Dr. Su leads a dynamic research team dedicated to exploring ecological adaptation, phylogenetics, biogeography, and the evolution of functional traits using advanced genomic tools. With a strong academic foundation, Dr. Su earned a Ph.D. from the University of Kansas in 2012, specializing in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and holds both an M.S. (1998) and a B.S. (1996) from Tunghai University’s Department of Biology.
The team’s research often focuses on insects and spiders as primary models but also extends their expertise to biomedical sciences, parasitology, communicable diseases, and microbiology. Members of the group are well-versed in genomic wet lab techniques and bioinformatics, reflecting a commitment to interdisciplinary excellence.
Dr. Su fosters an inclusive and vibrant lab environment, welcoming young scientists who share a passion for genomics and related fields to join this innovative research journey.
The research team in our lab is interested in using genomic tools to answer questions in ecological adaptation, phylogenetics, biogeography, and functional trait evolution.
We often use insects and spiders as our research materials. However, we also apply our genomic tools to biomedical sciences, parasitology, communicable diseases, and microbiology.
Members in our group have strong training in genomic wet lab as well as in bioinformatics. We welcome young scientists who are interested in our field to join us.
Ecological adaptation
Phylogenetics
Functional trait evolution
Biogeography
Entomology
Honors and Awards (Last 5 years)
2024 Outstanding Faculty Teaching award (2023-24 academic year), College of Life Sciences. Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan.
2023 Outstanding Research Award (2022), College of Life Sciences. Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan.
2023 Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award (2023-24 academic year), College of Life Sciences. Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan.
2022 Outstanding Research Award (2021), College of Life Sciences. Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan.
2021 Outstanding Faculty Teaching award (2021-22 academic year), College of Life Sciences. Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan.
2012 Ph.D. University of Kansas, Dept. of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
1998 M.S. Tunghai University, Department of Biology
1996 B.S. Tunghai University, Department of Biology
Job Description
In addition to experimental work, the intern will have the opportunity to deepen their skills in Bioinformatics & Data Science:
- Data Analysis: Under the guidance of the PI and PHD students, the intern will learn to process and analyze genomic or transcriptomic data from both Illumina and Oxford Nanopore (ONT) platforms. Projects may cover long-read assembly, RNA-seq, PCA, and phylogenetic analysis.
- Scientific Communication: The intern is expected to attend weekly lab meetings, present their research progress, and engage in scientific discussions with lab members. We encourage interns to summarize their findings into a final poster or presentation by the end of the internship.
Preferred Intern Educational Level
Undergraduate (3rd year or above) or Master student (Majoring in Biology, Life Sciences, Entomology, Bioinformatics, or related fields)
Skill sets or Qualities
We are looking for a motivated and curious student with the following qualities:
- Fundamental Knowledge: Basic understanding of Genetics, Genomics, Evolutionary Biology, or Ecology.
- Technical Skills: Prior experience with basic laboratory techniques is preferred but not required; training will be provided.
- Bioinformatics Interest: Familiarity with or a strong desire to learn data analysis tools (e.g., R, Python, Linux) is a huge plus.
- Language: Proficiency in English (communication and reading scientific literature).
- Attitude: Proactive, responsible, detail-oriented, and able to work collaboratively in a cross-cultural environment.
**Since the majority of our lab members are international, the working environment is fully English-speaking and barrier-free.