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:

SCOPUS

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

Publication Top Notes

Respiratory internal kinematics of the tongue base and soft palate in obese minipigs with obstructive sleep apnea

Tongue, palatal, hyoid and pharyngeal muscle activity during chewing, swallowing, and respiration

Tissue properties and respiratory kinematics of the tongue base and soft palate in the obese OSA minipig

Bilateral treatment of the masseter with botulinum toxin: Consequences for mastication, muscle force and the mandibular condyle

The nasal septum and midfacial growth

Repeated botulinum treatment of rabbit masseter causes cumulative tissue damage

Dr. Tanya Mendez, NMAM Institute of Technology, Nitte, Karkala, India

Tanya Mendez is an accomplished researcher and educator in the field of Electronics and Communication Engineering, currently based in Mangalore, India. She earned her Ph.D. from Manipal Institute of Technology, MAHE, where her thesis focused on the development of ASIC-based computational units for stand-alone image processing applications, under the guidance of Prof. Dr. G. Subramanya Nayak. Tanya’s research expertise includes low-power VLSI techniques and ASIC implementation, particularly in error-tolerant adders, multiplier architectures, and digital image processing algorithms.

Summary of Suitability for the Best Researcher Award:

Tanya Mendez specializes in VLSI and embedded systems, with a particular focus on developing ASIC-based computational units and low-power VLSI techniques. Her research includes designing error-tolerant adders, power-efficient multipliers, and optimized arithmetic units for digital image processing.

Education:

Ph.D. in Electronics and Communication Engineering
Manipal Institute of Technology, MAHE, Manipal
2020 – 2024
Thesis: Development of ASIC Based Computational Unit for Stand-Alone Image Processing Applications
Advisor: Prof. Dr. G. Subramanya Nayak
Coursework Aggregate: 9.86 CGPA

Master of Technology in VLSI & Embedded Systems
Model Engineering College, CUSAT University, Kerala, India
2009 – 2011
Project: Design and Implementation of an ETCO2 Disorder Detection System on an Embedded Platform with Ethernet Communication Capability
Aggregate: 8.71 CGPA

Bachelor of Technology in Electronics and Instrumentation
KMEA Engineering College, M.G University, Kerala, India
2003 – 2007
Main Project: Application of Linear Regression Model in Avionic Package Checkout System
Mini Project: Centralized Electricity Billing
Aggregate: 82.6%

CBSE 12th Board Exam
Toc-H Public School, Vyttila, Kerala, India
2002 – 2003
Aggregate: 86.6%

CBSE 10th Standard Exam
Toc-H Public School, Vyttila, Kerala, India
2000 – 2001
Aggregate: 81.6%

Professional Experience:

Research Scholar
Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal
Sep 2020 – May 2024

Designed and developed low-power VLSI architectures and error-tolerant adders.
Implemented ASIC modifications and evaluated computational units for digital image processing.
Utilized tools such as Cadence Genus, Xilinx ISE, Vivado, and MATLAB.
Managed labs related to VLSI, microprocessor, and digital system design.

Assistant Professor
Alva’s Institute of Engineering and Technology, Mangalore
Jul 2015 – Sep 2020

Taught courses including Fundamentals of CMOS VLSI, Optical Fiber Communication, and Embedded Systems.
Managed labs for VLSI, microcontroller, and embedded system design.

Assistant Professor
Shreedevi Institute of Technology, Mangalore
Jul 2013 – May 2014

Handled subjects such as Basic Electronics, Analog Electronics, and Advanced Microcontrollers.