology of the craniofacial skeleton, masticatory development, and temporomandibular joint function, among others. He has been a principal investigator and co-investigator on several significant research grants, contributing to advancements in understanding craniofacial biomechanics and dysfunctions. He is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of dental professionals and researchers in his field.
Professional Profile:
Summary of Suitability for Excellence in Research
Dr. Zi-Jun (Zee) Liu’s extensive background and accomplishments in dental science and craniofacial research position him as an exemplary candidate for the Research for Excellence in Research award. His career spans decades of impactful research, academic contributions, and clinical expertise in orthodontics, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and craniofacial biomechanics. Below are key points supporting his suitability
🎓 Education
- Nanjing Medical University, China
BMSc (equivalent to DDS), August 1983 - The 4th Military Medical University, China
MS (Medical Science), December 1986 - The 4th Military Medical University, China
PhD (Medical Science), July 1991 - Osaka University, Japan
PhD (Dental Science), February 1991
🏫 Faculty Appointments
- The 4th Military Medical University
Oral Basic Science, Assistant Professor (1991-1992)
Oral Basic Science, Associate Professor (1992-1994) - Kagoshima University, Japan
Orthodontics, Visiting Scientist (1994-1995)
Orthodontics, Assistant Professor (1995-1997)
🏥 Hospital Appointments
- Qindu Stomatological Hospital, China
TMJ/Orofacial Pain Clinic, Resident Dentist (1986-1991)
TMJ/Orofacial Pain Clinic, Attending Dentist (1991-1992)
TMJ/Orofacial Pain Clinic, Director/Chief Doctor (1992-1994) - Affiliated Dental Hospital of Kagoshima University Dental School
TMJ/Orofacial Pain Clinic, Consulting Doctor (1994-1997)
📚 Teaching Experience
- Tooth Anatomy and Occlusion: Responsible for complete lab instruction and some lectures (1986-1991)
- Oral Anatomy and Physiology: Course director, all lectures and lab instructions (1991-1994)
- Anatomy, Function, and Dysfunction of Masticatory Apparatus: Graduate Course director, major lectures, and complete lab instructions (1992-1994)
- Basic Theory of Orthodontics: Lectures and lab instructions (1995-1997)
- Research Design, Method, and Data Analysis: Individual mentoring and supervising (1998 – Present)
- ORTHO 550A, Directed Studies in Orthodontics: Preceptor/Course director (2003 – present)
- DENT 578, Research Techniques: Mentor/Course director (2005 – present)
- ORTHO 565, Orthodontic Theory: Graduate Course, Provide lectures (2014 – present)
- DENT 499, Independent Undergraduate Research: Mentor (2015 – present)
- Inter-Professional Education (IPE): Faculty facilitator (2016 – 2020)
🔬 Research Interests
- Biology of craniofacial skeleton (growth, remodeling, formation, and biomechanics)
- Masticatory development and muscle physiology, adaptation, and plasticity
- Function and biomechanics of craniofacial musculature and tongue
- Functional tooth mobility, orthodontic tooth movement, and biomechanics of the periodontal ligament
- Animal models for obstructive sleep apnea and craniofacial tissue engineering
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function, biomechanics, and functional disorders (TMD)
- Dental anatomy, occlusion, and mandibular kinetics
💼 Research Grants
- Coordination of Jaw, Tongue, and Hyoid Movements during Mastication
- Role: Co-Investigator
- Total Direct Costs: JPY 2,000,000
- Grant Period: 1989-1991
- Study on Occlusion and Temporomandibular Disorders
- Role: Principal Investigator (Oversea)
- Total Direct Costs: JPY 11,000,000
- Grant Period: 1994-1996
- Comprehensive Study on Dysfunction of Tongue Movements
- Role: Principal Investigator
- Total Direct Costs: JPY 3,400,000
- Grant Period: 1997-1998