Book by Grace
Research to Empower: A Vibrant Guidebook for Young Students
In this book, Grace shares her knowledge about conducting research as a student with step-by-step guidance, delivering honest and effective tips that empower young students to do excellent research. This book aims to inspire, support, and empower aspiring researchers at the elementary to middle/high school level as a supplement to the K-12 curriculum.
The book will be released on January 30, 2024 by Post Hill Press. You can PRE-ORDER it now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, Walmart, and more in 180+ countries!
Featured Endorsements
Grace C. Liu has written an impressive and inspiring book for younger and older readers alike. As the title, Research to Empower, suggests, the goal of research is not merely to accumulate knowledge, although that is clearly one important objective, but to empower researchers and society in general to make the world a better place. As Grace explains, empowering research topics are not confined to esoteric scientific questions. They include almost anything under the sun, ranging from such sociological issues as the role of mentorship in inspiring greater female participation in sports to finding the best way to bring affordable potable water to impoverished rural villages. This serious book, written in an engaging conversational style with occasional humorous asides, is for anyone who wants to understand the world in order to change it.
Dr. Alfred Watkins, Founder and CEO, Global Solutions Summit
I have always said that we cannot win a football match by leaving 50% of the team on the bench! Women also contribute by bringing on board their hard work, intuition, solidarity, and perspective. Grace C. Liu belongs to this category of women who wants ‘to inspire, support, and empower the next generation of aspiring young researchers in a vibrant way’. She shows generosity of spirit and wants to empower others. A great sentiment indeed. I would recommend this book to those who are keen to learn and are on a journey of discovery. The book is well written and in a style which makes it highly readable
Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, President of the Republic of Mauritius (2015-2018) & Biodiversity Scientist
Research to Empower is an extraordinary book that equips the next generation with essential tools to unlock the world of knowledge. Through its engaging and accessible approach, this guide offers invaluable guidance on conducting thorough research, critical thinking, and presenting findings effectively. It encourages curiosity, inspires creativity, and instills a passion for learning. It is an absolute must-read for anyone ready to make a positive change in the world.”
Ms. Amy Meuers, CEO of National Youth Leadership Council, USA
Grace C. Liu has written an extraordinary book that manages to show young people (like herself) how the often dreaded ‘research project’ can actually be simultaneously fun, interesting, educational and even rewarding. Her friendly, practical writing style and the inclusion of plenty of appealing examples, illustrations, practical tips and other elements makes for an engaging and useful read. Grace also pays special attention to making the book accessible and useful to students who may not typically think of themselves, or be thought of by others, as having the skills and interest to do meaningful and impactful research. I would strongly recommend this book for use by students, teachers, parents, or others who want to support young people in their learning adventure. Having taught research and writing at the college and graduate levels, I can say without hesitation that I wish all of my students had read this book while they were in high school or junior high and if they hadn't done so by then, they could still benefit from it in college or in career and technical school. This is a much-needed book for which there are few, if any others, that are as enjoyable, well written, and practical.
Dr. Brian Baird, Chair and Founder at National Museum and Center for Service, USA
With her lively and engaging style, Grace C. Liu shows how doing one’s own research is the key to critical thinking, real knowledge, and understanding as well as acquiring practical skills for achieving career goals and human fulfillment. This wonderful, insightful, and inspiring book is a joy to read. It will captivate inquisitive students from grade school to high school as well as serve as a guide for teachers and parents to be better in motivating students for a lifetime of inquiry-based learning. As Grace states, we cannot rely on tools like ChatGPT to replace our precious intuition, creativity, innovation, and independent thinking.
Dr. E. William Colglazier, American physicist, the 4th Science and Technology Adviser to the U.S. Secretary of State, Editor-in-Chief, Science & Diplomacy, American Association for the Advancement of Science
Grace C. Liu's unwavering dedication to fostering curiosity and embracing intellectual exploration is truly inspiring. Through her words, she encourages young minds to unlock their innate inquisitiveness and seize the opportunities that research presents. Grace has artfully crafted a guidebook that will empower young students to navigate the realm of research with confidence and enthusiasm.
Dr. Giovanni Durante, Principal of Syosset High School, New York, USA
The world of science is rapidly evolving and transforming in ways that make research and critical thinking more important than ever. Grace C. Liu eloquently and successfully breaks down concepts surrounding the process of scientific research, using engaging narratives and simple language to motivate younger minds towards research, investigation, and the pursuit of knowledge. I admire this effort by Grace to nurture ‘thinking and curious minds’ to fuel research in a modern world. I wholly recommend Research to Empower to anyone hoping to inspire the intellect of young people from all backgrounds.
Dr. Huadong Guo, Director General of the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences
In a world that needs science more than ever, Grace C. Liu brings inspiration and hope with a book that provides young people with the insight and the skills to explore and harness the transformative potential of research. She speaks with passion and the insight of personal experience to future change makers, and in ways that educators can and must take note of
Dr. Heide Hackmann, Director of Future Africa, University of Pretoria, South Africa & Inaugural CEO of the International Science Council
Grace C. Liu's book, Research to Empower accomplishes a difficult task: writing about the elements of conducting research without sounding like a stale university lecturer! Her book, written primarily for a teenage audience, is filled with solid guidance on the hows and whys of various research methodologies, interspersed with personal anecdotes about her own experiences as a researcher, and a good dose of humor that her teen readers will appreciate. In her book’s conclusion, Grace writes that she hopes her book ‘inspires, supports and empowers’ young researchers like herself. Without a doubt, she succeeds on all three counts.
Dr. James R. Delisle, Professor of Education (retired), Kent State University and author of 26 books, including The Gifted Teen Survival Guide
Against the backdrop of Grace C. Liu’s own journey into the world of research, Research to Empower provides insightful tips and practical techniques for young researchers in an engaging, encouraging, and empowering way.
