Overview: Our research focuses on applying image processing techniques to address quantification challenges in neuroimaging for neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease) and movement disorders. Specifically, we specialize in nuclear medicine imaging modalities such as PET and SPECT. In our lab, students gain a solid understanding of dementia pathology while developing foundational skills in medical image processing and quantification within the field of nuclear medicine imaging.

Themes: Dementia is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder in aging populations, with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) being the most common type. The AD-affected brain exhibits two hallmark pathologies: beta-amyloid (Aß) plaques and paired helical filament (PHF)-tau tangles, leading to hypometabolism and atrophy. Positron emission tomography (PET) is a non-invasive imaging technique that enables the detection of metabolic and biochemical changes in the human body, including Aß and tau protein accumulation and brain hypometabolism in AD. As anti-Aß therapeutic strategies advance, PET imaging plays a critical role in patient selection and prognosis monitoring. Accurate quantification and measurement of amyloid and tau PET images are vital for clinical diagnosis. In our lab, we specialize in processing and quantifying amyloid and tau PET images to explore proteopathies in the human brain and support AD diagnosis. Additionally, we utilize FDG PET to evaluate brain metabolism and neural network connectivity in AD. To further enhance image processing, quantification, and early dementia diagnosis, we integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into our workflow.

Qualifications: We are seeking motivated individuals who meet the following criteria:
1. Undergraduate or graduate students in engineering or medical departments.
2. Have the interests in imaging processing, neuroimaging and AI.
3. Good communication skills in English.
4. Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.

Scholarships: NT$ 15,000/month Costs: regular accommodation fee (average NT$ 8,000/month) Duration: minimum 3 month