Dr. Liu has acquired distinction in her research program focusing on integrating genomics/epigenetics into studying how exercise may improve cognition among people with type 2 diabetes. Notably, her research program has been funded by the NIH/National Institute of Nursing Research (R15NR019691; Feasibility Testing a Randomized Controlled Trial of An Exercise Program to Improve Cognition for T2DM Patients. $446,268, 2020-2023). In addition, as a Principal Investigator, she has also secured extramural and intramural grants from the Arkansas Biosciences Institute ($64,485) and University of Arkansas ($10,000), totaling more than $500,000. Furthermore, Dr. Liu has published 34 peer-reviewed journal articles to date. Most of these articles are published in top-tier nursing journals, including Research in Nursing & Health, International Journal of Nursing Studies, Biological Research for Nursing, Western Journal of Nursing Research, Journal of Advanced Nursing, and Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing

Given her expertise in aging and publication records, Dr. Liu has been invited to serve on the Editorial Board of JMIR Aging. She has also been invited to serve as an ad hoc reviewer for top-tier nursing journals, including Clinical Nursing Research, Western Journal of Nursing Research, Nursing Open, and Journal of Advanced Nursing. Recently, Dr. Liu was invited to serve as a grant reviewer for the Lifestyle Change and Behavioral Health (LCBH) Study Section in October 2021. This selection is a reflection of her emergence as a recognized scholar in the area of behavioral science. She has also served as a grant reviewer for the International Society of Nurses in Genetics (ISONG), and served as a Member-at-Large, a leadership role in the Board of Directors of the ISONG. In this role, Dr. Liu will provide a perspective of the general member to the Board of Directors, perform such duties as may be assigned by the Board of Directors as well as participate in meetings of the Board of Directors. In recognition of Her scholarship, Dr. Liu has received several awards, including the Sigma Theta Tau International Pi Theta Chapter’s Research Award (2020), Significant Research Award from the College of Education and Health Professions, University of Arkansas (2021), Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Scholarship Award (2019, 2021).

EDUCATION

PhD in Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA (2015)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Sichuan University, China (2006)

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS

Registered Nurse (2013-Present)

HONORS & AWARDS

Scholarship Award, University of Arkansas Eleanor Mann School of Nursing (2021)
Significant Research Award, University of Arkansas College of Education and Health Professions (2021)
R15 Academic Research Enhancement Award, NIH/National Institute of Nursing Research (2020)
Dean’s Pilot Grant Award, University of Arkansas College of Education and Health Professions (2020)
Research Award, Sigma Theta Tau, Pi Theta Chapter (2020)
Scholarship Award, University of Arkansas Eleanor Mann School of Nursing (2019)
Top Student Poster, Southern Nursing Research Society (2015)
Laney Graduate School Fellowship, Emory University (2008-2015)
Inducted as a member, Sigma Theta Tau, Alpha Epsilon Chapter (2009)
BSN Graduate with Honors, Sichuan University (2006)

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

Liu, T., Li, H., Conley, Y. P., Primack, B. A., Wang, J., & Li, C. (2022). The BDNF functional polymorphism and hand grip strength impact the association between BDNF levels and cognition in older adults in the United States. Biological Research for Nursing. https://doi.org/10.1177/10998004211065151

Liu, T., Hettish, L., Lo, W. J., Gray, M., & Li, C. (2021). FEASibility Testing a randomized controlled trial of an exercise program to improve cognition for T2DM patients (the FEAST trial): A study protocol. Research in Nursing & Health, 44(5), 746-757 https://doi.org/10.1002/nur.22174

Liu, T., Canon, M. D., Shen, L., Marples, B. A., Colton, J. P., Lo, W. J., Gray, M., & Li, C. (2021). The influence of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on the association of regular physical activity with cognition among individuals with diabetes. Biological Research for Nursing, 23(3), 318-330. https://doi.org/10.1177/1099800420966648

Li, H., Liu, T., Heinsberg, L. W., Lockwood, M. B., Wainwright, D. A., Jang, M. K., & Doorenbos, A. Z. (2020). Systematic review of the kynurenine pathway and psychoneurological symptoms among adult cancer survivors. Biological Research for Nursing, 22(4), 472-484. https://doi.org/10.1177/1099800420938141

Liu, T., Li, H., Colton, J. P., Ge, S., & Li, C. (2020). The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism, regular exercise, and cognition: A systematic review. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 42(8), 660-673. https://doi.org/10.1177/0193945920907308

Liu, T., Lee, J. E., Wang, J., Ge, S., & Li, C. (2020). Cognitive dysfunction in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A concept analysis. Clinical Nursing Research, 29(5), 339-351. https://doi.org/10.1177/1054773819862973

Liu, T. (2018). The effects of a health partner program on alleviating depressive symptoms among healthy overweight/obese individuals. Research and Theory for Nursing Practice, 32(4), 400-412. https://doi.org/10.1891/1541-6577.32.4.400

Liu, T., Li, C., Shen, L., Shen, Y., Mao, W., & Li, S. (2018). Heterogeneity in effects of genetically determined adiposity on insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. Journal of Diabetes and Its Complications,32(3), 330-334. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2017.12.012

Zhang, M., Liu, T., Li, C., Wang, J., & Wu, D. (2019). Physical performance and cognitive functioning among individuals with diabetes: Findings from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study Baseline Survey. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 75(5), 1029-1041. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.13901

Liu, T. (2018). The effects of a health partner program on improving health status among overweight/obese individuals with and without prediabetes. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 40(11), 1638-1657. https://doi.org/10.1177/0193945917714031

Liu, T. (2018). The effects of a health partner program on reducing cardiovascular risk factors. WesternJournal of Nursing Research, 40(4), 537-561. https://doi.org/10.1177/0193945916683184

Liu, T. (2017). A comparison of biological and physical risk factors for cardiovascular disease in overweight/obese individuals with and without prediabetes. Clinical Nursing Research,26(6), 674-693. https://doi.org/10.1177/1054773816658644

Chen, C., Ge, S., Li, S., Wu, L., Liu, T., & Li, C. (2017). The effects of dietary calcium supplements alone or with vitamin D on cholesterol metabolism: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 32(5), 496-506. https://doi.org/10.1097/JCN. 0000000000000379

Liu, T., Li, X., Zou, Z. Y., & Li, C. (2015). The prevalence and determinants of using traditional Chinese medicine among middle-aged and older Chinese adults: Results from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 16(11), 1002.e1-5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2015.07.011

Liu, T. (2012). A concept analysis of self-efficacy among Chinese elderly with diabetes mellitus. Nursing Forum, 47(4), 226-235. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1744-6198.2012.00282.x

CURRENT FUNDING

Research Grants Funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Feasibility Testing a Randomized Controlled Trial of an Exercise Program to Improve Cognition for T2DM Patients (T. Liu)
Funded by NIH/National Institute of Nursing Research (Grant #: 1R15NR019691)
Role: Principal Investigator
Total costs: $446,268
Funding period: 09/25/2020-09/24/2023

Research Grants Funded by Other Agencies

Feasibility Testing a Randomized Controlled Trial of an mHealth-Enhanced Exercise Program to Improve Cognition for T2DM Patients (T. Liu)
Funded by Arkansas Biosciences Institute.
Role: Principal Investigator
Total costs: $64,485
Funding period: 2020-2022

Development of 8 Online Diabetes Self-Management Training Modules (T. Liu)
Funded by University of Arkansas College of Education and Health Professions
Role: Principal Investigator
Total costs: $10,000
Funding period: 2020-2022