Four Chinese characters in calligraphy—寧靜致遠 (ning jing zhi yuan) hang framed on Yuanyuan “Kevin” Liu’s office wall. The words from ancient Chinese literature have become the motto that Liu lives by—translated into English, they say that great achievements are not accomplished by chasing fame and fortune, but by dedicating oneself to one’s calling.
Liu discovered his calling to neuroscience as a college intern at the Institute of Neuroscience in China. His interest was sparked by his mentor at the time. “He’d tell you, ‘Neuroscience is a subject where a brain studies a brain; that’s why it’s so special,’” says Liu. “I was so fascinated by the science that I decided to devote myself to the field, and now this is my career.”…