CCU Environmental Biotechnology Lab
Research Field
Dr. Bing-Mu Hsu is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at National Chung Cheng University, Taiwan, with an illustrious career spanning over two decades in environmental geology, biogeochemistry, geomicrobiology, and bioremediation. Holding a Ph.D. from National Chiao Tung University (2000), Dr. Hsu has risen through academic ranks, earning the title of Professor in 2010 and Distinguished Professor in 2019. His research, supported by substantial funding from the National Science and Technology Council (approximately NT$9,600,000 over five years), focuses on microbial communities in extreme environments, their ecological roles, and their applications in sustainable development.
Dr. Hsu’s groundbreaking work explores microbial-driven nutrient cycling, bio-weathering, and microbiological interactions in unique geological settings such as serpentinite regions, geothermal hot springs, and mud volcanoes in Taiwan. His research has advanced fundamental knowledge in microbial adaptation, biogeochemical processes, and the interplay between heavy metal tolerance and antibiotic resistance, contributing to global scientific discourse. In applied research, Dr. Hsu has developed innovative bioremediation strategies for contaminants like trichloroethylene (TCE) and transferred technologies to industry, including microbial applications in agriculture and enzyme utilization from pineapple waste, fostering sustainable practices and economic benefits.
With over 120 publications, 80% as corresponding author, a citation count of 2,849, and an H-index of 29, Dr. Hsu’s scholarly impact is profound. His recent publications in high-impact journals like Journal of Hazardous Materials (IF: 12.2) and Science of The Total Environment (IF: 10.754) underscore his leadership in environmental microbiology. He has received prestigious awards, including the 2008 Wu Ta You Memorial Award, the 2018 CCU Outstanding Research Award, and delivered a keynote speech at the 2020 International Workshop of Serpentine Soil Eco-services.
Dr. Hsu’s editorial roles in international journals such as Pathogens and Antibiotics-Basel, combined with his mentorship of numerous students and industry collaborations, highlight his commitment to advancing science and fostering the next generation of researchers. His transdisciplinary “GeoHealth” approach, integrating earth sciences and health, addresses critical societal challenges like antimicrobial resistance and environmental contamination, making him an exemplary mentor for aspiring scientists.
The CCU Environmental Biotechnology Lab, led by Distinguished Professor Dr. Bing-Mu Hsu at National Chung Cheng University, Taiwan, is a pioneering research hub dedicated to advancing environmental and geological sciences through innovative biotechnological approaches. Situated within the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, our lab specializes in the study of microbial communities and their applications in addressing pressing environmental and societal challenges. With a strong foundation in environmental geology, biogeochemistry, geomicrobiology, and bioremediation, our interdisciplinary research integrates cutting-edge methodologies to promote sustainable development and environmental health.
Our lab’s research portfolio encompasses the exploration of microbial ecosystems in extreme environments, such as serpentinite regions, geothermal hot springs, and mud volcanoes across Taiwan. Recent high-impact studies have advanced the understanding of microbial adaptation, nutrient cycling, and bioremediation strategies for contaminants like trichloroethylene (TCE). These efforts have led to practical applications, including technology transfers for agricultural biofertilizers and enzyme utilization from pineapple waste, fostering sustainable practices and economic benefits.
Currently, our lab is focused on two emerging research themes:
Microbial Carbon Dioxide Mineralization Applications and Research: We investigate the potential of microorganisms to facilitate carbon dioxide sequestration through mineralization processes in geological settings. By leveraging microbial metabolic pathways, our research aims to develop scalable solutions for carbon capture and storage, contributing to global efforts in mitigating climate change.
Machine Learning Applications in Medical Imaging and Biomarkers Data Integration: Our lab employs advanced machine learning techniques to analyze complex datasets, including medical imaging and biomarker profiles. This research enhances the precision of environmental health assessments, particularly in identifying microbial biomarkers and their implications for human health, such as antimicrobial resistance and pathogen detection.
