TAIWAN EXPERIENCE EDUCATION PROGRAM@TMU
THESE RESEARCH-ORIENTED LEARNING PROGRAMS ALLOW STUDENTS TO GAIN LABORATORY EXPERIENCE AT TAIPEI MEDICAL UNIVERSITY
Participants are responsible for their travel, visa, accommodation, and local living expenses; however, participants may receive merit-based subsidies that vary by subprogram and funding resources.
MENTORS
Che-Chang Chang, Associate Professor
The Ph.D. Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology
Office of Global EngagementMentor profile
Education
2005-2012 Postdoc fellow, Institute of Biomedical Sciences
Academia Sinica, Taiwan
Ph.D., The Graduate Institute of Life Sciences(GILS)
National Defense University, Taiwan
M.S. in Biology
B.S. in Biology
Fu Jen Catholic University, Taiwan
Professional Appointments
2024- Professor, The Ph.D. Program for Translational Medicine
2020- Associate Professor, International Ph.D. Program for Translational Science
Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
Introduction
Dr. Che-Chang Chang is an expert in cancer biology and translational medicine.
Dr. Che-Chang Chang’s Lab is focus on the cancer research and therapy. We use genomic and proteomics strategies to identify the cancer biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets. In addition, we perform the cellular functional assays, molecular experiments and PDOX mouse model for validation. Our goal is use translational medicine to bridge the bedside clinical question and bench basic research.
Research interests
- Post-translational modification
- Signal transduction in cancer
- Gene transcriptional regulation
- Molecular cell biology
Requirements and details
Scholarship availability
Taiwan Experience Education Program, TEEP (MOE)
–
International Internship Pilot Program, IIPP (NSTC)
More info
Ching-Wen Chang, Assistant Professor
Graduate Institute of Metabolism and Obesity Sciences, College of Nutrition
Office of Global EngagementMentor profile
Education
Ph.D. in Oral biology
M.S. in Oral biology
National Yang-Ming University
B.S. in Food Science
National Ilan University
Professional Appointments
2023- Assistant Professor, Graduate Institute of Metabolism and
Obesity Sciences
Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
2019-2022 Postdoctoral Fellow (CRTA), National Cancer Institute
National Institutes of Health, USA
Introduction
I am Dr. Ching-Wen Chang, honored to hold the position of Assistant Professor at the esteemed Graduate Institute of Metabolism and Obesity Sciences, Taipei Medical University. My specialization lies in intricate molecular research, primarily aimed at unveiling innovative molecular avenues to categorize tumor subtypes and unearth biomarkers crucial for early detection, accurate diagnosis, prognosis discernment, and prediction in liver diseases, including liver cancer and Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
Research Focus:
My pursuit in research is driven by a profound aspiration to decode the complex molecular mechanisms underlying liver diseases. By delving deep into the molecular intricacies of liver pathology, I aim to propel advancements in precision medicine, focusing on liver cancer and NASH. This endeavor is pivotal to enriching our understanding and management of liver conditions and contributing meaningful insights to the broader scientific community.
Mentorship Philosophy:
In my role as a mentor and educator, I strive to nurture and enlighten the upcoming generation of scientists by providing guidance in both wet-lab methodologies and computational biology. Leveraging my extensive research experience and knowledge, my goal is to create a conducive and enriching learning atmosphere, fostering curiosity, analytical thinking, and a profound passion for molecular research amongst my students.
Commitment to Excellence:
I derive immense satisfaction and fulfillment from imparting knowledge and wisdom, with the hope of sparking an enduring passion for discovery and research in the promising minds of the future. My unwavering commitment is to uphold and promote academic and research excellence. I hold a steadfast hope to witness my mentees unfold novel perspectives and contribute groundbreaking revelations to our cumulative knowledge of liver diseases and their molecular foundations, ultimately benefiting the global scientific realm.
The laboratory I oversee, situated within the Graduate Institute of Metabolism and Obesity Sciences, operates at the forefront of innovative research focusing on metabolism, obesity, and liver maladies, encompassing hepatocellular carcinoma and Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Our research environment is a nexus of relentless curiosity, pursuit of profound understanding, and a dedication to trailblazing methodologies in molecular studies.
Our ambition is to make substantial contributions to multiple scientific domains, including early detection, meticulous diagnosis, informed prognosis, and the cultivation of precise medical strategies. Our objectives are harmoniously aligned with the mission to decipher and provide new insights into the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying liver diseases.
Research interests
- Identification and Characterization of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
- Underlying Mechanisms of Metabolic Reprogramming in Liver Disease
- Big Data Analytics
- Understanding the Intersections between Metabolism and Cancer Biology
- Establishing Animal Models for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Requirements and details
Scholarship availability
Taiwan Experience Education Program, TEEP (MOE)
–
International Internship Pilot Program, IIPP (NSTC)
More info
Shu-Chun Chang, Associate Professor
The Ph.D. Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology
Office of Global EngagementMentor profile
Education
2011~2015 PostDoc Research Fellow, Department of Biological Sciences
National University of Singapore, Singapore
Ph.D., Division of National Heart & Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine
Imperial College London, UK
Professional Appointments
2022- Associate Professor, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Informatics
2017-2022 Assistant Professor, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Informatics
2015-2017 Assistant Professor, Ph.D. Program for Translational Medicine
Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
Introduction
Shu-Chun Chang is an Associate Professor of the Ph.D. Program for Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan. Dr. Chang trained in extracellular biology and glycobiology and began work on cancer research as her PhD study in Imperial College London (IC, 2007-2011). Her PhD work aimed to investigate the role of Hedgehog Acyltransferase & Heparan Sulphate Proteoglycans (HSPGs) in Human Sonic Hedgehog (hShh) Signaling. These studies have greatly contributed to defining the functional roles of hShh interactions with HSPGs and palmitoylation of hShh in the formation of hShh multimeric complex, which enabled cancer cell therapeutics. Dr Chang continued to work in the field of Cancer Immunology/Inflammation as her Post-Doc research at the National University of Singapore (NUS, 2011-2015). Her findings clearly established the power of SAG-UPS (ubiquitin proteasome system) as a functional link between immune defense and apoptosis or immune-overactivation and tumorigenesis. SAG–UPS was proposed to be an efficient target for developing therapeutics against autoimmune diseases and cancers. Continuing from her postdoctoral research work, her current independent research focusses on: UPS, E2/E3 enzymes profiling, cancer therapeutics and anticancer strategies, the tumorigenic microenvironment, Hiltonol cocktails in anti-cancer strategies, anti-PD-L1 cancer vaccine. All of these related topics of research encompasses cancer immunomodulation, which she is being recognized internationally, as evidenced by multiple invitations from impactful journals to her to submit manuscripts to contribute her area of expertise.
