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Drexel University College of Medicine
Drexel University College of Medicine
Andy Liao, BS, is a third-year medical student at Drexel University College of Medicine. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he worked as a clinical research coordinator at the Neurotranslational Research Center. During this time, Andy contributed to longitudinal studies on neurodegenerative diseases, including Friedreich’s Ataxia and Huntington’s Disease, and led clinical trials assessing novel therapeutics for rare genetic conditions. At UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, he conducted real-time PCR experiments to study signaling pathways of large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (BK) and performed ELISAs to investigate pharmacological modulation of these channels.
At Drexel, Andy expanded his focus to public health and pediatric research. As a qualitative research assistant at the Dornsife School of Public Health, he collaborates on projects aimed at improving trauma-specific mental health services and peer support for Philadelphia's youth, with a particular focus on violence-impacted populations. His work involves conducting systematic literature reviews, developing codebooks, and analyzing semi-structured interviews. At St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Andy applies similar qualitative methodologies to improve care delivery for biological and foster families in a collaborative primary care setting.
Andy’s research interests include critical care interventions, firearm safety, violence intervention, and addressing the needs of socially complex patient populations. He is committed to integrating clinical expertise with research to advance equitable, evidence-based care for underserved communities.