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Dr Robert Lieu Zi Zhao is a Senior Lecturer in the Special Programme in Science and the Department of Biological Sciences at the National University of Singapore (NUS). His teaching interests focus on Synthetic Biology, Biotechnology, and the science behind alternative protein products, and he engages students of all backgrounds through inspiring, interactive classes that include blended learning, case studies, and hands-on, inquiry-driven activities that help students learn by doing. Believing today’s learners are tomorrow’s consumers, Robert is dedicated to making emerging science and technology accessible to everyone.

Robert completed his Bachelor’s and PhD degrees at the University of Melbourne, followed by research stints in molecular cell biology, RNAi delivery, and mechanobiology. Since joining NUS as a lecturer, he has taught undergraduate and graduate courses, managed teaching laboratories, mentored students, and coached teams for international science competitions. His interests include science communication, teaching and learning, synthetic biology, and bioimaging.

Academic Qualification

Bachelor of Science (Hons) and PhD, The University of Melbourne, Australia

Current Courses

1. SP2274: Engineering a Life like a Cell (Sem 1), part of CHS Core Curriculum course.

2. SP3172: Integrated Science Project (Sem 2).

3. HSI2004: Cell-based proteins for a Sustainable Future (Sem 2), part of the CHS Core Curriculum

4. LSM3244: Molecular Biotechnology (Sem 2)

5. BL5601: Case Studies in Biotechnology (Sem 1)

6. BL5643 Applications in Industrial Biotechnology (Sem 2)

7. BL5645: Genetic Medicine and Precision Diagnostics (Sem 1, Co-lecturer)

Past Area of Teaching

1. MW5200: Project in Science Communication (2016-2021)

2. MW5203: Frontier Topic in Science Communication (2017-2022)

3. MB5104: An Integrative approach to understand cell function (2014-2022).

4. SP2174: The Cell (2015-2021)

Research Interest

• Designing a course-based and inquiry-based laboratory course

• Intracellular trafficking in specialised cells

• Science communication (Science and media) and new science teaching methods

Selected Publications

1. Doreen W.Y. Yong; Zi Zhao Lieu; Xujun Cao; Xin Ee Yong; Jireh Zhu Liang Wong; Yuan Shan Cheong; Laney K Browder; Wee Shong CHIN (2021) Biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles with high antimicrobial and catalytic activities using Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia glutinosa). Chemistry-An Asia Journal.

2. De Souza D. E., Lieu Z.Z., Mani L., Toh K.P.T. and Lin T.L.B (2020) The Emergence of Modern Science Communication in Singapore. Toss Gascoigne (editor), forthcoming, The emergence of modern science communication, ANU Press.

3. Bipul R. Acharya, Selwin K. Wu, Zi Zhao Lieu, Robert G. Parton, Stephan W. Grill, Alexander D. Bershadsky, Guillermo A. Gomez, and Alpha S. Yap (2017) Mammalian Diaphanous 1 Mediates a Pathway for E-cadherin to Stabilize Epithelial Barriers through Junctional Contractility. Cell Rep. Mar 21;18(12):2854-2867.

4. Yang, Bo; Lieu, Zi Zhao; Wolfenson, Haguy; Hameed, Feroz; Bershadsky, Alexander; Sheetz, Michael, Nano letters (2016) Mechanosensing Controlled Directly by Tyrosine Kinases. Nano Lett. 2016 Sep 14;16(9):5951-61.

5. Nisha Mohd Rafiq, Zi Zhao Lieu, Cheng-Han Yu, Paul Matsudaira, Gareth Jones, and Alexander Bershadsky (2016). Podosome assembly is controlled by the GTPase ARF1 and its nucleotide exchange factor ARNO. J Cell Biol. 2017 Jan 2;216(1):181-197.

6. Zi Zhao, Lieu, John G. Lock, Luke A. Hammond, Nicole L. La Gruta, Jennifer L. Stow and Paul A. Gleeson. (2008) A trans-Golgi network golgin is required for regulated secretion of TNFα in activated macrophages in vivo. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science (PNAS) 2008 105(9): 3351-3356.

7. Zi Zhao, Lieu, Merran C. Derby., and Paul A. Gleeson. (2008) Structure and organization of the trans-Golgi network, The Golgi apparatus- The state of the art after 110 years of Camillos discovery, (A. Mironov, M. Pavelka and A. Luini eds.)