Doctoral Student Yiming Liu Receives Ryan Fellowship

Northwestern Engineering electrical and computer engineering PhD student Yiming Liu has received a Ryan Fellowship, a program supported by a generous donation from Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan that recognizes graduate students dedicated to the exploration of fundamental nanoscale science and to advancing this knowledge into practical applications of benefit to society.

“Receiving the Ryan Fellowship represents an acknowledgement of my PhD work so far and provides me an opportunity to continue to explore the unknown,” Liu said.

Liu develops soft, wireless, and miniaturized medical devices that monitor and modulate vital signs and can be used in any setting. She is currently developing a wearable oxygenation sensor that generates an accurate reading regardless of skin tone. In the long-term, Liu aims to commercialize the sensors she is designing and bring them to market.

“I want them to benefit everyone, instead of just patients in my clinical studies,” Liu said.

Liu is advised by Alan Sahakian, senior adviser to the dean, professor of electrical and computer engineering, and (by courtesy) professor of biomedical engineering at the McCormick School of Engineering. She is also a member of the Rogers Research Group led by John Rogers, the Louis Simpson and Kimberly Querrey Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Neurological Surgery, and the director of the Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics.

Launched in 2007, the Ryan Fellowship aims to provide graduate students with the education and experience to assume leadership roles in the realm of nanotechnology. Current second or third-year PhD students who have demonstrated exceptional scientific talent and who have committed to a specific research project in the area of nanoscience and technology, may be nominated by their department or program.

The community of more than 200 Ryan Fellows participates in a variety of activities including lectures, symposia, team building events, and opportunities to engage in collaborative discussion and research with domestic and international partners.