演講者陣容

Ray T. Chen

Affiliation : The University of  Texas at Austin 

Title / Position : Keys and Joan Curry/Cullen Trust Endowed Chair/ Professor 

CV : Please Click Here  

Speech Topic : Silicon Photonics for Sensing, Interconnects with Accuracy improved AI and ML functions 

Abstract : The advancement of sensing, interconnects and computing is mainly from the R&D works on electrons and photons, which carry drastically different characteristics defining different technology roadmaps.  Due to the saturation of the Moore’s law, the advantages of photon-based devices provide solutions with the unprecedented performance.  In this talk, we will present the integrated photonic devices covering near and mid-IR wavelengths for biosensing with early cancer detection capability for various biomarkers, Other SERS and spectroscopy sensing for Methane, Nitrogen Dioxide, CO, Ethanol, Ammonia, and TEP.  Mid-IR Lidar Chip centered at 4.6 micron will also presented. 

Silicon photonics for both digital and analog computing will be introduced with low latency, high bandwidth and multi-wavelength operations for AI and ML applications. Multiple photonic circuits were demonstrated to ensure low latency, high bandwidth and low energy consumption without compromising the machine learning accuracy.  A myriad of data sets has been explored.  And the details will be presented.

David Z. Pan

Affiliation : The University of Texas at Austin  

Title / Position : Silicon Labs Endowed Chair / Professor in Electrical Engineering

CV : Please Click Here  

Speech Topic : AI for Chip Design: Everything, Everywhere, All at Once?  

Abstract  : AI for chip design and electronic design automation (EDA) has received tremendous interests from both academia and industry in recent years. It touches everything that chip designers care about, from power, performance, area (PPA) to yield and design productivity, and so on. It is everywhere, in all levels of design abstractions, for digital and recently analog/RF IC designs as well. It has also been used to tweak the overall design flow and hyper-parameter tuning, but not yet all at once, e.g., generative AI from design specification to layout, in a correct-by-construction manner. AI/ML can serve as hammers, bridges, and optimizers for various chip design/automation tasks, e.g., using supervised learning and graph neural networks for hotspot and timing prediction, reinforcement learning for macro-placement and transistor sizing, large language models for RTL and circuit topology generation, and many more. In this talk, I will cover some recent research advancement and results in AI for chip design/EDA and share my perspectives. 

Susan H. Fenton

Affiliation : UTHealth Houston

Title / Position : Dr. Doris L. Ross Professor / Vice Dean for Education

CV : Please Click Here  

Speech Topic : AI in Healthcare Education at UTHealth Houston and Beyond 

Abstract : GenAI Changes Everything! Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming healthcare education, presenting all educators with opportunities and challenges. A 2025 UTHealth survey revealed high levels of AI readiness—over 90% of faculty and staff feel comfortable with new technologies, yet more than 60% of faculty indicated a need for a deeper understanding of legal and ethical considerations. To prepare for an AI-augmented future, educators must reconceive curricula to develop higher-order thinking, metacognitive strategies, and AI-collaboration competencies rather than rote memorization. By integrating AI into teaching, through hybrid courses on specific tools, ethics modules, and hands-on AI-enabled case simulations, educators can equip learners for the future. This presentation will summarize key findings, insights, and actionable strategies. 

Kathleen M. Schmeler

Affiliation : The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center 

Title / Position : Associate Vice President, Global Oncology Cancer Network The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

CV : Please Click Here  

Speech Topic : Innovative technologies for cervical cancer screening and diagnosis globally

Abstract : Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide with an estimated annual incidence of >600,000 cases and >350,000 related deaths globally. Nearly 90% of these cases and deaths occur in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Global goals include: (1) 90% of girls receive the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine by age 15; (2) 70% coverage of screening using a high-performance test at the ages of 35 and 45; and (3) 90% of patients identified with pre-invasive/invasive cervical disease receive treatment. The second and third targets cannot be achieved in LMICs with existing tools, and there is an urgent need to develop novel, low-cost and technologically feasible approaches for cervical screening, diagnosis, and treatment. This presentation will review ongoing global collaborative efforts between MD Anderson, Rice University and global partners to develop innovative point-of-care screening tests and cervical imaging techniques, as well as the use of Project ECHO for telementoring and knowledge sharing across continents.

Eric M. Brey 

Affiliation : University of  Texas at San Antonio

Title / Position : Dean of the Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design

CV : Please Click Here 

Speech Topic : Modulating Adipose Tissue Function for treatment of metabolic disease and cachexia

Abstract : In this presentation we will discuss our approaches to engineering system to study and modulate adipose tissue function, with an emphasis on increasing thermogenic function of adipose  tissue.  This information is used to develop new therapies to treat metabolic disease, obesity and cancer-associated chacexia.

