HOW will it be conducted?
Accepted students will receive a personalized timetable based on preference (2-6 months).
A certificate will be awarded upon completion of the program.
WHAT IS TMU VIRTUAL RESEARCH CAMP?
TMU Virtual Research Camp (TVRC) provides research mentorship through distance learning to foster research capability, innovative thinking, global awareness, and problem-solving skill sets to develop young talents.
Students will have the opportunity to engage in an interactive virtual mentorship with one of the faculty-led research topics from TMU. On top of the intensive mentorship sessions, students will also have the chance to take part in virtual Mandarin language and culture courses, workshops from TMU’s core facilities, and a virtual tour to the university campus.
| MANDATORY | ELECTIVE |
MENTORS AND RESEARCH TOPICS
APPLICATIONS OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING FOR THERAPIES OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
David-Jon Lundy
Assistant Professor
Office of Global Engagement| Available window: All year round |
Topic introduction
Cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of the death in the world, resulting more total deaths than all cancers combined. During a heart attack, approximately 1,000,000,000 contractile cardiomyocytes (heart muscle cells) die due to oxygen deprivation. For patients who survive the initial heart attack, their damaged heart will struggle to provide oxygenated blood to meet demands of the body. The lost cardiomyocytes are replaced by non-contractile collagen/scar tissue (pathogenic remodelling) and many patients progress to heart failure. There are very few current treatments to prevent this process from occurring.
In this program we can discuss the latest research into ways to reduce cardiac damage, pathogenic remodelling and encourage regeneration. That includes medical devices to support the heart, biomaterials to improve repair, and stem cells, nanomedicines and gene therapies to aid in regeneration.
Duration
3-4 months (around 4-5 hours per week)
Research mentor profile
Education
B.Sc & Ph.D., Biological Sciences
University of Durham, United Kingdom
Professional Appointments
2019-present, Assistant Professor, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering
2018-2018, Project Assistant Research Fellow, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials and Tissue
Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
2007-2018, Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Academia Sinica, Taiwan
2006 – 2007, Trainee Biomedical Scientist
University Hospital of North Durham, United Kingdom
Research field
Biomaterials, Cell therapy, and Nanomedicine therapy for Cardiovascular Diseases
DRUG DEVELOPMENT IN BLOCKING SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION IN CANCERS
Wei-Chun HuangFu
Associate Professor
Office of Global Engagement| Available window: All year round |
Topic introduction
My lab is interested to elaborate the parthenogenesis of cancers. Our group devotes to find the potential regulation mechanisms and to discover the novel therapeutic drugs.
Duration
4 weeks
Research mentor profile
Education
Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Toxicology
North Carolina State University, USA
Professional Appointments
Associate Professor, Ph.D. Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery
Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
15 years of life sciences research experience, including >10 years of cancer biology and 1 year industry experience
Active member of TMU/ATP BioPharm innovation start-up team in scientific leader role
Research field
Molecular Toxicology
Cancer Biology
Drug Development
KEEP CALM AND PUT YOUR MASK ON: THE WAR ON VIRAL EPIDEMICS
Liang-Tzung Lin
Professor
Office of Global Engagement| Available window: All year round |
Topic introduction
Recent outbreaks caused by viruses, including avian influenza, Dengue, Ebola, and most notably COVID-19, has changed the way of life and instilled a new vigilance necessary towards pathogenic viruses, and the need to safeguard public health for survival and the new norms of daily life. This war on viral epidemics affects everyone, and does not discriminate between individuals and countries, and necessitates our attention to better understand viruses that affect the humans and animals alike, and the complexity involved. Simply put, keep calm, and put your mask on.
Research mentor profile
Education
Ph.D., Microbiology & Immunology
Dalhousie University, Canada
M.S., Medical Biophysics
University of Toronto, Canada
B.S., Microbiology & Immunology
McGill University, Canada
Professional Appointments
Professor, Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology
Head, Molecular Virology & Oncolytics Laboratory
Chief, International Research Section, Office of Global Engagement
Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
Adjunct Faculty, Dept. of Microbiology & Immunology
Dalhousie University, Canada
Committee Member & Co-Investigator
Canadian Network on Hepatitis C (CanHepC), Canada
Research field
Molecular Virology
Viral Entry
Emerging Viruses
Antiviral Strategies
Vector Engineering
Oncolytic Viro-Immunotherapy
Website
NEUROECONOMIC ESTIMATION OF MOOD RHYTHM IN MICE
Jihwan Myung
Associate Professor
Office of Global Engagement| Available window: All year round |
Topic introduction
While there is biological evidence for circadian mood fluctuation, it can be challenging to quantify mood objectively. Our research focuses on exploring behavioral entropy (BehEnt) as an objective mood phenotype in mice that can be measured across various lifestyle modalities. To test its universality, we create an artificial neural network using reinforcement learning. By leveraging the connections between mood rhythm and circadian rhythms, we aim to uncover the underlying neural mechanisms common to BehEnt reorganization, which may provide a better understanding of the biological basis of mood disorders.