1. Microbial-Driven Nutrient Cycling and Bio-Weathering in Extreme Environments
2. Microbiological Interactions in the Mineralosphere
3. GeoHealth Approach to Environmental and Human Health
4. Soil and Groundwater Biological Remediation with Geological Technology
5. Microbial Carbon Dioxide Mineralization Applications and Research
6. Machine Learning Applications in Medical Imaging and Biomarkers Data Integration
1. National Chung Cheng University (CCU) Outstanding Research Award, 2018
2. Wu Ta You Memorial Award, National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), 2008
3. CCU Young Scholar Research Award, 2008
4. Editorial Roles in International Journals
(1) Guest Editor, Pathogens (Impact Factor: 3.3), Since March 2021
(2) Guest Editor, Antibiotics-Basel (Impact Factor: 4.3), Since August 2021
(3) Editorial Contributions to Multiple Journals (2019–2024)
Dr. Hsu has served as an editor for several esteemed journals, including Environment and Ecology Research, Jacobs Journal of Physiology, American Journal of Geophysics, Geochemistry and Geosystems, Journal of Environment Protection and Sustainable Development, and International Journal of Earth Science and Environmental Toxicology. These roles demonstrate his broad influence and scholarly engagement in environmental and earth sciences.
Dr. Hsu earned his doctoral degree from National Chiao Tung University, one of Taiwan’s premier institutions, in 2000. His Ph.D. research focused on advancing knowledge in environmental and earth sciences, laying the groundwork for his expertise in biogeochemistry and microbial ecology. This educational background, combined with his extensive research experience and over 120 publications (80% as corresponding author, with 2,849 citations and an H-index of 29), has equipped Dr. Hsu to lead innovative research at the CCU Environmental Biotechnology Lab, addressing critical challenges in environmental sustainability and public health.
Job Description
1. We investigate the potential of microorganisms to facilitate carbon dioxide sequestration through mineralization processes in geological settings. By leveraging microbial metabolic pathways, our research aims to develop scalable solutions for carbon capture and storage, contributing to global efforts in mitigating climate change.
2. Our lab employs advanced machine learning techniques to analyze complex datasets, including medical imaging and biomarker profiles. This research enhances the precision of environmental health assessments, particularly in identifying microbial biomarkers and their implications for human health, such as antimicrobial resistance and pathogen detection.
Preferred Intern Education Level
Core requirement:
Currently enrolled in a Master's program (or exceptional final-year undergraduates with relevant research experience) in:
1. For CO₂ Mineralization:
Microbiology | Geomicrobiology | Environmental Biotechnology | Geochemistry
2. For Medical ML/Biomarkers:
Computer Science | Data Science | Bioinformatics | Biomedical Engineering | Environmental Health
Notes:
1. Prioritize candidates with research experience (e.g., thesis work, prior lab projects).
2. For interdisciplinary projects (e.g., microbial data + ML), dual-background candidates (biology + computational skills) are highly valued.
Skill sets or Qualities
A. Microbial CO₂ Mineralization Focus:
Technical Skills:
1. Microbial culturing techniques (anaerobic/microaerophilic environments preferred)
2. Molecular biology (e.g., PCR, metagenomics)
3. Geochemical analysis (e.g., XRD, SEM for mineral characterization)
4. Basic data analysis (Python/R for microbial growth/kinetics modeling)
Domain Knowledge:
1. Carbon cycling pathways (e.g., microbial carbonate precipitation)
2. Geology basics (porous media, subsurface systems)
Soft Skills:
1. Adaptability to fieldwork/lab work hybrid environments
2. Critical thinking for troubleshooting experimental setups
B. Medical ML/Biomarkers Focus:
Technical Skills:
1. Proficiency in ML frameworks (TensorFlow/PyTorch) and medical imaging libraries (OpenCV, ITK)
2. Biomarker data wrangling (RNA-seq, proteomics, or clinical datasets)
3. Statistical analysis (multivariate regression, survival analysis)
4. Version control (Git) and cloud computing basics (AWS/Google Cloud)
Domain Knowledge:
1. Antimicrobial resistance mechanisms or pathogen-host interactions
2. Medical imaging modalities (MRI, CT, or microscopy)
Soft Skills:
1. Ability to translate clinical/environmental questions into ML pipelines
2. Rigorous documentation for reproducible research