方劭云 Dr. Shao-Yun Fang 

Affiliation : National Taiwan University of Science and Technology 

Website : Please Click Here 

Speech Topic : Electronic Design Automation for Advanced Packaging and PCB

Abstract : Advanced packaging and printed circuit board (PCB) technologies are critical to enabling high-performance, multi-die systems. However, their increasing complexity poses new challenges for traditional design methodologies. This talk presents our recent and ongoing research in Electronic Design Automation (EDA) targeting advanced packaging and PCB co-design. We introduce algorithmic solutions for interposer routing, bump assignment, power delivery network planning, and signal integrity optimization. Our work aims to bridge the gap between chip-level and system-level design, enabling efficient automation across heterogeneous integration platforms. 

蕭惠心 Dr. Hui-Hsin Hsiao  

Affiliation : National Taiwan University    

Website : Please Click Here 

Speech Topic : Nanophotonics in Sensing, Nonlinear Optics, and Metadevices

Abstract :  Plasmonic nanostructures with their unique ability in confining strong electromagnetic fields into subwavelength regions have led to a great diversity of applications. We have utilized various designs to study plasmonic thermal emitters and surface-enhanced Raman scattering substrates. Recently, optical resonator arrays with spatially varying geometry and subwavelength separation known as metasurfaces demonstrate additional degree of freedom to accomplish polarization control and wavefront shaping. We employed integrated resonant units designs, which combine multi-nanorod configuration into one unit cell, to develop a broadband high efficiency polarized beam splitting metagrating working in the near infrared. Recently, the low-loss and high-index dielectric nanostructures provide an alternative platform to support multipolar resonances. The interference of multipolar modes leads to high quality-factor Fano resonances or quasi-bound states in the continuum, which are promising for the applications of refractive-index sensing and nonlinear optics. 

張菁文 Dr. Ching-Wen Chang 

Affiliation : National Taiwan Normal University   

Website : Please Click Here 

Speech Topic : Biosensing Technologies Based on High Electron Mobility Transistors and Silicon Microring Resonators: From Real-Time Electrical/Optical Sensing Platforms to Clinical Trials 

Abstract :  High-sensitivity and rapid biosensing technologies are crucial for early-stage disease diagnostics and medical monitoring. Two label-free, real-time biosensing platforms are discussed—AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) and silicon microring resonators. Each platform offers unique advantages in sensitivity, speed, and integration potential for clinical diagnostics.

HEMT biosensors utilize the high electron mobility of polarization-induced two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) to achieve sensitive electrical detection. Functionalized with anti-CA 19-9 antibodies, these devices have demonstrated sub-minute detection of CA 19-9, a key biomarker for pancreatic cancer, with high specificity and low detection limits. Furthermore, their clinical potential is highlighted through successful serum-based evaluations, indicating potential for applications.

In addition, silicon microring resonator sensors enhanced with subwavelength grating metamaterials provide high optical sensitivity and high Q-factors, enabling ultra-sensitive detection of refractive index changes. Pedestal configurations improve analyte interaction, while portable integrated systems enable real-time diagnostics outside laboratory settings.Both sensing platforms offer distinct advantages in terms of sensitivity, integration, and portability, positioning them as viable candidates for future point-of-care diagnostic applications. 

康峻宏 Dr. Jiunn-Horng Kang

Moderator

Affiliation : Taipei Medical University

Website : Please Click Here

蔡丰喬 Dr. Feng-Chiao Tsai 

Affiliation : National Taiwan University   

Website : Please Click Here 

Speech Topic : Targeting Homeostatic Calcium Dynamics in Physiology and Diseases 

Abstract : Calcium (Ca2+) signaling is critical for most, if not all, physiological and pathological conditions including neuronal conduction, muscle contraction, immune activation and cancer progression. Therefore, targeting intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis has become a promising strategy against diseases related to Ca2+ aberrancy. However, specific Ca2+-targeting therapeutics have not been developed in most diseases, probably due to the lack of comprehensive understanding about how Ca2+ homeostasis is dynamically regulated.

Recent technologies have helped unveiling dynamic Ca2+ transfer between endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria through Mitochondria-ER contact sites (MERCS.) Although both ER and mitochondria are major Ca2+ reservoirs inside the cell, it has remained elusive whether MERCS regulate Ca2+ homeostasis. We thus used fluorescent live-cell Ca2+ indicators to monitor flickering Ca2+ signals within mitochondria. These Ca2+ flickers could be reduced by knockdown of MERCS proteins, indicating that Ca2+ flows dynamically from ER to mitochondria. Interestingly, knockdown of MERCS proteins did not decrease but increased store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). Since SOCE serves as the major machinery of Ca2+ storage, our results imply that MERCS reduce Ca2+ storage inside the cell. Further investigations revealed that MERCS-mediated Ca2+ flows reduced neighboring ER-Ca2+ levels, resulting in the enrichment of SOCE sensor STIM1 surrounding MERCS. The enrichment subsequently prevented STIM1-ORAI1 activation on the plasma membrane (PM), resulting in the reduction of SOCE. When MERCS proteins were knocked down, excessive STIM1 would be released from MERCS to activate ORAI1, resulting in the increase of SOCE and Ca2+ storage. Finally, EB1 on the microtubular plus-end prevented SOCE over-activation under MERCS knockdown by restraining STIM1 from activating ORAI1. Altogether, our research reveals a self-sufficient system of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis, within which MERCS cooperate with microtubules and PM to maintain proper control of SOCE and Ca2+ storage inside the cell. We are currently focusing on how this system is involved in pathological conditions including cancer cell migration and hepatitis B virus (HBV)-mediated liver cell injury, with the hope to develop Ca2+-targeting strategies against diseases including cancer progression and liver diseases. 