Dr. Jayshree Seth, 3M Chief Science Advocate & Corporate Scientist
From an early age, we all have questions and curiosity about the natural world and society and want to understand the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of things. Recognizing the importance of cultivating these qualities, Grace C. Liu goes a step further and offers young students vivid guidance in her book Research to Empower. This book aims to nurture young researchers who can think critically and take action in the ever-changing world.
Dr. Michiharu Nakamura, President Emeritus, Japan Science and Technology Agency
A sprinkle of fun and flavor to a seemingly daunting topic! Grace C. Liu's work is truly a precious jewel. While her choice for a humorous and spontaneous writing style makes this piece very enjoyable to read, she successfully manages to communicate her mature and insightful reflections over the essentials of the scientific process in a clear fashion. What’s more, Grace generously shares real anecdotes of her personal experiences, to which aspiring researches from all ages can relate - especially the young ones. At times when the connections between science and society have increasingly difficult to bridge, Grace has certainly achieved her purpose of inspiring, supporting, and empowering new generations of researchers and conscious citizens.
Dr. Paulo Gadelha, President of FIOCRUZ (2009- 2016) & Coordinator of the FIOCRUZ Strategy for the 2030 Agenda
Research to Empower: A Vibrant Guidebook for Young Students by Grace C. Liu demystifies knowledge generation and makes the scientific process accessible to anyone interested in critical thinking and trying to make sense of our rapidly changing world. Grace writes with profound insight and wisdom on science in a captivating and accessible style that young and older readers can relate to. It takes great depth and understanding of science to be able to communicate this well with such a broad audience and to be able to do this as a teenager underscores how inspiring, generous, magnanimous, remarkable and exemplary the author is to not just identify and fill an important gap but to do it with humor and joy. The world needs more critical thinkers and innovators to address the multitude of complex challenges that face us. Grace’s book lives up to its title by opening the door and providing the critical tools for young people to be inspired to leave the world a better place through science and innovation. A must read for parents, students and anyone who wants to understand science and the scientific method.
Dr. Quarraisha Abdool Karim, President of the World Academy of Sciences and UNAIDS Special Ambassador for Adolescents and HIV, Co-Founder and Scientific Director of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa & Professor of Clinical Epidemiology, Columbia University
While working with many outstanding students from around the world, I often encounter students who are interested in research but have no idea how to get started. I now have an answer. Grace C. Liu's Research to Empower offers a much-needed, engaging onramp to those students who would join knowledge-seekers like Grace that aspire to learn a little bit more about the world with each inquiry.
Mr. Richard Rusczyk, Founder of the Art of Problem Solving
An impressive and inspiring writer herself, Grace C. Liu uses her passion and skill to encourage and, yes, empower others to embrace the critical value of research. Importantly, she understands and advocates for both research for purpose - whether to satisfy personal curiosity or transform the world – and the parallel need for communicating for impact. Research to Empower offers the keys to opening the doors of knowledge and opportunity for her generation to create the future.
Dr. Stuart Krusell, Senior Director, Global Programs, Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
With advice both practical and entertaining, Grace C. Liu demystifies the process of starting research and illustrates, through her own grit and example, that research – even demanding, publishable research – is not out of reach for younger students who work hard and follow her step-by-step approach. Grace is as focused on the process of research – and the habits and skills it strengthens – as she is on the joys of the discoveries themselves. Accessible to younger readers, but not at all superficial, Research to Empower provides a compass to a whole new generation of intellectual explorers.
Dr. Tom Rogers, Syosset District Superintendent and CEO at Nassau BOCES, New York, USA
False news, manipulation, depression, misogyny, these are realities each of us, particularly the young and therefore more vulnerable - or should I say less prepared - encounter far too often. But not if you are Grace C. Liu!
With an open mind, eagerness to learn, and trust in science, Grace set her bright mind to work to research, analyze, and understand the reality around her, using the same tools that are so often used for negative purposes.
She even goes a step further and shares the keys to her positive attitude and mindset with others. The result: a fun book, full of practical tips, hands-on advice, and illustrations. A playful book good to read for young and old(er).”
Dr. Veerle Vandeweerd, Co-founder of the Global Sustainable Technology and Innovation Conference Series, Co-founder and Managing Partner Platform for Transformative Technologies, Principal Sustainability Officer/Member Advisory Board of Global Entrepreneurship Center, former Director (Environment and Energy) of the United Nations Development Programme.
Learning and researching are important life-long skills, especially in today’s digital age when technology is making profound transformation of future of work and society. Based on her own research experience, Grace C. Liu’s book provided a most vivid, inspiring, and practical guidance for young people who want to develop their research skills to empower. Grace’s own experience is also an excellent example for many young people who want to make the world better.
Dr. Xiaolan Fu, Professor of Technology and International Development, the Founding Director of the Technology and Management Centre for Development, University of Oxford
Academic papers
Liu, G. C. & Spanjers, W. (2023)
University of Oxford, Department of International Development TMCD Working Paper Series, ISSN 2045-5119, No. 084
Liu, G. C. (2023)
Harvard International Review
Liu, G.C. (2023)
International Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary Research and Studies, Volume 3, Issue 2, pages 599-608.
Liu, G. C. et al. (2022)
The United Nations Policy Brief #5, Apr 30.
Liu, G. C. (2022)
The Journal of International Women’s Studies, Vol. 24, Iss. 3.
Contact
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Grace C. Liu is an engaging, passionate, and confident keynote speaker who devotes herself to each invited speaking opportunity. If you would like to book Grace to speak, you can contact us by filling out this form. You’ll receive a response promptly!