Previously, Dr Chang revealed that dysregulation of the ubiquitination-proteasome system (UPS) exacerbates the tumor microenvironment and drives malignant transformation [1-3]. As the largest family of E3 ligases, the SCF E3 is involved in chronic inflammation-mediated tumorigenesis such as BRCA [4,5]. However, the underlying mechanisms and key factors through which SCF E3 ligase drives BRCA initiation and progression remain unclear. During Dr Chang’s research period in TMU (2015-current), since her research encompasses a wide array of experimental approaches (e.g. biochemical, cell & molecular techniques, molecular biophysics, computational modeling and immunochemical methods involving clinical specimens), as a Principle Investigator, Dr Chang has put together a team of collaborators and co-workers (both locally at TMU and internationally) to derive the best output and to spawn research collegiality and inculcate team-spirit. In the future, Dr Chang aim to investigate potent approaches to restrain the pro-tumorigenic microenvironment to inhibit cancer cell growth and metastasis.
Research interests
- BZDRs promote breast cancer progression through GABRA3-ECM signaling.
- Clarify PBMCs-associated tumorigenic microenvironment mediated by Musa Sapientum extracts.
Requirements and details
Scholarship availability
Taiwan Experience Education Program, TEEP (MOE)
–
International Internship Pilot Program, IIPP (NSTC)
More info
Susan Jung-Su Chang, Professor
Graduate Institute of Metabolism and Obesity Sciences, College of Nutrition
Office of Global EngagementMentor profile
Education
Ph.D., Center For Infectious Disease
University College London, UK
M.S., in Human Nutrition
Glasgow University, UK
B.S., Department of food Science and Technology
Chia Nan University, Taiwan
Professional Appointments
2019- Professor, School of Nutrition and Health Sciences
2018- Professor, Graduate Institute of Metabolism and Obesity Sciences
Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
Introduction
Prof. Jung-Su Chang was awarded her Master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition from the University of Glasgow in 2000 and her PhD degree from University College London (UCL), UK, in 2006. She obtained her postdoctoral training in Prof. David Haig’s Lab at the Moredun Research Institute and the Roslin Research Institute in Scotland, as well as in Prof. Dirk Haller’s Lab at the Technical University Munich, Germany. In 2011, she joined the School of Nutrition & Health Sciences at Taipei Medical University, Taiwan.
Prof. Chang has dedicated her research to obesity-related nutrition care. Obesity and anemia remain major global health concerns. It is estimated that half of obese patients with metabolic disorders have mild liver iron overload, but there are still no effective methods for treating obesity-related iron disorders.
Prof. Chang is intrigued by questions: How does obesity-related inflammation affect iron metabolism, and how does altered iron metabolism contribute to metabolic diseases and brain health? Can digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) help us provide better nutrition care?
Currently, Prof. Jung-Su Chang’s lab consists of one postdoctoral researcher and two PhD students (one from Vietnam and one from Indonesia), along with four Taiwanese master’s students .
Research interests
- Iron metabolism
- Metabolic syndrome
- Dietary pattern and disease risk
- Inflammation and infection
Requirements and details
- Undergraduate or above
- Familiar with excel, basic statistics, and can use Graphapad prism, spss , or R and SAS
- Wet Lab project skills
- Familiar with Large Language Model, machine learning
Scholarship availability
Taiwan Experience Education Program, TEEP (MOE)
–
International Internship Pilot Program, IIPP (NSTC)
More info
Jane C-J Chao
School of Nutrition and Health Sciences
Office of Global EngagementMentor profile
Education
Ph.D., Department of Human Nutrition and Food Management
M.S., Department of Food Science and Nutrition
The Ohio State University, USA
B.S., School of Nutrition and Health Sciences
Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
Professional Appointments
2024.02- Dean, Office of Global Engagement
2015.08- Adjunct Professor, School of Health Care Administration
2004.02- Professor, School of Nutrition and Health Sciences
Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
Introduction
Dr. Jane C.-J. Chao graduated from the Department of Human Nutrition and Food Management at The Ohio State University and obtained her Ph.D. degree in 1993. Subsequently, she received post-doctoral training in the Division of Foods and Nutrition at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign from 1993 to 1994. She then returned to her alma mater Taipei Medical University to be a faculty member in the School of Nutrition and Health Sciences since 1995. She is currently the Dean of the Office of Global Engagement and a professor in the School of Nutrition and Health Sciences at Taipei Medical University. Over the past 30 years, her research primarily focuses on the effects of herbal extracts and active components on gastrointestinal diseases. She published numerous SCI journal papers and several book chapters, served as a reviewer for journals, and worked as a guest professor at the Health Sciences University of Hokkaido. She is currently a member of the American Society for Nutrition, the President of the Nutrition Society of Taiwan, and the Executive supervisor of the Chinese Taipei Association for the Study of Obesity. She has devoted herself to innovative research in herbal foods and gastrointestinal diseases continuously.
