Insect-Plant Interaction Laboratory
Research Field
I am currently a Professor in the Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, at National Chung Hsing University, and also serve as the Academic Secretary of the College. My research focuses on insect-plant interactions, biological control, pest management in organic farming, and promoting the use of insects as sustainable feed and food sources. I previously served as Director of the International Agriculture Center and have extensive experience in international collaboration and cross-cultural engagement. Through participation in the IIPP, I hope to provide students with meaningful internship opportunities while strengthening global academic and practical exchanges.
Our laboratory specializes in ecological research on insect-plant interactions, aiming to understand the complex dynamics between herbivorous insects, their host plants, and natural enemies. In addition to our core ecological focus, we have also conducted extensive research on the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), exploring its potential as a sustainable solution for organic waste decomposition and as an alternative protein source for animal feed and human consumption. Through interdisciplinary approaches, we strive to contribute to sustainable agriculture and circular bioeconomy development.
Our research covers a range of topics in insect ecology and sustainable agriculture. We investigate the growth performance and waste conversion efficiency of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) under various food sources, aiming to enhance its use in food production and organic waste management. We also explore how plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can stimulate plant defenses against herbivorous insects, contributing to environmentally friendly pest control strategies. Another key area of our work involves applying biochar to plants and assessing its effects on plant health and insect interactions, providing insights into soil amendment practices that influence agroecosystem dynamics.
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I received my Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where I specialized in insect-plant interactions. Prior to that, I earned my M.S. in Biology from National Taiwan Normal University, focusing on plant-animal interactions, and my B.S. in Biology from National Cheng Kung University. This academic foundation has provided me with a strong interdisciplinary background in ecology, entomology, and plant sciences, which continues to inform and support my research and teaching in sustainable agriculture and insect ecology.
Job Description
Our research covers a range of topics in insect ecology and sustainable agriculture. We investigate the growth performance and waste conversion efficiency of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) under various food sources, aiming to enhance its use in food production and organic waste management. We also explore how plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can stimulate plant defenses against herbivorous insects, contributing to environmentally friendly pest control strategies. Another key area of our work involves applying biochar to plants and assessing its effects on plant health and insect interactions, providing insights into soil amendment practices that influence agroecosystem dynamics.
Preferred Intern Educational Level
Finish an undergraduate degree in the agriculture science major
MS student now.
Skill sets or Qualities
Insect rearing
Experiment design