Course requirements and details
Objectives
We estimate the mood state in mice using an economic choice paradigm, which involves experimentally collecting choice data and creating a model of valuation in neural networks.
Requirements
Backgrounds in either biological or mathematical/computational sciences
Duration
5-6 months (around 80-100 hours)
Capacity
up to 3 students at once
Research mentor profile
Education
Ph.D. in Life Sciences
Kyoto University, Japan
MS in Physiology and Biophysics
University of Washington, USA
MS in Physics
POSTECH, South Korea
BS in Physics
Korea University, South Korea
Professional Appointments
2020.01 – Present, Associate Professor, Ph.D. program, Graduate Institute of Mind Brain and Consciousness
2019.08 – Present, Associate Professor, Graduate Institute of Mind, Brain and Consciousness
2018.08.20 – 2019.07, Associate Professor, Graduate Institute of Humanities in Medicine
Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
Visiting Researcher
Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Japan
Research Fellow
Einstein Foundation Berlin, Germany
Fellow
Wissenschaftskollegzu Berlin, Germany
Research Scientist
RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Japan
Assistant Professor
Hiroshima University, Japan
Research field
Circadian rhythms
Embryonic development
Chronic kidney disease
Neuroeconomics
Mood
Website
NUTRITION, METABOLISM, AND CANCER
Ching-Feng Chiu
Associate Professor
Office of Global Engagement| Available window: November 1st, 2022 – December 31st, 2024 |
Topic introduction
The crosstalk of epigenetic remodeling and metabolic rewiring is among the gastrointestinal cancer hallmarks. Epigenetic gene regulation is well known to facilitate metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells, meanwhile, specific metabolites have been identified as substrates or cofactors of chromatin-modifying enzymes or proteins for survival and homeostasis. Various metabolic alterations and epigenetic modifications also reportedly drive cancer initiation and immune escape in the tumor microenvironment. Studying these fields will be more significant to discover new therapeutic targets and translational applications in gastrointestinal cancers.
Course requirements and details
Requirements
Basic biology
Duration
2 months (around 40 hours in total)
Capacity
up to 2 students at once
Research mentor profile
Education
Ph.D., Institute of Biotechnology
National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan
M.Sc., Department of Biotechnology
Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Taiwan
BS., Department of Psychology
National Chung Cheng University, Taiwan
Professional Appointments
2022 – present, Associate Professor, Graduate Institute of Metabolism and Obesity Sciences, College of Nutrition
2018 – 2022, Assistant Professor, Graduate Institute of Metabolism and Obesity Sciences, College of Nutrition
Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
Research field
Cancer biology
Transtational medicine
Nutrition metabolism
Cancer metabolism
Metastasis; Drug resistance
Epigenetics
OF DOGS AND MEN: TWO TALES OF VIRAL NEUROTOXICITY
Liang-Tzung Lin
Professor
Office of Global Engagement| Available window: All year round |
Topic introduction
Paramyxoviruses represent some of the most important viral pathogens to humans and dogs, with measles in the former, and canine distemper virus in the latter. What similarities and links could there be between the two? And what implications do these have in terms of disease management, and perhaps even for application in novel oncolytic viro-immunotherapies against tumors? In this topic, we explore the neurotoxicity of these two viruses- from dogs to men.
Research mentor profile
Education
Ph.D., Microbiology & Immunology
Dalhousie University, Canada
M.S., Medical Biophysics
University of Toronto, Canada
B.S., Microbiology & Immunology
McGill University, Canada
Professional Appointments
Professor, Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology
Head, Molecular Virology & Oncolytics Laboratory
Chief, International Research Section, Office of Global Engagement
Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
Adjunct Faculty, Dept. of Microbiology & Immunology
Dalhousie University, Canada
Committee Member & Co-Investigator
Canadian Network on Hepatitis C (CanHepC), Canada
Research field
Molecular Virology
Viral Entry
Emerging Viruses
Antiviral Strategies
Vector Engineering
Oncolytic Viro-Immunotherapy
Website
PROSPECTORS OF MARINE MEDICINAL RESOURCES
Kuei-Hung Lai
Assistant Professor
Office of Global Engagement| Available window: All year round |
Topic introduction
With the diversity and uniqueness, marine organisms have become an important source of lead compounds in the development of new drugs. The exploration of novel chemical structures and bioactive secondary metabolites is a key element for developing innovative drugs. Taiwan is located in tropical and subtropical regions and surrounded by the sea. The rich and diverse marine biological resources have brought up Taiwan’s leading position in global marine drug research, while the breakthrough development on marine medicinal resources exploration will be achieved by us through the application of new strategies and advanced spectroscopic technologies, big data, and database analysis.
