Professor Liu is currently teaching our Senior Design class for undergraduate seniors. He is a great guy, really friendly, and I like how he operates: he sets small goals that are feasible and helps you get there, without expecting huge big jumps. Also he is one of the few in the USA who helped secure a 6million grant for his group back in Stanford. I am sure he would be an excellent PI to work with!
*As for everyone else: The surroundings aren't the best, but keep in mind NYC is roughly 55 mins away by car, or 1.5hours by train, so I guess it makes up for it.