Lab 657 in the School of Nutrition and Health Sciences at Taipei Medical University (TMU) is a molecular nutrition laboratory. We currently have 15 lab members including 1 PI (me), 2 research assistants, 1 postdoc (from Malaysia), 4 doctoral students (2 from Vietnam), 3 master’s students (1 from Vietnam), and 4 professional master’s students. Among 15 lab members, there are 4 foreigners. The research in our lab mainly focuses on the effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides, probiotics, and postbiotics on the progression and remission of ulcerative colitis using animal and cell models with the collaboration of Prof. Tomonori Nochi at Tohoku University in Japan. Additionally, we are interested in the evaluation of functional foods on chronic diseases using animal or human studies. We have collaborated with Prof. Chyi-Huey Bai in the School of Public Health at TMU and Prof. Chien-Yeh Hsu at the National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences to determine the association between dietary patterns and chronic diseases using big data analysis.
Research interests
- Applications of plant extracts/active components such as Lycium barbarum polysaccharides extract and probiotics to health foods and adjunctive therapy for chronic diseases (IBD, sarcopenia, ulcer, stroke, or hepatitis) and cancers (cell, animal, or human study)
- Precise prediction model of the recovery in hip fracture patients after surgery (human study)
- Evaluation of functional foods (animal or human study)
- Association between dietary patterns and chronic diseases (data analysis)
Requirements and details
Senior undergraduate or graduate students with a background in nutrition, medicine, or life science-related fields.
Scholarship availability
Taiwan Experience Education Program, TEEP (MOE)
–
International Internship Pilot Program, IIPP (NSTC)
More info
Hsin-Yi Chen, Associate Professor
Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology
Office of Global EngagementMentor profile
Education
Ph.D., Institute of Molecular Medicine
Master, Institute of Medical Technology
BS. in Medical Technology
National Taiwan University, Taiwan
Professional Appointments
2021- Associate Professor, Ph.D Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery
2021- Associate Professor, Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery
Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
Introduction
During my postdoc training, I focused on the functions of noncoding RNAs in cancer development. Our work “miR-103/107 promote metastasis of colorectal cancer by targeting the metastasis suppressors DAPK and KLF4.” has been published in 2012 and got 333 citations (Chen et al., Cancer Res. 72:3631-41, 2012.). In 2014, I joined TMU and extended my research to long non-coding RNAs. We used bioinformatic tools to identified some lncRNAs that could contribute to tumor progression and delineate their molecular mechanism by multiple molecular, cellular and in vivo approaches. In 2022, we identified “a novel lncRNA Smyca which coactivates TGF-β/Smad and Myc pathways to drive tumor progression” (Chen et al., J Hematol Oncol. 15:85, 2022.). In this work, we collaborated with Dr. Becky Chen in National Tsing Hua University to develop the “nanoparticle-assisted gapmer antisense oligonucleotides delivery” to target Smyca in vivo. Our result suggests targeting Smyca prevents metastasis and overcomes chemoresistance, therefore provide the preclinical evidence for therapeutic insight of Smyca.
Currently, my lab focuses on three aspects. First, we extend our work on Smyca to dig other therapeutic application. Second, we investigate the roles of interested lncRNAs in tumor progression and their impact on tumor microenvironment. Third, we collaborate with drug delivery team to refine the strategy for lncRNA targeting.
Research interests
- Tumor biology
- MicroRNA
- Protein turnover
- Signal transduction
Requirements and details
-
BSc / MSc / PhD in life and biomedical sciences, molecular biology, or biology-related fields.
-
Skill sets or Qualities
- Cell culture
- Knowledge and skills of biochemical analysis for DNA/RNA/Protein
- Knowledge and skills of cell biology
- Effective communication skills in English
- Teamwork mindset
Scholarship availability
Taiwan Experience Education Program, TEEP (MOE)
–
International Internship Pilot Program, IIPP (NSTC)
More info
hyichen@tmu.edu.tw
Tuo-Yu Chen, Assistant Professor
Global Health and Health Security, College of Public Health
Office of Global EngagementMentor profile
Education
Ph.D., School of Aging Study
University of South Florida, USA
M.S. in Occupational Therapy
University of Pittsburgh, USA
B.S. in Occupational Therapy
Chung Shan Medical University, Taiwan
Professional Appointments
2020- Assistant Professor, Master Program in Global Health and Development
Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
2019-2020 Postdoctoral Fellow
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
2017.05-2017.06 Visiting Research Fellow, Population Research Institute
Nihon University, Japan
Introduction
Tim is an occupational therapist by training. He received his Ph.D. in Aging Studies from the University of South Florida. The overarching theme of his research is the promotion of healthy aging. The broad focus of his research program is to 1) identify physical and psychosocial determinants of health outcomes and 2) examine potential interventions to reduce the likelihood of developing aging-related health problems. He studies various physical and mental health outcomes, including but not limited to sleep, depression, pain, fear of falling, falls, impaired mobility, and chronic conditions. His recent research centers on promoting sleep health in the older population.
