Undergrad Research Projects

We're seeking motivated undergraduates, with a background in biomedical engineering or related fields, who are interested in gaining hands-on lab experience. No prior research experience is required — we're happy to work with the right students. If you're interested in any of the projects below, or has an idea that you wish to discuss, please reach out to Dr. Chao.

Open-Source Pressure Myography  (開源血管張力測量系統) 

Pressure myographs are used to study how blood vessels regulate their diameter in response to pressure, flow, and pharmacological agents, and are central to research on hypertension, diabetes, and vascular disease — but commercial systems can cost upwards of 2M TWD. This project builds a low-cost, open-source alternative based on the VasoTracker platform, with the added goal of extending it to work on an inverted fluorescence microscope for real-time fluorescence imaging alongside standard pressure-diameter measurements. You'll work across mechanical assembly and CAD, embedded electronics (Arduino-based pressure and temperature control), and scientific software development. A great fit for students with strong interest in electronics/embedded systems and mechanical design; software and image-processing background is a welcome plus but not required. 

血管張力測量系統主要用來分析血管材料力學，以了解血管如何因應壓力、血流及藥理刺激來調節其管徑，是高血壓、糖尿病與血管疾病研究的核心工具—但市售系統可能高達新台幣200萬元。本計畫以開源的VasoTracker平台為基礎，打造低成本的替代方案，未來並將進一步擴充至搭配倒立式螢光顯微鏡使用，以便在進行壓力-直徑測量的同時，即時進行螢光成像。參與者將參與機構組裝與CAD設計、嵌入式電子電路(以Arduino為基礎的壓力與溫度控制)，以及科學軟體開發等工作。非常適合對電子/嵌入式系統及機構設計有濃厚興趣的學生，若具備軟體與影像處理背景更佳。

Laminated Elecrospun Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering  (多層電紡支架) 

The enthesis is uniquely structured with a graded transition that facilitates efficient stress transfer between the mechanically disparate hard bone and soft tendon. This project uses electrospinning to build laminated scaffolds with layers of differing fiber alignment, modeling that native transition. You'll work hands-on with our aligned-fiber electrospinning system, screen fabrication parameters, and characterize the resulting materials by SEM, fiber-orientation analysis, and mechanical testing. Great fit for students interested in biomaterials or musculoskeletal tissue engineering. 

「肌腱骨附著點」(enthesis) 具有獨特的多層結構，能在性質差異極大的硬骨與軟組織之間實現有效的應力傳遞。本計畫運用電紡技術，製作具有不同纖維排列方向層次的多層支架，以模擬此天然的過渡結構。參與者將實際操作我們的纖維電紡系統，篩選製程參數，並透過掃描式電子顯微鏡(SEM)、纖維影像分析及機械測試等方法，對所得材料進行特性分析。非常適合對生醫材料或肌肉骨骼組織工程有興趣的學生。

Ultrathin Electrospun Scaffolds for Microscopic Imaging (超薄電紡支架)

Standard electrospun mats are too thick and optically dense for live-cell fluorescence imaging. This project develops a fabrication approach for ultrathin fiber mats that cells can be imaged on directly during culture, along with a mounting frame that makes these fragile materials practical to handle and culture. You'll work on fabrication parameters, basic frame design/fabrication (CAD, laser cutting or 3D printing), and live-cell imaging validation and quantification. A good fit for students interested in biomaterials, microscopy, device design, and cell biology.

標準電紡纖維材料通常密度過高過厚，不利於活細胞螢光成像。本計畫將開發一套超薄纖維材料的製作方法，使細胞能在培養過程中直接於其上進行顯微光學成像，並同時設計一套安裝結構，讓這類脆弱材料在操作與培養上更為實用。參與者將負責製程參數調整、基本框架設計與製作(CAD繪圖、雷射切割或3D列印)，以及活細胞成像的驗證與定量分析。適合對生醫材料、顯微技術、裝置設計及細胞生物學有興趣的學生。

updated August 2026