Welcome to the Laboratory of Dr. Wei-Chun Chao

Department of Forestry and Natural Resources National Chiayi University, Taiwan.

Email: 

      wcchao@mail.ncyu.edu.tw

      wtchao.tw@gmail.com

About Us: Welcome to the laboratory of Dr. Wei-Chun Chao, Associate Professor in the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources at National Chiayi University. Our research endeavors span a diverse range of ecological and conservation-focused studies, with a primary focus on understanding and preserving the rich natural resources of Taiwan.

Education:

1997-2008  Ph. D 

Institute of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, National Taiwan University. Taipei, Taiwan

1995-1997 M.S.

Botany, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan

1990-1995 B.S

Botany, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan

Professional Experience:

2022.08 -    

Associate Professor in the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan

2010.08 - 2022.07

Assistant Professor in Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan

2009.08 - 2010.07

PhD teacher in Department of Life Science, National Taitung University, Taitung, Taiwan.

2009

Visiting Scholar in The Ecosystems Center of the Marine Biological Laboratory, MA, USA.

2008-2009

Postdoctoral researcher in Institute of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.

Research Focus:

• Nanjenshan Forest Dynamic Plot: Our laboratory is deeply committed to the comprehensive study of the Nanjenshan Forest Dynamic Plot, investigating its ecological dynamics and the impact of climate change on this unique ecosystem.

• Pleione formosana Population Ecology: We are dedicated to monitoring and implementing conservation strategies for the endangered Pleione formosana, a rare and beautiful orchid species native to Taiwan.

• Population Ecology of Quercus aliena: Our research extends to the monitoring and conservation of Quercus aliena populations, a critical species within Taiwan's forest ecosystems.

• Pollinator Ecology: In recent years, our laboratory has delved into the study of Apis cerana and Apis mellifera' dietary habits using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and pollen analysis techniques. Additionally, we are pioneering the development of AI-based pollen identification technology.

• Bamboo Dynamics and Carbon Sequestration: We are actively researching the dynamics and carbon sequestration benefits of Taiwan's bamboo forests, including Phyllostachys makinoi, Phyllostachys edulis, and Bumbusa stenostachia.

• Invasive Plant Species Investigation: My research now includes the investigation of invasive plant species. We are employing the same methodology used 20 years ago to conduct our surveys on invasive plants, allowing us to compare the trends in invasive species over the past two decades. This investigation will focus on identifying any changes in the number of invasive species and assessing whether their impacts have increased or decreased over time. Our findings aim to provide valuable insights into the dynamics of invasive plant species in our ecosystems.