The Aging and HeAlth Lab – the AHA lab
Research interests
- Sleep health
- Geriatric syndromes (e.g., falls, pain, frailty, depression)
- Disability in late life
- Aging and health disparity
- Cross-country comparisons on aging and health
Requirements and details
Scholarship availability
Taiwan Experience Education Program, TEEP (MOE)
–
International Internship Pilot Program, IIPP (NSTC)
More info
Yi-Fan Chen, Associate Professor
International Master Program for Translational Science, College of Medical Science and Technology
Office of Global EngagementMentor profile
Education
Ph.D. Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences
National Yang-Ming University, Taiwan
M.S. Institute of Microbiology and Immunology
National Defense Medical Center, Taiwan
B.S. Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology
China Medical University, Taiwan
Professional Appointments
2020- Associate Professor, Ph.D. Program for Translational Medicine
2020- Associate Professor, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Informatics
2020- Associate Professor, Master Program in Clinical Pharmacogenomics and Pharmacoproteomics
Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
Introduction
Dr. Yi-Fan Chen is an associate professor in Taipei Medical University. Dr. Chen possesses expertise in the fields of Genetics, Geroscience & Geriatrics, and Genetically modified mouse models. When she was a PhD student at National Yang-Ming University, she dedicated herself to the study of aging research. Aging is a progressive functional decline, or a gradual deterioration of physiological function with age, including irreversible age-related process of loss of viability. Exploring a potential strategy to maintain and rejuvenate mitochondrial health is extremely important. She and her mentor, Prof. Ting-Fen Tsai, proposed that Cisd2, a gene with a critical function in modulating health span in mammals, contributes to maintain mitochondrial integrity and functions majorly. Based on this concept, when she started her career at Taipei Medical University, she proposed that an age-dependent decrease of Cisd2 in hair cells and/or auditory nerves leads to age-related hearing loss in mice. This auditory study is being processed for the final mechanism examination. Additionally, they demonstrated that Cisd2 can be a critical target for ameliorating the disease progression of Alzheimer’s disease by maintaining mitochondrial function and integrity .
In recent years, Dr. Chen has a strong passion for investigating stem cells and their surrounding microenvironment. She hypothesizes that controlling the cell fate and stemness of stem cells is highly necessary to prolong the health-span of tissues; otherwise, age-dependently accumulated waste and stress can paralyze the tissue functions. In her lab, they demonstrated that Rrm2b, a critical protein controlling mitochondrial functions, plays an important role in regulating the regeneration capacity of stem cells, resulting in tissue dysfunction and senescence. They pointed out the importance of Rrm2b in myofibers following the investigation of molecular mechanisms in myofiber (part of niche) to modulate the cell fate of muscle stem cells . She believes that establishing mouse models for investigating the relationship between diseases and risk factors is a critical contribution for developing the therapeutic methods. If everyone can follow the principles of 3R, undoubtedly, mouse model will contribute to being a perfect in vivo model.
Aging is a progressive functional decline, or a gradual deterioration of physiological function with age, including irreversible age-related process of loss of viability. In human, several aging-related diseases such as neurodegenerative, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes have endangered human life and affected the life quality. Mitochondria is the energy factory in cell and also play the key role in cellular metabolism. As we known, dysfunctional mitochondria are primary defects in most diseases, especially age associated diseases. To explore a potential strategy to maintain and rejuvenate mitochondrial health is extremely important.
Research interests
- Gerontology
- Mouse genetics
Requirements and details
Scholarship availability
Taiwan Experience Education Program, TEEP (MOE)
–
International Internship Pilot Program, IIPP (NSTC)
More info
Kuei-Ru Chou, Professor
School of Nursing, College of Nursing
Office of Global EngagementMentor profile
Education
Ph.D. in Nursing
Vanderbilt University, USA
M.S. School of Nursing
B.S. School of Nursing
National Defense Medical Center, Taiwan
Professional Appointments
2023-present Fellows Ad Eundem of the Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (FFNMRCSI), Ireland
2019-Present Fellows
American Academy of Nursing (FAAN), USA
2018-Present Distinguished Professor
Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
Introduction
Dr. Kuei-Ru Chou is a distinguished professor in the School of Nursing, College of Nursing at Taipei Medical University. She has made tremendous contributions to gerontology nursing in practice and evidence-based research working in both public and private institutions for 35 years.
(1) Dr. Chou has conducted research in nursing, gerontology, and mental health making global citizens become more aware of the importance of healthcare providers and the need for nursing research. Dr. Chou’s innovative and outstanding program of healthcare research has had a global reach generating knowledge that has improved the standard of living for patients and caregivers.
(3) Dr. Chou has actively promoted psychiatric home health care and made significant improvements in gerontological psychiatric health care, including the development of dementia care guidelines for older adults. Dr. Chou has also dedicated her efforts to enhancing the training of home healthcare staff as the supervisor of Taiwan’s Home Care and Services Association.
(4) Dr. Chou fostered collaborations with universities in over 48 countries ensuring the global exchange of knowledge and best practices in nursing during her tenure as the Dean of the College of Nursing. She continues to foster global connections as the Dean of the Office of Global Engagement and is currently the President of the Taiwan Sigma Theta Tau Chapter. Through her strong leadership and passionate advocacy, Dr. Chou’s organization has spearheaded the advancement of innovation, quality, and services in long-term care.
(5) Dr. Chou has invested considerable time and energy in mentoring students and new researchers, thus promoting a culture of research and innovation. Her guidance has impacted over 100 graduate students and hundreds of faculty members, leaving a lasting legacy in the nursing community.
Chou’s Lab is an inclusive and integrative lab focused on exploring cutting-edge cognitive training research for mild cognitive impairment and dementia, innovative swallowing function research for presbyphagia and dysphagia, effective and accessible cognitive-behavioral therapy research for patients and caregivers with mental health disorders, and evidence-based research for music and light Therapy.
(1) Cognitive Training Research for Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
Dr. Chou is a pioneer of multi-domain cognitive training research that focuses on interactive cognitive function training and virtual interactive memory training programs which promote and extend the value and knowledge of nursing research. This research promotes and extends the value and knowledge of nursing research on domestic and international levels.
(2) Innovative Swallowing Function Research for Presbyphagia and Dysphagia
Dr. Chou’s dysphagia and dementia research focuses on developing innovative programs that combine different types of swallowing exercises and rehabilitation strategies to improve outcomes and standards of living for older adults and their caregivers.
