Taiwan is an island country located in the northwestern Pacific. Growing up in Taiwan, the ocean was always a big part of my life. For example, seafood is common in our daily diet, and humidity is constantly in the air. I majored in marine science as an undergraduate at National Sun Yat-Sen University in Kaohsiung (Southern Taiwan). Since then, I have experienced and explored different scientific fields. Below are some of my previous research projects when I was still in Taiwan. Though my research focus has shifted more to the cellular biology of mammals, I am still always passionate about environmental issues and an advocate for thwarting the current rate of global climate change.
Evolution of Acropora and coral reef ecology
Before I started my Ph.D. program in the US, I worked in one of Taiwan’s elite research institutes, Academia Sinica. My research there was focused on the evolutionary complexity of the most diverse coral genus, Acropora.
Acropora
Acropora is the most diverse coral genus and is characterized by a highly complex evolutionary history. This genus is widely distributed across Earth’s tropical seas and is an important reef builder. My research was focused on analyzing the evolution of this coral genus using various molecular markers, including mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers.
Expedition to the Great Barrier Reef
I was very fortunate to have worked with Dr. Carden Wallace, a world-renowned expert on coral, and I was trained by her in Acropora taxonomy. She also set an example to me on what a great scientist is by her relentless passion for science, humble attitude, and outstanding work ethic. I also conducted a series of sampling trips along the northern Great Barrier Reef while working with Dr. Wallace at the Museum of Tropical Queensland.
Reefs in Taiwan
Taiwan is located at the northern tip of the “Coral Triangle.” Reefs around Taiwan are highly diverse, and corals grow in abundance. After training with Dr. Carden Wallace, I used this knowledge to conduct several ecological surveys of Acropora spp. corals around Taiwan, and we discovered unexpectedly high diversity in some locations.
If you are interested in learning more about coral reefs, don’t miss out my wonderful collaborator’s website!
Population genetics and fisheries management
Fishing is a major industry in Taiwan, where seafood is eaten daily by the majority of the population. My Master’s research was focused on characterizing the genetic diversity and relatedness of fish populations in Taiwan in order to improve the management of commercially important fish species.
Specifically, I developed microsatellite markers for studying the population structure of the blue mackerel from the Northwestern Pacific. Blue mackerel is not only highly prized by seafood connoisseurs, but it is also used, strangely enough, to make animal feed. From my Master’s project, morphometric characteristics and mitochondrial DNA markers were both employed to create a key for identifying mackerels around Taiwan.
