Ren Liu

Dr. Ren Liu is an esteemed Assistant Professor of Quantitative Methods, Measurement, and Statistics at the University of California, Merced. He earned his Ph.D. in Research and Evaluation Methodology, specializing in Quantitative Methods, from the University of Florida. His academic journey has been marked by a deep commitment to advancing the field of psychometrics and measurement theory. Dr. Liu's research interests are diverse and encompass psychometric theories, measurement theory, mixture modeling, machine learning, and causal inference within the behavioral and social sciences. His work is particularly noted for its innovative approach to developing advanced statistical and measurement methods that aim to accurately measure complex latent traits. This focus has positioned him as a leading figure in his field, contributing significantly to the understanding and application of quantitative methods in psychology. Throughout his career, Dr. Liu has been recognized for his contributions to research. He was honored with the Distinguished Paper Award by the American Educational Research Association in 2017, a testament to the impact and quality of his work. More recently, in 2022, he received the Rising Star Designation from the Association for Psychological Science, further acknowledging his potential and influence in the field. Beyond his research, Dr. Liu is actively involved in collaborative projects that span various disciplines, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to interdisciplinary research. He also serves as the Statistical Editor for the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, where he contributes his expertise to the advancement of the field. In the realm of education, Dr. Liu is dedicated to teaching and mentoring the next generation of scholars. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in psychological data analysis, item response theory, and psychometrics, where he shares his knowledge and passion for quantitative methods with students. His teaching is characterized by a focus on practical application and critical thinking, preparing students to tackle complex problems in their future careers.