(3) Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Research for Patients and Caregivers with Mental Health Disorders
Dr. Chou’s mental health research ensures effective and accessible interventions including cognitive behavioral therapy for patients and caregivers with mental health disorders that improve mental health service access.
(4) Evidence-Based Research for Music and Light Therapy
Dr. Chou’s evidence-based research on music and light therapy provides a platform that facilitates other psychiatric hospitals to adopt music and light therapy as part of mental health care programs.
(5) Mentorship
Dr. Chou facilitates learning using multiple strategies that meet learners’ educational needs, model professional behavior, and stimulate critical thinking, and time management in the lab. Dr. Chou also facilitates learner development and socialization through recognition and adaptation of the unique learning styles of domestic and international masters and Ph.D. students and offers appropriate learner resources, advice, and counselling.
Research interests
- Mental Health Nursing
- Translational Research
- Long-term Care
- Cognitive Therapy
- Meta-Analysis
- Counselling
- Elderly Care
- Scale Development
Requirements and details
Scholarship availability
Taiwan Experience Education Program, TEEP (MOE)
–
International Internship Pilot Program, IIPP (NSTC)
More info
Jian-Ying Chuang, Professor
International Master Program in Medical Neuroscience, College of Medical Science and Technology
Office of Global EngagementMentor profile
Education
Ph.D. in Molecular Biology
M.S. in Biomedical Sciences
National Cheng-Kung University, Taiwan
B.S. in Biology
Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan
Professional Appointments
2024.02-2024.03 Acting Director, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Informatics
2022- Professor, International Master Program in Medical Neuroscience
2021- Vice Dean, College of Medical Science and Technology
Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
Introduction
Increasing evidence suggests a link between dysregulation of histone deacetylases (HDACs) activity and many neoplastic/neurodegenerative diseases, as it regulates acetylation of multiple proteins and affects cellular functions, including cell growth, apoptosis, moving, etc. I have been focusing on HDAC research for thirteen years, including postdoctoral research at National Cheng Kung University (2010-2011), postdoctoral research at National Institute on Drug Abuse (2011-2013), and teaching at Taipei Medical University (2013-present). Interestingly, our lab recently discovered that HDACs have completely different functions in promoting cell survival like yin and yang regulation in different cells (Brain tumor cells and nerve cells), and these findings are supported by the following projects.
- To study the role of specificity protein 1 (Sp1) in cancer drug resistance (2016/08/01~2019/10/31), 105-2320-B-038-063 (1/3); 106-2320-B-038-002 (2/3); 107-2320-B-038-002 (3/3)
- Roles of HDAC6-mediated Sp1 deacetylation in the evolution of acquired temozolomide resistance in glioblastoma (2017/08/01~2019/07/31), 106-2320-B-038-028
- Investigating nerve regeneration following traumatic brain injury (2020/02/01~2025/01/31), 109-2636-B-038-002 (1/5), 110-2636-B-038-004 (2/5), 111-2636-B-038-006 (3/5), 112-2636-B-038-006 (4/5), 113-2636-B-038 001 (5/5)
Research interests
- Investigating nerve regeneration following traumatic brain injury
- Investigating the glioblastoma microenvironment and developing novel therapeutic strategies
Requirements and details
Scholarship availability
Taiwan Experience Education Program, TEEP (MOE)
–
International Internship Pilot Program, IIPP (NSTC)
More info
Kai-Jen Chuang, Professor
Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, College of Medicine
Office of Global EngagementMentor profile
Education
Ph.D., Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene
M.S., Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene
National Taiwan University, Taiwan
Professional Appointments
2020.01- Professor, School of Public Health
2017.02- Professor, Department of Public Health, School of Medicine
2018.04- Professor, Master Program in Applied Molecular Epidemiology
Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
Introduction
I graduated from Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, National Taiwan University, where I got a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Industrial Hygiene in 2006. I have worked as an environmental health and safety consultant in Foundation of Taiwan Industry Service in Taipei, Taiwan, a research fellow in Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, and an assistant professor in Department of Nursing, St. Mary’s Medicine, Nursing and Management College. I am now working as a professor in Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University.
Our lab focuses on intervention studies to reduce air pollution exposure and improve human health. From 2015 to 2020, our lab found that traffic-related fine particles (PM2.5) were associated with autonomic alteration. Commuting modes could modify the effects of PM2.5 on heart rate variability (HRV) indices among young, healthy subjects. The personal exposure levels to PM2.5 were the highest in the walking commuters. The effects of PM2.5 on HRV indices were the lowest in the subway commuters compared to the effects in the walking commuters. For indoor air pollution exposure and human health, our lab found that indoor air pollution exposure was associated with systemic inflammation, oxidative stress and elevated blood pressure. The long-term filtration of indoor air pollution with an air conditioner filter was associated with cardiovascular health improvement of adults. Moreover, our lab found that houseplants could reduce indoor particulate air pollution and improve respiratory health among health adults. However, the presence of houseplants was associated with indoor ozone, isoprene and peak expiratory flow rate variations in the summer. Therefore, we recommend that the indoor temperature should be maintained below 30 degrees Celsius to avoid an increase in ozone concentration. From 2019 to 2022, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is a public health emergency of international concern. people are racing to buy face masks, especially medical masks to protect themselves from infection. It has led to a medical mask shortage around the world and may result in shortage of medical mask for people in need. Our team investigated whether cotton mask worn by respiratory infection person could suppress respiratory droplet levels compared to medical mask. We found that cotton mask could be a potential substitute for medical mask for respiratory infection person in microenvironment with air conditioning. Healthy people may daily use cotton mask in the community since cotton mask is washable and reusable.
