Eric Hwang is a Distinguished Professor and currently the Director in the Institute of Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University. He is an ambassador and member of American Society of Cell Biology (ASCB) and a council member of Taiwan Neuroscience Society (TNS). His training and experience are in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and neuroscience. His research interest focuses on neuronal development and post-injury regeneration with a specific focus on the role of cytoskeleton in these processes.

Our lab is interested in studying neuronal development, through which the shape of a neuron is established and adjusted to adapt to specific developmental or environmental changes. Neuronal development relies on the dynamic interaction of multiple cytoskeletal systems: microtubules, actin filaments (also known as microfilament), as well as intermediate filaments. Genetic mutations disrupting neuronal development can lead to serious neuronal developmental disorders (such as lissencephaly, microcephaly, polymicrogyria). We are collaborating with physicians from Epilepsy Division of Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital to tackle these debilitating disorders. The other interest of the lab is the axon/dendrite regeneration process, which happens after axons or dendrites are injured or severed. The central nervous system (CNS) in mammals is incapable of regeneration while the peripheral nervous system (PNS) shows various degrees of regeneration. We are interested in the cellular basis of this CNS-PNS difference in neuroregeneration. Additionally, we are developing novel methods (e.g. microRNA, surface nanotopography, nanoparticles, natural compounds) to accelerate neurodegeneration. Our lab uses a variety of techniques, including optogenetics, biochemistry, bioinformatics, biophysics, cell biology, molecular biology, as well as material science to study these crucial processes in neurons.