Dr. Liu Lu
Seizing Opportunities: Dr. Lu Liu’s Inspiring Journey in STEM
Dr. Lu Liu, a leading researcher in civil engineering and environmental science, shared her inspiring journey in STEM during our interview. Originally from China, she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in environmental science at the University of Oklahoma before completing her Ph.D. in civil engineering in 2017. Driven by a passion for sustainable engineering, she joined Iowa State University as a faculty member in 2021.
Engineering, especially civil engineering, is a very traditional type of study. They haven’t seen many faces like this, so they’re kind of skeptical.
Throughout our conversation, Dr. Liu discussed her research focus on water resources, stemming from concerns about environmental issues in China. She highlighted the challenges she faced as a young Asian female faculty member, including student perceptions influenced by her identity. Despite these obstacles, Dr. Liu remains hopeful for a more inclusive learning environment in the future.
She also shared insights from her professional journey, including experiences in industry and nonprofit organizations. Although her time in the oil and gas industry didn’t align with her passion, her nonprofit work provided valuable skills in grantsmanship and networking. Dr. Liu emphasized the importance of increasing female faculty representation in STEM to positively impact female student recruitment.
Dr. Liu’s recent achievement includes co-writing a news article about flooding in the U.S., which garnered widespread readership and led to an invitation to speak at the Indiana Water Summit. She encourages junior faculty, especially Asian females, to embrace opportunities and showcase their expertise. Driven by a desire to challenge skepticism, Dr. Liu’s journey exemplifies the potential rewards of being open to new opportunities in STEM.
Professor Lu’s Profile:
Dr. Lu Liu is an esteemed Assistant Professor in Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering at Iowa State University. With an impressive educational background, including a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Maryland, Dr. Liu’s research interests center around the critical Water-Energy-Climate nexus, urban water sustainability, and climate change adaptations. Currently involved in several active projects, her work is dedicated to advancing environmental resilience and sustainability, making her a valuable asset to the academic community.
Education
- Ph.D. Civil Engineering, University of Maryland, 2017
- M.S. Environmental Science, University of Oklahoma, 2012
- B.S. Environmental Science, University of Oklahoma, 2010
Publications
Zhang, X.; Li, H.-Y.; Leung, L. R.; Liu, L.; Hejazi, M. I.; Forman, B. A.; Yigzaw, W. River Regulation Alleviates the Impacts of Climate Change on U.S. Thermoelectricity Production. J. Geophys. Res. Atmos. 2020, 125 (4), e2019JD031618. https://doi.org/10.1029/2019JD031618
Liu, L.; Hejazi, M.; Iyer, G.; Forman, B. A. Implications of Water Constraints on Electricity Capacity Expansion in the United States. Nat. Sustain. 2019, 2 (3), 206–213. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-019-0235-0
Liu, L.; Parkinson, S.; Gidden, M.; Byers, E.; Satoh, Y.; Riahi, K. Quantifying the Potential for Reservoirs to Secure Future Surface Water Yields in the World ’ s Largest River Basins OPEN ACCESS Quantifying the Potential for Reservoirs to Secure Future Surface Water Yields in the World ’ s Largest River Basins. Environ. Res. Lett. 2018, 13. https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/aab2b5
Li, X.; Vernon, C. R.; Hejazi, M. I.; Link, R. P.; Huang, Z.; Liu, L.; Feng, L. Tethys – A Python Package for Spatial and Temporal Downscaling of Global Water Withdrawals. J. Open Res. Softw. 2018, 6 (1). https://doi.org/10.5334/jors.197
Voisin, N.; Hejazi, M. I.; Leung, L. R.; Liu, L.; Huang, M.; Li, H.-Y.; Tesfa, T. Effects of Spatially Distributed Sectoral Water Management on the Redistribution of Water Resources in an Integrated Water Model. Water Resour. Res. 2017, 53 (5), 4253–4270. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/2016WR019767
Liu, L.; Hejazi, M.; Li, H.; Forman, B.; Zhang, X. Vulnerability of US Thermoelectric Power Generation to Climate Change When Incorporating State-Level Environmental Regulations. Nat. Energy 2017, 2, 17109. https://doi.org/10.1038/nenergy.2017.109
Talati, S.; Zhai, H.; Kyle, G. P.; Morgan, M. G.; Patel, P.; Liu, L. Consumptive Water Use from Electricity Generation in the Southwest under Alternative Climate, Technology, and Policy Futures. Environ. Sci. Technol. 2016, 50 (22), 12095–12104. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.6b01389
Scott, M. J.; Daly, D. S.; Hejazi, M. I.; Kyle, G. P.; Liu, L.; McJeon, H. C.; Mundra, A.; Patel, P. L.; Rice, J. S.; Voisin, N. Sensitivity of Future U.S. Water Shortages to Socioeconomic and Climate Drivers: A Case Study in Georgia Using an Integrated Human-Earth System Modeling Framework. Clim. Change 2016, 136 (2), 233–246. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10584-016-1602-8
Kim, S. H.; Hejazi, M.; Liu, L.; Calvin, K.; Clarke, L.; Edmonds, J.; Kyle, P.; Patel, P.; Wise, M.; Davies, E. Balancing Global Water Availability and Use at Basin Scale in an Integrated Assessment Model. Clim. Change 2016, 136 (2), 217–231. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10584-016-1604-6
For more research work check out Professor Lu’s Website: The Liu Group: Human-Environment Systems Research