Multitrophic Interaction Lab.
Research Field
Dr. Ching-Wen Tan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology at National Chung Hsing University. In 2019, she earned her Ph.D. in Entomology from Pennsylvania State University, where her research focused on plant-insect interactions, particularly multitrophic interactions, and chemical ecology. Following her doctorate, Dr. Tan continued her research as a postdoctoral scholar at Penn State, delving deeper into the dynamics between plants, herbivores, and their natural enemies. Her work has significantly contributed to understanding how higher trophic levels influence plant defenses and overall plant fitness.
For more information or to contact Dr. Tan, visit her profile on the NCHU Department of Entomology website.
The Tan laboratory focuses on understanding mechanisms and interactions among species in multitrophic contexts. Specifically, we are interested in the dynamic relationships involving plants as producers, insect herbivores as primary consumers, and the role of natural enemies such as predators and parasitoids. We employ a range of molecular, biochemical, and physiological approaches to answer long-standing questions in the fields of chemical ecology, behavior, and ecophysiology. However, our research goes beyond the visible organisms and extends to the potential impacts of microorganisms associated with these organisms across multiple trophic levels.
Our current and ongoing work focuses on
1) plant-herbivore-natural enemy interactions
2) microbe-mediated interactions
3) herbivore insect and plant fitness
4) host manipulation
5) biological control
6) insect behavior
By studying these fascinating interactions, we aim to gain insights into the complex web of relationships within ecosystems and unravel the influence of microorganisms on ecological dynamics.
2023 The project “Insect Odour Tracking Behaviour and Electroantennogram Analysis” has been interviewed by the “MasterCheers” media and posted on the multiple platforms
2021 The project “Top-down effects from parasitoids may mediate plant defense and plant fitness” has been interviewed and posted on the “Functional Ecologist” blog and social media platforms
2021 Haldane Prize Shortlist My research has been shortlisted for Functional Ecology’s 2020 award for early career researchers
2019 Distinguished Doctoral Scholar To recognize research, discovery, knowledge creation, and innovation, The Pennsylvania State University, USA
2019 The Alumni Association Dissertation Award The most prestigious award for graduate students at Penn State University.
2019 Paul Hand Award for Graduate Student Research Achievement To honor and award a graduate student with excellent research and scholarly accomplishments
2019 College of Agricultural Science Scholarship, The Pennsylvania State University, USA
2019 College of Agricultural Science Outstanding Dissertation Award To recognize the outstanding achievements in scholarship and professional accomplishments, Office for Research and Graduate Education, The Pennsylvania State University, USA
2018 The project of parasitoid and plant immunity has been reported in the magazine of Penn State AgScience Spring/Summer 2018, The Pennsylvania State University, USA
2017 Ralph O. Mumma Graduate Award To honor and recognize the outstanding achievement of a graduate student in the Plant-Insect Interaction field, College of Agricultural Sciences Scholarship, The Pennsylvania State University, USA
2017 International Society Chemical Ecology (ISCE) Student Travel Award 2017 combined ISCE/APACE meeting, Kyoto, Japan
2012 The project of pollination biology was published in the magazine “Academy Frontiers” summer 2012, The Academy of Natural Science, Drexel University, USA
2012 The study project of pollination biology was posted on the website, The Academy of Natural Science, “A Little Bit of Taiwan in Philly”
http://www.ansp.org/explore/online-exhibits/stories/little-bit-of-taiwan-in-philly/
2011 McHenery Award An award for talented young scientists to research with a senior scientist at The Academy of Natural Science, Drexel University, USA
Ph.D. in Entomology, University Park, The Pennsylvania State University, USA Aug. 2013 - May 2019
M.Sc. in Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan Sep. 2005 - Jul. 2007
B.Sc. in Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan Sep. 2001 - Jul. 2005