Research interests
- Air pollution sampling and analysis
- Environmental epidemiology
- Workplace monitoring
Requirements and details
Scholarship availability
Taiwan Experience Education Program, TEEP (MOE)
–
International Internship Pilot Program, IIPP (NSTC)
More info
Tuyen Van Duong, Assistant Professor
School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Nutrition
Office of Global EngagementMentor profile
Education
PhD, School of Public Health, College of Public Health and Nutrition
MNSc, Graduate Institute of Nursing
Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
BNSc, School of Nursing
Hanoi Medical University, Vietnam
Professional Appointments
2023- Joint-Appointment Assistant Professor, International Master/Ph.D. Program in Medicine
2019.12.02- Assistant Professor, School of Nutrition and Health Sciences
Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
2022-2024 Chair of the Research Standards Committee
International Health Literacy Association, USA
Introduction
Dr. Duong is currently an Assistant Professor of School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan (from 2019). He has been serving as a president of Asian Health Literacy Association, Geneva, Switzerland (1/2025-12/2026); Elected Chair of Scientific Standards Committee, and EB member of International Health Literacy Association, Boston, USA (1/2022-12/2024). He has been invited as a yearly Guest Lecturer of Tufts University School of Medicine since 2018. He is an active member of several international organizations, e.g. Nutrition Society of Taiwan, American Society for Nutrition, and some others.
Dr. Duong has developed a strong academic background, and wide international networks. He has been closely working with other scholars on several research projects (e.g. Health and dietary literacy, dietary intake and health-related behaviors, mental health and quality of life in hemodialysis, chronic kidney disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and COVID-19, marriage and childbearing intention and realization) in Asian countries, and also collaborated with the research consortium in Europe and with growing number of institutions in Australia, United States and Africa.
By Jan 2025, Dr. Duong has published about 75 original research articles in more than 30 internationally indexed journals. He has been serving as an Editor of Annals of Medicine, Scientific Reports, Health Promotion International, Frontiers in Nutrition and Frontiers in Psychology, Nutrients, a reviewer of 40 international journals. He has received 16 honorable academic awards from national and international organizations from Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Switzerland, Taiwan, United States, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Lab members are those studying MSc, PhD programs in and out Taiwan. Some alumni continue to work and publish more papers.
Some outstanding members among others.
- Nguyen Hoang Minh: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Minh-Nguyen-Hoang
- Pham Minh Thu: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Thu-Pham-48
- Dang Thi Loan: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Loan-Dang-7
- Tran Tuan Tu: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Tran_Tu13
- Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Thao-Nguyen-Thi-Phuong-2
- Le Duc Huy: https: //www.researchgate.net/profile/Huy-Le-Duc-3
- Nguyen Thi Hong Nhi: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nhi-Nguyen-44
- Hoang Thi Ngoc Anh: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Thi-Ngoc-Anh-Hoang
- Quach Ha Linh: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ha-Linh-Quach
Research interests
- Dietary intake, nutritional markers, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular risks, and mortality in hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis patients.
- Epidemiology studies on hypertension, chronic kidney diseases, diabetes, stroke, COVID-19.
- Evaluation of research instruments.
- (e-) Health literacy, (e-) healthy diet literacy.
- Lifestyles, mental health, health-related quality of life research.
Requirements and details
Scholarship availability
Taiwan Experience Education Program, TEEP (MOE)
–
International Internship Pilot Program, IIPP (NSTC)
More info
Kai-Cheng Hsu, Professor
Master Program in Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology
Office of Global EngagementMentor profile
Education
Ph.D., Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
Master, Institute of Bioinformatics
B.S., Department of Biological Science and Technology
National Chiao Tung University, Taiwan
Professional Appointments
2022- Professor, Master Program in Clinical Genomics and Proteomics
2022- Professor, International Ph.D. Program for Translational Science
Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
Introduction
Dr. Kai-Cheng Hsu obtained his Ph.D. degree under Professor Jinn-Moon Yang in 2011. He completed his post-doctoral fellowship training under Professor Jinn-Moon Yang, where he designed software and proposed novel strategies for drug design. He then completed an assistant research fellowship at the Center for Bioinformatics Research at National Chiao Tung University. Next, He joined Taipei Medical University in 2015 as an assistant professor and received a promotion to professor in 2022.
