Dr. Hou earned her Ph.D. from the School of Nutrition and Health Sciences at Taipei Medical University in 2012. After completing her postdoctoral training at National Taiwan University Hospital, she joined the faculty at Taipei Medical University in 2016. Currently, Dr. Hou serves as an Associate Professor and Chair of the School of Food Safety and the Master Program in Food Safety at Taipei Medical University. With extensive experience in laboratory management, she also acts as an accreditation auditor for food analysis laboratories. Her research focuses on innovative approaches to understanding the connections between diet and inflammatory diseases.
The research in our lab mainly focuses on food toxicology and immunonutrition. We primarily utilize disease animal models and cell culture models to investigate the effects of food contaminants or nutrients on the immune system. Students can acquire core techniques such as flow cytometry and molecular biology experiments.
Our lab has specific interests in:
- Evaluating the adverse effects of oral exposure to pesticides and nanoplastics on the immune system and inflammation.
- Investigating the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of immunonutrients in inflammatory diseases.
Her research projects funded by the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) in recent years include:
- Investigation into the effect of synthetic pyrethroids on obesity: the roles of metabolic dysregulation, inflammation and endocrine disruption
- Effects of Dietary Cypermethrin Exposure on Skin Inflammation and mTOR Signaling in CD4+ T Cells
- Effects of Cypermethrin on Inflammatory Responses and CD4+ T-Cell Balance in Mice with Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis-Like Dermatitis
- Effects of Chlorpyrifos on Polarizing Signals in CD4+ T Cells during Colitis
- The effects of polyethylene terephthalate nanoplastics on intestinal inflammation and immune cells
- The effects of dietary exposure to fipronil on immune cells and skin inflammation in a mouse model of psoriasiform dermatitis
- The effects of mogroside V on T cells and liver damage in hyperglycemic mice
- 2024 Excellent Paper, The Symposium of Teachers and Students, Taipei Medical University
- 2021 NSTC Undergraduate Student Research Project Achievement Award, Taipei Medical University
- 2019 Outstanding Teaching Award, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University
PhD., School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Taipei Medical University
MS., School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Taipei Medical University
BS., School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Taipei Medical University
2 Vacancies
Job Description
The students will be able to learn animal care and handling, animal experimentation techniques, biochemical experiments, cell biology experiments, immunology experiments, and data analysis.
Preferred Intern Education Level
- International students specializing in food, nutrition, health, biology, or medicine-related fields.
- Good communication skills in English.
Skill sets or Qualities
Preferred hard skills:
- Laboratory safety knowledge
- Hands-on laboratory experience
- Ability to follow standard operating procedures
- Basic computer literacy
Soft skills:
- Curiosity and eagerness to learn
- Time management and organizational skills
- Attention to detail
- Teamwork and collaboration