AABB Foundation Recognizes Liang Zheng as 2026 Scholar

The AABB Foundation has named Liang Zheng, PhD, assistant professor at the University of Kansas Medical Center Research Institute, a 2026 AABB Foundation Scholar. 

Zheng earned this distinction following completion of his 2022 AABB Foundation–funded research project examining how mutations in the ANKRD26 gene contribute to inherited thrombocytopenia and the potential risk of malignant transformation.

“Receiving AABB Foundation funding was instrumental in my transition toward independence,” Zheng said. “It enabled generation of key preliminary data, led to subsequent extramural funding, increased national visibility and helped lay the groundwork for my continued progress in academic hematology.”

Zheng’s research centers on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying thrombosis and hemostasis and how dysregulation in these processes contributes to cardiovascular and hematologic disease.

The AABB Foundation will honor Zheng at the 2026 AABB Annual Meeting for his scientific contributions.