Married OU researchers admit to spending $2 million in grant funds on trips, credit cards

A married couple who conducted research for the University of Oklahoma has pleaded guilty to misspending $2.1 million in grant money they received from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Juan Lu, 57, of Norman, pleaded guilty this week in federal court to making a false statement regarding the grants. 

Her husband, Shaorong Liu, 58, pleaded guilty on April 21 to using false documents in the same case.

Lu is listed as an affiliate research scientist and Liu is listed as a faculty member on the OU Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry website.

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University of Oklahoma responds

“OU takes this matter involving Shaorong Liu as a serious concern,” OU spokeswoman Kesha Keith said in a statement. “Dr. Liu is a tenured professor, currently on administrative leave. The university has cooperated fully with federal authorities and will proceed as appropriate.”

Prosecutors said the couple controlled a company — MicroChem Solutions — and through that company applied for and received federal grant money from the Small Business Technology Transfer Program of the Department of Energy.

The grant program was supposed to support scientific excellence and technological innovation through the investment of federal research funds in critical American priorities. 

Instead, Liu and Lu spent the grant money on more than $213,000 in credit card bills, $37,448 for a vehicle and trips around the world, court documents show.

The couple also spent the money on medical bills, clothing, dining and entertainment. 

At sentencing, Liu and Lu each face a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a potential fine of $250,000.

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