Dr. Erik Chang is an expert in cognitive neuroscience, specializing in human motor control processes and brain mechanisms at the Action and Cognition Laboratory (ACL). With over two decades of continuous support from Taiwan's National Science and Technology Council, Dr. Chang has established himself as a leading researcher who integrates experimental methodologies with advanced neuroimaging techniques to understand how humans learn and control movements.

Research Focus and Laboratory Environment

The Action and Cognition Laboratory under Dr. Chang's leadership focuses on three interconnected research domains: motor skill learning mechanisms, exercise impacts on cognitive function and aging, and cognitive-motor interactions across varying states of consciousness. His innovative approach applies information theory to quantify cognitive functions, allowing for precise comparisons across different cognitive domains—a methodology that has yielded significant insights into cognitive aging processes.

Dr. Chang employs multiple research methodologies, including functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), electroencephalography (EEG), and magnetoencephalography (MEG) to map brain activity during various cognitive and motor tasks. His laboratory is currently developing a comprehensive brain and cognitive function database in collaboration with industry partners, utilizing machine learning and big data analysis techniques to monitor cognitive function and predict potential changes—particularly as early indicators of abnormal aging.

Mentorship Approach and Learning Environment

As a recipient of both research excellence and teaching awards, Dr. Chang brings a balanced approach to mentorship. His experience as an Excellent Student Counseling Award winner (2009) demonstrates his commitment to guiding students through complex research environments. Under his mentorship, interns will learn to:

- Design and conduct cognitive neuroscience experiments
- Apply advanced data analysis techniques to brain imaging and behavioral data
- Develop skills in machine learning applications for neuroscience
- Understand the theoretical frameworks connecting motor control, cognitive functions, and aging

Alignment with IIPP Program Goals

An internship with Dr. Chang aligns perfectly with the IIPP's mission to create opportunities for foreign researchers to engage with Taiwan's research capabilities. Interns will gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art brain imaging techniques, develop data analysis skills applicable across multiple disciplines, and contribute to research with potential applications in healthcare, education, and human-computer interaction.

Dr. Chang's multidisciplinary approach—bridging cognitive science, neuroscience, and computational methods—offers interns a unique opportunity to develop versatile research skills while experiencing Taiwan's dynamic academic environment. His laboratory welcomes motivated international students interested in understanding the fascinating relationship between physical activity, cognitive function, and the aging brain.

The Action and Cognition Laboratory at National Central University stands at the forefront of cognitive neuroscience research, blending cutting-edge methodologies to unravel the intricate relationships between motor actions, cognitive processes, and aging. This dynamic research hub employs a multidisciplinary approach that integrates behavioral experiments, advanced neuroimaging techniques (fMRI/EEG), and machine learning to investigate fundamental questions about human cognition1.

Core Research Areas
The lab's innovative work spans three primary domains:

Cognitive Aging & Motor Learning: Analyzing how aging affects cognitive-motor integration through time-based task performance metrics and feedback mechanisms, with recent findings showing feedback continuity (rather than sensory modality) determines skill retention1

Exercise-Cognition Interactions: Investigating dose-response relationships between exercise intensity and executive function enhancement, demonstrating moderate-intensity aerobic exercise's superior benefits for cognitive flexibility and inhibition1

Conscious State Dynamics: Developing realistic experimental paradigms like battlefield sniper simulations to study inhibitory control mechanisms in ecologically valid contexts1

Technological Innovations
Researchers employ:

Functional neuroimaging

Machine learning models predicting cognitive decline from behavioral biomarkers

Information theory frameworks quantifying cognitive load across diverse tasks

Translational Applications
The lab bridges theoretical insights with practical solutions through:

A cognitive health monitoring system using big data analytics for early dementia detection

Evidence-based exercise protocols optimizing cognitive benefits across lifespan

Adaptive training programs leveraging motor learning principles for skill acquisition

Through its unique synthesis of experimental rigor and computational innovation, the laboratory continues advancing our understanding of cognitive architecture while developing tools to enhance mental functioning in both healthy aging and clinical populations1.