Originally from Nacogdoches, Texas, Liane Muir’s passion for translational research was shaped by early exposure to neuroscience and a deep-rooted understanding of the barriers to healthcare in rural communities. Muir earned her B.S. in Quantitative Sciences with a focus in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology from Emory University, where she explored how neurodevelopmental disorders take shape at the cellular level.
Her research at Emory with Dr. Marie-Claude Perreault examined the spinal and brainstem circuits involved in early motor delays associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), using a genetic mouse model to investigate cellular integrity and motor function. She also worked in the neurogenomics lab of Dr. Stefano Berto at the Medical University of South Carolina, where she studied CHAMP1—a rare developmental disorder—using patient-derived iPSCs and cerebral organoids. These experiences helped her build a foundation in both wet-lab and computational techniques, while reinforcing her interest in bioinformatics and translational science.
Beyond the lab, Muir applied her skills to public science communication through her capstone with the nonprofit Science for Georgia, where she translated environmental health data into accessible, engaging content for Atlanta residents. That work, along with numerous presentations at research symposiums, has deepened her commitment to ethical data storytelling and inclusive public health.
Muir joined the Applied Biomedical Data Sciences program at the St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences to gain the quantitative and computational training needed to pursue her goal of becoming a physician-scientist. She is especially motivated by St. Jude’s mission to pair scientific discovery with compassionate care and hopes to develop diagnostic tools and interventions that improve patient outcomes for underrepresented populations. For Muir, St. Jude is the next step in a career rooted in curiosity, empathy, and impact.
Hometown: Nacogdoches, TX
Education:
2025 - BS, Quantitative Sciences, Neuroscience & Behavioral Biology – Emory University
Awards/Honors/Scholarships:
2024 - NIH MARC Undergraduate Scholarship