Liwen grew up in San Francisco, California. She earned her B.S. in Physiology and Neuroscience from the University of California San Diego and her Ph.D. from the University of California San Diego/ San Diego State University joint doctoral program in Cell and Molecular Biology. For her doctoral research, Liwen worked in the laboratory of Dr. Kelly Doran where she examined host and bacterial factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of Group B Streptococcus, a leading cause of neonatal pneumonia, bacteremia, and meningitis. In Dr. Chiu's lab, Liwen is investigating how neuro-immune interactions can influence the outcome of bacterial infections. Outside of the lab, Liwen enjoys yoga as well as spending time with her friends and family.