Welcome to the Laboratory of Dr. Wei-Chun Chao

Department of Forestry and Natural Resources National Chiayi University, Taiwan

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.