Welcome!

My name is Siqi Liu (刘思琪). I am an applied mathematician passionate about using mathematics to understand the natural world. On this site, you’ll find information about my background, research, teaching, and personal interests.

Who I am

I’m currently a Postdoctoral Associate in the Department of Physics at Boston University. I earned my Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from Northwestern University in 2023, and my undergraduate degree from Tsinghua University in 2018, where I double-majored in Mathematics and Engineering Mechanics.

Beyond research, I tutor undergraduate and graduate students in mathematics and physics.

I come from Tai’an, a small city in Shandong Province, China.

What I do

Mathematics provides a powerful lens for understanding natural systems and solving real-world problems. My research covers many disciplines:

• Developmental biology: How individual organisms grow and survive
• Ecology: How distinct species interact, compete, or cooperate
• Evolution: How new forms of life emerge from existing communities

I build and analyze mathematical models (ODEs, stochastic processes, and agent-based models) to explore these questions. I work with complex datasets (3D cellular images, mRNA/DNA sequences, and metabolite time series) to tune the models. Through simulations (Python, MATLAB, C), I aim to reproduce and predict biological phenomena, interpreting results using first-principle theories (solid mechanics, dynamical systems, and statistical physics).

What I like

• I like sports. I play soccer and tennis. I also hike/bike a lot. I run half-marathons every year.
• I like reading. I read contemporary novels, histories, and philosophies. I hosted a book club in Evanston during 2021-2022.
• I like video games and board games.
• I like music. I play guitar and ukulele at home.
• I like pets. I have two cats, Bandi and Blake.