Dr. Hsu ‘s research interests include drug discovery and rational drug design. He developed new tools for protein-ligand docking, virtual screening, and lead optimization, such as iGEMDOCK and SiMMap. Dr. Hsu also proposed pathway-based screening strategies for multitarget inhibitors of diverse proteins in metabolic pathways and a parallel screening strategy of wild-type and drug-resistant targets for anti-resistance inhibitors. Incorporating new tools and strategies, his team has identified 60 novel inhibitors targeting various proteins. Currently, his lab focuses on designing new kinase inhibitors for cancer and neuro disorders. His team has identified novel inhibitors targeting 80 kinases, 20 of which inhibit the targeted kinases within <10 nM. His work has been published 95 papers in various SCI journals and yielded 3 patents. Traditional small-molecule drug development requires immense financial resources and extensive time commitment. Unfortunately, these requirements are coupled with a low success rate. Establishing an artificial intelligence (AI) platform for drug design has the potential to reduce the demanding development time and cost seen in traditional drug development pipelines. Our team has developed an AI platform for drug design and discovery. The platform establishes various models targeting the four phases of drug development: (1) Hit identification; (2) Lead optimization; (3) Cytotoxicity prediction; and (4) ADME prediction. In hit identification, the platform has various models that can predict potential inhibitors for protein kinases with an average accuracy of 85%. For lead optimization, the platform designs one million compound derivatives and selects the most promising derivatives for synthesis. 12 cancer cell models have been established to predict compound cytotoxicity with an average accuracy of 90%. Finally, the platform for the ADME prediction phase can predict a compounds’ ability to pass the blood-brain barrier with an accuracy of 96%. Our platform can also predict acute toxicity, immunotoxicity, and mutagenicity with an accuracy of 83.8%, 84.2%, and 84%, respectively. Our work has yielded novel nanomolar inhibitors targeting 80 kinases, 20 of which inhibit the targeted kinases with IC50 values of <10 nM. We believe that our platform can accelerate different stages of drug development, reduce costs, and increase the success rate for new drugs. [/av_toggle] [av_toggle title='Research interests' title_open='' tags='' title_pos='' slide_speed='' custom_id='' aria_collapsed='' aria_expanded='' av_uid='av-18v9mq27' sc_version='1.0']
- Structure-based drug discovery and design
- AI-driven drug design
- Kinase inhibitors
- Bioinformatics
- Cheminformatics
Requirements and details
Scholarship availability
Taiwan Experience Education Program, TEEP (MOE)
–
International Internship Pilot Program, IIPP (NSTC)
More info
Chi-Chen Huang Associate, Professor
Ph.D. Program in Medical Neuroscience, College of Medical Science and Technology
Office of Global EngagementMentor profile
Education
Ph.D. The Institute of Basic Medical Science
M.S. Department Of Pharmacology
National Cheng-Kung University
B.A. School of Pharmacy
Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
Professional Appointments
2019- Associate Professor, The Ph.D. Program for Neural Regenerative Medicine
2014- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine
Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
Introduction
Dr. Huang is an University Associate Professor in Ph.D. Program in Medical Neuroscience at Taipei Medical University. After she graduated from Taipei Medical University, she got the pharmacist license and involved in the research about the pharmacology and molecular mechanism of cervical cancer during her master and Ph. D. research in National Cheng-Kung University. In her postdoctoral fellow in Academia Sinica, she was interested in neurodegenerative diseases, and focused on studying the pathological protein TDP-43 in both frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) with ubiquitin inclusions (FTLD-U) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Now she is an associate professor in Taipei Medical University, and she continues her interest in exploring more molecular mechanism of TDP-43 in neural-related diseases.
Our previous studies focused on identifying the physiological function and neuropathies of the neurodegenerative disease-related pathological TDP-43. Also, we endeavor to explore potential therapeutic strategy specifically targeting on ameliorating TDP-43-related proteinopathies. Unrevealing these underlying mechanism is thus essential to provide more comprehensive understanding about TDP-43 neuropathies.
TDP-43: TDP-43 is identified as the major component of the ubiquitin positive inclusion in the frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD-U) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting the mismetabolism of TDP-43 protein is the major cause for the pathological TDP-43 aggregates formation. However, the comprehensive picture of the metabolism and mis-metabolism of TDP-43 protein itself in normal cells remains unclear. We provide a comprehensive model of the metabolism and mismetabolism of TDP-43 in relation to these findings is presented in J. Cell. Sci. 2014. In addition, we also discovered the impact of loss-of-function of TDP-43 on autophagy regulation which contributes to the development of TDP-43 proteinopathies. Our works was presented in J. Biol. Chem. 2011. We also explore the detailed therapeutic mechanism of traditional herb medicine berberine on TDP-43 proteinopathy which provides an candidate drug targeting with less side effect potentially developed as an alternative therapy for TDP-43-related neuropathology in FTLD and ALS (J Biomed Sci, 2016) (104-2320-B-038-054-MY3). Moreover, we have identified Znf179 as an E3 ubiquitin ligase for TDP-43 and demonstrated the ZNF-179-mediated regulatory mechanism in TDP-43 metabolism and TDP-43-related proteinopathies. A better understanding of the function of the novel E3 ligase, Znf179, and the correlation between Znf179 and TDP-43 will provide a new therapeutic avenue for the ALS and FTLD-U patients in the future (J Biomed Sci, 2018)(104-2320-B-038-054-MY3). In clinical trial, we have demonstrated the elevation of plasma TDP-43 in the exosome may develop as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of ALS patients (J. Neurol. Sci. 2020). Moreover, in our phase II clinical trial, we found that the add-on therapy of tamoxifen mildly attenuates the disease progression in the first 6 months, implicating the benefit role of tamoxifen for the early disease onset ALS patients (Medicine, 2020). Not only in FTLD and ALS, we discovered that TDP-43 also plays a role in ischemia stroke and involved in rapamycin-mediated therapeutic effect in ischemia stoke disease model (Int J Mol Sci. 2022)(110-2320-B-038-067-MY3). To explore the specific way to target TDP-43 for proteasome degradation, we dedicated to unravel the role of TNKS-mediated ADP-ribosylation of TDP-43 and TNKS-PI31 signaling cascade for the activity regulation and axonal transportation of 20S proteasome under normal condition and TDP-43-related neuropathies (Manuscript is in preparation) (110-2320-B-038-067-MY3). Overall speaking. we provide a better understanding of the TDP-43 proteinopathies and open a new therapeutic avenue for ALS and FTLD-U patients.
Research interests
- Neurodegenerative disease
- Neuromolecular biology
- Post-translational modification
Requirements and details
Scholarship availability
Taiwan Experience Education Program, TEEP (MOE)
–
International Internship Pilot Program, IIPP (NSTC)
More info
Chih-Wei Huang, Associate Research Fellow
College of Medical Science and Technology
Office of Global EngagementMentor profile
Education
Ph.D., Graduate Institute of Biomedical Informatics
M.S., Graduate Institute of Biomedical Informatics
B.A., School of Healthcare Administration
Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
Professional Appointments
2023- Adjunct Assistant Professor, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Informatics
2022- Associate Research Fellow, International Research Center for Health Information Technology, School of Medical Science and Technology
2022- Adjunct Research Fellow, Center for Education in Medical Simulation
Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
Introduction
Dr. Chih-Wei (Grace) Huang graduated from the Doctoral Program in Medical Informatics at Taipei Medical University in 2016 and served as a full-time Assistant Research Fellow at the International Research Center for Health Information Technology of the College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University since 2018. Dr. Huang was promoted to Associate Research Fellow in 2022. To date, Dr. Huang has published 43 SCI/EI journal papers, with 6 as the first or corresponding author, and has participated in over 30 funded projects (including research, industry-academic collaborations, and scientific innovation projects), serving as the principal investigator for 3 of these projects. Dr. Huang has also been involved in over 10 patent applications, co-inventing 2 patents (applications in Taiwan and the U.S. for invention patents and a new type of patent in Taiwan). In 2020, Dr. Huang was appointed as a startup consultant for the SPARK program at Taipei Medical University and established the Digital Health Translation (DHT) initiative to assist with field validation and clinical data verification, linking resources for industry talent training and industry-academic collaboration platforms.
