Institute of Oceanography, National Taiwan University

IONTU ECHO LAB - Exploring the Core of Human-EnvirOnment Interactions

Jyh-Jaan Steven Huang
https://stevenjjhuang.wordpress.com/

Research Field

Earth Science

Introduction

I am an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Oceanography, National Taiwan University, where I lead research and training activities focused on quantitative sedimentology, marine geology, and digital core analysis. My work integrates advanced non-destructive core-scanning techniques—particularly X-ray computed tomography (CT) and X-ray fluorescence core scanning (XRF-CS)—to investigate extreme events, sedimentary processes, and subsurface properties relevant to geohazards and decarbonization.

Since joining NTU in 2021, I have established and manage the CT Core Scanning Laboratory, and I actively collaborate with international partners in Japan, Europe, and beyond through programs such as IODP, EAGER, and international training courses (e.g., core schools) and workshops (e.g., L2S3). I value hands-on training, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary exchange, and I encourage students to engage directly with real research data, instruments, and international scientific communities.

Our lab focuses on the quantitative analysis of sedimentary archives using state-of-the-art core-scanning technologies. The group combines CT imaging, XRF core scanning, sedimentology, and data science to study how geological processes—such as earthquakes, floods, and sediment transport—are recorded in marine and lacustrine sediments.

The CT Core Scanning Lab at NTU serves both as a research facility and a training platform. Students in the lab gain experience with instrument operation, data processing, image analysis, and geological interpretation. The lab environment is highly international, with frequent collaboration, joint workshops, and visiting students and researchers from abroad.


Research Topics

Interns may participate in one or more of the following research topics:

Quantitative analysis of sedimentary structures using X-ray computed tomography (CT)

XRF core-scanning–based chemostratigraphy and multivariate data analysis

Event deposits related to earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and submarine mass flows

Source-to-sink (S2S) sedimentary processes in active tectonic settings

Digital core analysis and parameter extraction from 3D CT datasets

Applications of CT and core scanning to carbon capture and storage (CCS)–related studies

Integration of geological data with machine learning and AI-assisted workflows

Projects are adapted to the intern’s background and interests, and emphasis is placed on learning by doing.


Honor

Corresponding or co-author of multiple SCI-indexed journal publications in sedimentology, marine geology, and imaging-based analysis

Active contributor to International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) expeditions, including Japan Trench Paleoseismology (Expedition 386)

Regional Correspondent for the International Association of Sedimentologists (IAS)

Principal investigator and organizer of international research networks and workshops (e.g., EAGER, EAGER-TRAINING-plus, L2S3)

Supervisor of award-winning graduate theses and student conference presentations


Educational Background

Collaborative Researcher, Geological Survey of Japan,
National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Japan
Oct. 2019 – Mar. 2024

FWF Lise Meitner Fellow (Independent Postdoctoral Researcher),
Austrian Core Facility, University of Innsbruck, Austria
Jan. 2020 – Dec. 2021

Postdoctoral Researcher,
Austrian Core Facility, Institute of Geology, University of Innsbruck, Austria
Oct. 2017 – Jul. 2021

Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Geosciences,
National Taiwan University, Taiwan
Jan. – Sep. 2017

Manager, NTUGEO Itrax Laboratory,
Department of Geosciences, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
Sep. 2009 – Sep. 2017

Ph.D., Geosciences, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
2011 – 2016

M.Sc., Geosciences, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
2009 – 2011

B.Sc., Geosciences, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
2005 – 2009