Mentor's Instruction: Career Summary

1. From 2013 to 2016, served as the Director of the Department of Entomology at National Taiwan University.
2. From 2013 to 2016, also held the position of Director in the Master Program of Plant Medicine at National Taiwan University.
3. Since August 2011, currently holds the position of Conjunction Professor at the Institute of Brain and Intelligence, National Taiwan University.
4. Since August 2010, holds the position of Professor in the Department of Entomology at National Taiwan University.
5. From August 2006 to July 2010, served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Entomology at National Taiwan University.
6. From 2005 to 2006, held the position of Associate Professor in the Department of Entomology at National Chung Hsing University.
7. From 1999 to 2004, worked as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology at National Chung Hsing University.
8. From 1996 to 1999, served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Institute of Zoology, Academia Sinica.

Welcome to our research laboratory focused on investigating the neural mechanisms underlying insect behavior, particularly emphasizing the color vision neural mechanisms of flower-visiting insects. This instruction will provide an overview of our lab's various research areas and methodologies.

1. Neural Mechanisms of Color Vision in Flower-Visiting Insects:
The primary objective of our laboratory is to explore the neural mechanisms involved in the color vision of flower-visiting insects. We investigate how these insects perceive and process color information, with a focus on understanding the underlying neural processes.

2. Nitric Oxide (NO) and Visual System Fine-Tuning:
The visual system possesses a remarkable ability to rapidly adapt to changes in the light environment. We study the role of nitric oxide (NO) in modulating the visual neural system, enabling swift and efficient adaptation to various lighting conditions. Our research aims to elucidate the physiological functions and mechanisms of NO in visual system fine-tuning.

3. Neurobehavioral Effects of Pesticide Residues on Beneficial Insects:
Our laboratory has developed a behavioral testing model to assess the impact of pesticide residues on beneficial insects, particularly honeybees. We investigate how exposure to sublethal doses of pesticides affects the behavior of honeybees. By considering neurochemical signaling changes in the brain, we aim to understand the neurobehavioral effects and toxicity levels, moving beyond traditional lethal dosage assessments.

4. Magnetic Field Sensing in Honeybees:
Honeybees possess an intricate navigation system for flower foraging and homing, which includes their ability to sense and respond to magnetic fields. We study how honeybees perceive and utilize magnetic fields in their behavior. It is currently hypothesized that superparamagnetic particles in their abdomen act as magnetic sensors. Our research combines classical constraint methods for behavioral studies with neurophysiological techniques to record and analyze the neural responses to magnetic field variations in the honeybee central nervous system.

5. Physiology-Based and Physics-Based Pest Control Applications:
In addition to our research on insect behavior, we also focus on developing innovative pest management and control approaches. Our laboratory applies a combination of physiology-based and physics-based principles to design effective devices for luring and controlling pests. These efforts contribute to the development of practical solutions for pest control in various applications.

Please adhere to the laboratory safety protocols and guidelines during your time in the lab. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to the lab director or any of the senior researchers. We encourage active participation and collaboration to foster a productive and stimulating research environment.