Help the Family of Professor Jun Liu After Sudden Passing

It is with the deepest sorrow that I share heartbreaking news. My husband, and the loving father of our two children, Professor Jun Liu, was diagnosed with malignant glioblastoma in August this year. After two months of courageous battle with the disease, his condition worsened rapidly, and he passed away on October 4th at UAB Hospital, at the age of 39.

Jun came from a humble background but was exceptionally hardworking and talented. He earned admission to Huazhong University of Science and Technology, one of China’s top universities, and later received a full scholarship to pursue his Ph.D. at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. After completing his doctorate, he joined The University of Texas at Austin as a postdoctoral researcher and, in 2018, became an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering at The University of Alabama.

In his academic career, Jun was a dedicated scholar and teacher. He made significant research contributions, taught, and supervised his students with patience and care, and was deeply respected and loved by both students and colleagues. In 2024, he was promoted to Associate Professor in recognition of his outstanding achievements in research and teaching. Beyond work, Jun was kind, generous, and full of life, always radiating warmth and compassion.

In 2018, I left my teaching job in China to reunite with Jun in the U.S. and take care of our family. Jun was the sole financial provider for our household, supporting our two young children: Mia (8) and Ian (5). Our daughter Mia was diagnosed with autism at two and a half years old and requires continuous therapy and care. Sadly, Jun’s sudden passing has left our family without its pillar. My elderly parents, now in their sixties, rushed from China to help and are enduring the unbearable grief of losing their son.

As his wife, after months of sleepless nights and caregiving, I am now left with profound sorrow, deep longing, and an enormous responsibility toward our children and parents.

At this difficult time, I humbly ask for your support to help our family get through this tragedy.

All donations will go toward:

I will do my utmost to return to work, care for our children and parents, and carry forward Jun’s kindness and spirit. I will raise our children with the same love, compassion, and strength that he showed throughout his life, passing his warmth and goodness on to others.

I sincerely thank every friend who offers support, care, and prayers! Your kindness is the light that will help us overcome this dark time and keep moving forward!