Welcome Yuhang ! – Monalisa

Yuhang Liu will be joining the University of Munchen in June 2026 as a Doctoral Candidate.

In the framework of the MonaLisa project, Yuhang will spend 3 years working on “Controlling Reactions with Electrically Driven DNA Machines”, while participating in many trainings and network events.

Read the following introduction to get to know him:

Tell us more about your background!

I am 24 years old, and I come from China. I completed my bachelor’s degree at Nanjing University in China and my master’s degree at University of Zurich in Switzerland, where I received research training in biological nanopores and solid-state interfacial nanopores, respectively.

Why do you want to be part of MonaLisa?

During my bachelor’s studies, I read several articles about constructing beautiful structures with DNA, and I was truly amazed by the idea that molecular structures can be manipulated at such a small level. Later, during my master’s thesis on solid-state interfacial nanopores, I learned that DNA can also be used to build nanopores, which deepened my understanding of DNA origami from structural design to real applications. The MONALISA project perfectly matches this vision, as it allows me to create DNA origami structures and explore their potential as molecular machines to regulate biochemical reactions.

What are your expectations of living and working in Munchen?

I did my Master’s in Zurich, so moving to Munich feels a bit familiar, but of course Munich has its own unique vibe. Since the Garching campus is outside the city, I’m especially looking forward to exploring the beautiful countryside around Munich and experiencing life beyond the campus.

What do you think will be your main challenge for you in the next three years?

I think one of my main challenges will be time management. Completing a large project over several years requires careful planning of each step and its timing. At the same time, I would also like to broaden my foundation of knowledge, so balancing deep research with expanding my scientific background will be an important goal for me.