Dr. Huang’s research focus is on “Digital Health Care for Chronic Kidney Disease,” with doctoral research on “Visualizing Disease Trajectories through Big Data” focusing on chronic kidney disease, Taiwan’s new national disease. In collaboration with Professor Kuan-liu Ma from the Data Visualization Center at the University of California, Davis, this work utilized time-series, multi-dimensional big data analysis, and interactive information visualization systems to track the disease progression of a research cohort over 13 years, providing researchers and clinicians with new perspectives and evidence for precise prevention and care. Subsequently, Dr. Huang has continued to delve into applying data analysis and machine learning for the prevention of comorbidities in chronic kidney disease and dialysis patients, drug dosage recommendations, personalized health education information, and wearable device interventions. The project titled “Constructing an Intelligent Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agent Dosing Model for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Using Electronic Medical Records and Personal Health Information” received consecutive funding for two years (2019 and 2020) from the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST 108-2410-H-038-010-SSS, 109-2410-H-038-007-), utilizing retrospective data (from Wanfang Hospital, Taipei, Tunghai Hospital, Taichung, and the Clinical Data Database of Taipei Medical University) and deep learning to establish an intelligent dosing prediction model. Furthermore, aiming to further construct personalized health education models through behavioral science to enhance patients’ health literacy and disease awareness, Dr. Huang supervised two students from the Department of Gerontological Health Management in obtaining the Ministry of Science and Technology undergraduate project grants in 2021 and 2022, with projects titled “Health Literacy and Smart Bracelet Intervention as Important Factors and Preliminary Exploration of the Effects on Physical Activity of Elderly Dialysis Patients in Taiwan (NSTC 110-2813-C-038-199-H)” and “Evaluating the Effectiveness of Personalized Health Education Information Delivery via the LINE Platform for Middle-aged and Elderly Dialysis Patients (NSTC 111-2813-C-038-013-H),” leading to the presentation of research results at international academic conferences and receiving honors. Currently, Dr. Huang is working on the project “Developing a Multimodal Personalized Osteoporosis Fracture Risk Prediction Model for Dialysis Patients Using Clinical Phenotypes and Wearable Physiological Measurement Data (NSTC 112-2410-H-038-011-),” aiming to establish a personalized fracture risk prediction and assessment tool through multicenter clinical databases and field case collection, with clinical validation expected.
Research interests
- Digital Health Intervention Research
- Artificial Intelligence in Medicine
- Big Data and Visual Analytics in Health and Medicine
- Health Informatics and Information Management
Requirements and details
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, with experience in libraries/frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Scikit-learn.
- Strong knowledge of machine learning, deep learning, and statistical analysis techniques.
- Hands-on experience with healthcare datasets, including EMR or wearable device data.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to communicate technical findings effectively to non-technical audiences.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
Scholarship availability
Taiwan Experience Education Program, TEEP (MOE)
–
International Internship Pilot Program, IIPP (NSTC)
More info
ABOUT TMU
Taipei Medical University (TMU), established in 1960, is home to 11 colleges, one general education center, and over 6,000 students, with more than 49,000 alumni around the world. TMU boasts six affiliated hospitals, including TMU Hospital, Taipei Municipal Wanfang Hospital, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Cancer Center, Taipei Neuroscience Institute, and Hsin Kuo Min Hospital. Together, the hospitals host 3,000 beds and over 9,000 faculty and staff members.
Our mission at TMU is to educate biomedical talents with humanity, innovation, and global vision. We strive to develop a comprehensive education system integrating teaching, research, industrial collaboration, and medical care.
ABOUT TAIPEI
Taipei is the capital city of Taiwan. With its busy shopping streets and contemporary buildings, Taipei serves as the island’s financial, cultural and governmental center. The skyline is crowned by the bamboo-shaped Taipei 101 skyscraper, with upscale shops at the base and a rapid elevator to an observatory near the 508-meter top.
The downtown area offers enjoyable contrasts, with the west side’s narrow streets and street vendors showing Taipei’s past. The city’s east side is now its financial and commercial center, with the Xinyi District’s malls and nightlife representing the city’s metamorphosis into a modern international city.
The information provided, including pricing, is solely for informational purposes and is subject to change without notice.
Tel: +886-2-27361661
E-mail: oge@tmu.edu.tw
For admission inquiry: admission@tmu.edu.tw
Address:
No.250 Wuxing Street Taipei 11031, Taiwan
[Office Hours]
Monday – Friday
9-12am ; 1-5pm (GMT+8)OGE office hours at Shuang-Ho Campus
(Please book appointments using your TMU email)
E-mail: oge@tmu.edu.tw
For admission inquiry: admission@tmu.edu.tw
Address:
No.250 Wuxing Street Taipei 11031, Taiwan
[Office Hours]
Monday – Friday
9-12am ; 1-5pm (GMT+8)OGE office hours at Shuang-Ho Campus
(Please book appointments using your TMU email)