Objectives:
- To discover bioactive secondary metabolites from the sea.
- To explore the chemical phenotyping among various marine organisms.
- To find out environmental factors that affect the production of bioactive metabolites.
Course requirements and details
Requirements
Preferred background: pharmacognosy, natural product chemistry
Duration
2 months (around 40 hours in total)
Capacity
up to 2 students at once
Research mentor profile
Education
Ph.D. in Pharmacognosy
Uppsala University, Sweden
Professional Appointments
Academic
2021 – present, Assistant Professor, Ph. D. Program in the Clinical Drug Development of Herbal Medicine, College of Pharmacy
2020 – present, Assistant Professor, Graduate Institute of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy
Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
2019 – 2020, Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan
2017 – 2018, Postdoctoral Research Fellow
National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Taiwan
Others
2021 – present, Member of the International Relationships Committee
American Society of Pharmacognosy (ASP), USA
2017 – 2022, Guest Editor
Marine Drugs journal
Research field
Pharmacognosy
Marine natural products
REGENERATIVE MEDICINE AND TARGETED THERAPY FOR CANCER STEM CELLS
Yao-An Shen
Assistant Professor
Office of Global Engagement| Available window: All year round |
Topic introduction
In spite of advances in cancer treatment, a subpopulation of tumor cells known as cancer stem cells (CSCs) may renew themselves to resist treatment and drive the metastasis of cancer. We use CSCs as a research model to investigate three primary research topics, including 1) mitochondrial bioenergetics, 2) transcription factor small-molecule drugs, and 3) exosome-based medication. For the study of regenerative medicine, induced pluripotent stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells are used for exosome-based drugs, tissue repair, and cancer treatments.
Course requirements and details
Requirements
The research experiences in either a wet or dry laboratory were required of the students
Duration
5-6 months (around 80-100 hours in total)
Capacity
up to 5 students at once
Research mentor profile
Education
Ph.D., Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
National Yang Ming University, Taiwan
M.S., Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences
National Yang Ming University, Taiwan
Professional Appointments
2020 – present, Joint-Appointment Assistant Professor, Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine
2019 – present, Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine
Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
2016 – 2019 Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Johns Hopkins University, USA
2015 – 2016 Post-doctoral Research Fellow
National Yang-Ming University, Taiwan
2015 – 2015 Post-doctoral Research Fellow
Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan
Research field
Cancer stem cell
Regenerative medicine
Cell therapy
small-molecule drugs
metabolomics
Critical thinking
Research design
YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT: DIET AND DISEASE
Jung-Su Chang
Professor
Office of Global Engagement| Available window: All year round |
Topic introduction
Obesity and iron deficiency (ID) remains the most common nutritional disorder worldwide. I am intrigued by questions: How to maintain a healthy body weight? Why have obese individuals increased the risk of micronutrient deficiencies? How does ineffective iron trafficking cause altered body composition and metabolic disorder diseases? How should we treat those patients? Can digital technology help us with better nutrition care?
Professor Jung-Su Chang’s lab is currently investigating the effectiveness of digital technology (e.g. FoodApp, 3D/AR food model) on obesity-related nutrition care, and is also developing alternative nutrition therapy for patients with anemia of inflammation.
Through this program, you will have the chance to learn about (1) diet and obesity-related co-morbidities, (2) image-based Dietary assessment, (3) alternative therapy for anemia of inflammation, (4) the use of digital technology in dietary assessment and nutrition care, and (4) systemic review and Meta-analysis.
Course requirements and details
Requirements
Nutrition, medicine, or life science related background
Duration
2 months (around 40 hours in total)
Capacity
up to 5 students at once
Research mentor profile
Education
Ph.D., Centre for Infectious Diseases and International Health
University College London, United Kingdom
M.Sc., Human Nutrition Dept.
University of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
Professional Appointments
2019 – present, Joint-Appointment Professor, School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Nutrition
2018 – present, Professor, Graduate Institute of Metabolism and Obesity Sciences, College of Nutrition
2015 – 2018, Associate Professor, School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Nutrition
2011 – 2015, Assistant Professor, School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Nutrition
Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
2020 – present, Director, The Center for Nutrition Research
Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taiwan
2008 – 2010, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Prof. Dirk Haller Lab, Biofunctionality Dept.
Technical University Munich, Germany
2006 – 2008 Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Moredun Research Institute and Roslin Research Institute, United Kingdom
Research field
Obesity-related nutrition
Iron metabolism
Functional fool
Artificial intelligence
Technology dietary care
DETAILS
For more information, please contact the International Research Section: ogeirs@tmu.edu.tw
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
Address:
No.250 Wuxing Street Taipei 11031, Taiwan
E-mail: oge@tmu.edu.tw
Address:
No.250 Wuxing Street Taipei 11031, Taiwan
[Office Hours]
Monday – Friday
9-12am ; 2-5pm (GMT+8)
