Updated: September 30, 2025
Lab memebers
Master student
Kuan-Lin is an master student in the Department of Entomology at National Taiwan University. He has a profound interest in ants and simultaneously keeps various types of ants as pets. Additionally, he is currently researching a type of ant guests called 'ant cricket’, aiming to understand how the ant crickets sneak into ant nests and the behavior between ant crickets and ants.
Master student
Chen-Yu is an master student in the Department of Entomology at National Taiwan University, with a strong passion for insect interaction. He is actively involved in research exploring fascinating aspects of ant biology. Currently, Chen-Yu's work focuses on the mutualism between the ant of Acropyga and scale insects, aiming to uncover the genetic mechanisms behind the interaction behavior. Through his dedication, Chen-Yu contributes to advancing our understanding of the basic biology of Acropyga.
Undergraduate Student
Jing-Yao is an undergraduate student in the Department of Entomology at National Taiwan University, with a strong interest in insects. He is actively studying ant biology and is currently researching the effects of antibiotics on symbiotic bacteria in ants. His work aims to identify beneficial symbiotic bacteria that help ants survive, contributing to a better understanding of ant molecular biology.
Research Assistant
Tzong-Han finished his master degree in Department of Life Science at National Taiwan Normal University. His main research interests include speciation, phylogeography, evolution, and spatial modeling. He's currently working on genome assembly and niche analysis of Dolichoderus thoracicus.
Research Assistant
Chin-Mei graduated from the Department of Entomology at National Chung Hsing University. She is currently working on ant gut symbionts, investigating the intricate interactions between insects and their associated microbes, with a focus on how these symbionts may influence ant physiology and behavior. Outside the lab, she enjoys K-pop dancing, and has an irresistible love for all things pink.
Administrative Assistant
(Shared appointment with Dr. Hui-Yun Tseng)
Cha Li graduated from the Department of Plant Medicine at National Chiayi University and currently works as an assistant at the Department of Entomology, National Taiwan University. His interests include listening to music, reading manga, and playing computer games. Occasionally, he also engages in outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.
Visiting Scholars
Naoto Idogawa (井戸川直人)
JSPS Postdoctoral Fellow, Nagoya University (Japan)
Visiting period: August–September 2025
Hiroyuki Shimoji (下地博之)
Associate Professor, University of the Ryukyus (Japan)
Visiting period: September 2025
(UAAT International Young Visiting Scholar Program)
Former lab members
Former research assistant
Tzu-Chia Chen (2023-2023) – now PhD student at UC Riverside
Yi-Ting Fang (2023-2024) – now PhD student at UC Davis
Former master student
Hsiao-Yang Chu (2022-2024)
Bo-Lei Yu (2023-2025)
Exploring supercoloniality and novel microsatellite markers in Odontomachus troglodytes: insights into a recently introduced Ponerinae ant in Taiwan. M.S.
A comparative analysis of morphology, cuticular hydrocarbons, and behavior in native and invasive populations of Dolichoderus thoracicus in Taiwan. M.S.