Z. Leonardo “Leo” Liu, Ph.D., in his office at FAMU-FSU College of Engineering in Tallahassee, Florida on April 17, 2025. (Scott Holstein/FAMU-FSU College of Engineering)
Z. Leonardo Liu, an assistant professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering at Florida State University and the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Eberhard F. Mammen Young Investigator Award for his groundbreaking research into blood clotting mechanisms.
Liu is the only awardee from the United States among six international recipients, placing him among the most promising young researchers advancing our understanding of thrombosis and hemostasis—the complex biological processes that control blood clotting and bleeding.
Revolutionary Discoveries in Blood Clotting Research
Liu’s research explores fundamental questions about how fluid forces in circulating blood influence clotting at the molecular and cellular scale. By integrating advanced supercomputing simulations with whole-blood experiments, his team investigates how proteins and cells interact dynamically under pathophysiological blood flows—an area that has traditionally been difficult to probe with conventional research methods.
His work has revealed surprising insights about the role of red blood cells in blood clotting regulation. According to Liu’s recent studies, blood clotting proteins operate like tiny mechanical switches, toggling on or off in response to precisely controlled mechanical forces generated by the collective motion of red blood cells.
“Our findings show that red blood cells—once thought of merely as passive carriers of oxygen—also play an active role in regulating these ‘tiny switches’ that control blood clotting through intricate fluid-mechanical forces,” Liu said.
Addressing Critical Health Threats
A major focus of Liu’s research is von Willebrand factor (VWF), a large multimeric protein essential to clot formation. Excessive levels or hyperactivity of VWF can cause occlusive clots leading to heart attacks and strokes, while deficiencies or abnormalities in VWF can lead to bleeding disorders.
“This work helps us address two major health threats,” Liu explains. “Occlusive clots that block blood vessels, leading to heart attacks and strokes—the leading cause of death in individuals over 65—and the failure to form clots during hemorrhagic trauma, which is the leading cause of death in individuals under 45.”
This discovery challenges traditional understanding of red blood cell function and opens new avenues for therapeutic interventions in blood-related disorders.
Professional Impact and Recognition
“I was both surprised and deeply honored to receive this recognition,” Liu stated. “Being acknowledged by such a respected journal and editorial board is incredibly meaningful. I hope this visibility will expand the reach of our research and open doors to new collaborations that lead to transformative therapies for blood-related diseases.”
This prestigious recognition underscores the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering’s growing reputation in biomedical research and its commitment to addressing critical healthcare challenges through innovative engineering approaches. Liu’s award positions the college among the leading institutions advancing understanding of cardiovascular health and blood-related disorders.
The integration of computational modeling with experimental validation that characterizes Liu’s research methodology represents the cutting-edge interdisciplinary approach that defines modern biomedical engineering. His work demonstrates how engineering principles can provide fundamental insights into biological processes that directly impact human health outcomes.
Future Research Directions
As a recipient of this award, Liu will receive a monetary prize and is invited to contribute a scholarly article to Seminars in Thrombosis & Hemostasis, highlighting the significance of ongoing research in this critical medical field.
As thrombosis and hemostasis research continues to evolve with advancing technologies and computational capabilities, Liu’s recognition as a young investigator signals the emergence of a new generation of researchers who will shape the future understanding and treatment of blood-related disorders.
About the Award
In April 2025, the editorial board of Seminars in Thrombosis & Hemostasis—composed of leading physician-scientists and academic experts—formally recognized Liu for his exceptional contributions to advancing the scientific understanding of blood clotting mechanisms.
The Eberhard F. Mammen Award, established in 2009 by publisher Thieme, honors the legacy of Professor Eberhard Mammen, who significantly advanced this field and the journal for over thirty years. The award highlights innovative research and emerging talent in hemostasis and thrombosis research.
The formal announcement of Liu’s award is available here.
Editor’s Note: This article was edited with a custom prompt for Claude 3.7 Sonnet, an AI assistant created by Anthropic. The AI improved clarity, structure and readability while preserving the original reporting and factual content. All information and viewpoints remain those of the author and publication. This disclosure is part of our commitment to transparency in our editorial process. Last edited: 06/17/2025.
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