Affiliation : National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University

Website : Please Click Here 

Speech Topic :  Monocyte-Derived Macrophages in Ischemic Stroke and Tauopathy: Implications 

Abstract : Hyperphosphorylated tau (p-tau), a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related tauopathies, forms neurofibrillary tangles, yet these tangles alone are insufficient to drive neuronal dysfunction or death. While tau isolated from AD patients induces pathological deposits when injected into non-transgenic mice, it has limited impact on cognitive function. To clarify the pathogenic role of specific p-tau species, we injected recombinant p-tau oligomers into the hippocampus of wild-type mice, observing progressive cognitive decline and neuronal death extending from the hippocampus to the cortex. Notably, apomorphine, a known inhibitor of p-tau aggregation and cytotoxicity, mitigated these deficits. These findings underscore the pathogenicity of p-tau oligomers and establish a novel AD model to facilitate therapeutic development. Additionally, the role of monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) in tauopathy and ischemic stroke remains poorly defined, with potential for both protective and detrimental effects. Here, we explore the functional contributions of MDMs in these two disease settings. 

Affiliation : National Cheng Kung University 

Website : Please Click Here 

Speech Topic : Application of Data Science in Critical Care 

Abstract : Critical care units generate vast amounts of data where clinical decision-making is time-sensitive and consequential. This environment offers opportunities to explore how data science approaches might support clinical care and workflow efficiency.

This presentation will share two data science projects we have been working on in critical care settings. To address information overload challenges commonly encountered in ICU workflows, we developed a visualization dashboard platform called i-Dashboard aimed at improving data accessibility and presentation. Additionally, we worked on a deep learning-based detection algorithm to identify improper endotracheal tube positioning, a clinical issue that occurs with some frequency and can pose risks to patients.

We will also review recent developments in critical care data science and discuss practical considerations encountered during implementation, including challenges related to clinical integration and areas that warrant careful attention when applying these approaches in clinical settings. 

沈耀安 Dr. Yao-An Shen 

Affiliation : Taipei Medical University

Website : Please Click Here

Speech Topic : Development of Innovative Drugs and Therapeutic Strategies Targeting Cancer Stem Cells

Abstract : Cancer stem cells (CSCs), despite constituting only 0.1–2% of tumor cellular populations, are critically implicated in therapeutic resistance, tumor recurrence, and metastatic dissemination. The development of effective CSC-targeted therapies thus represents an urgent and unmet clinical need. To this end, our research group has established a behavioral isolation platform that enables the derivation of expandable, phenotypically stable, and highly purified CSC lines from diverse tumor types. This platform has provided the foundation for systematic investigation of CSC-specific vulnerabilities and the development of novel therapeutic modalities. Our studies have identified three major targetable axes in CSCs: nuclear transcriptional regulators, metabolic reprogramming, and immunologically distinct cell surface neoantigens.

Among nuclear targets, pre-B-cell leukemia transcription factor 1 (PBX1) has been validated as a master regulator of CSC maintenance, chemoresistance, and metastatic capacity. Through structure-guided design, we have developed first-in-class small-molecule inhibitors of PBX1 that disrupt its DNA-binding capacity, thereby abrogating downstream transcriptional programs essential for CSC phenotype preservation.

From a metabolic perspective, CSCs demonstrate adaptive plasticity, dynamically shifting between glycolysis and glutaminolysis in response to microenvironmental cues and stress. In CSC subtypes reliant on glutaminolysis, pharmacologic inhibition of glutaminase (GLS) exhibits synergistic cytotoxicity when combined with standard chemotherapeutics. Furthermore, to address the drug delivery limitations imposed by hypoxic and avascular tumor regions where CSCs frequently reside, we engineered glucosamine-functionalized liposomal carriers. These exploit GLUT1-mediated transcytosis to preferentially accumulate in hypoxic niches and facilitate targeted drug uptake by metabolically active CSCs.

Recognizing the role of immune escape in CSC persistence, we have also developed a neoantigen-based immunotherapeutic approach. By isolating CSC-specific neoantigens and presenting them via dendritic cell platforms, we enable robust T cell activation and recognition of CSCs, thereby enhancing immune-mediated tumor clearance and reducing the likelihood of recurrence and metastasis.

Together, these integrated approaches provide a rational and multifaceted framework for CSC eradication. By targeting CSCs at the transcriptional, metabolic, and immunologic levels, our work advances the frontier of precision oncology and offers promising avenues for combination therapies and next-generation cell-based interventions.