Staff
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Chiu, Shau-Ting
Associate Curator
Biology Department
Vascular Plants Division
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E-mail
stchiu@mail.nmns.edu.tw
| Professional ExperienceAdjunct Associate Professor
at the Institute of Plant Science, National Taiwan University,
the Institute of Ecology, Providence University and
the General Educational Center, China Medical University. |
Main DutiesCurrently, my work at the museum includes the collection, preparation, preservation and management of vascular plant sections and dried specimens. My research specialties include plant structure and function, plant functional morphology and ecophysiology. My research is focused on the plant structure and function of water transport, with particular attention to three very unique plant groups:
1. Vines/lianas: These plants have little mechanical self-support. Wood structure and function of lianas, in comparison to those of closely related trees or shrubs, were investigated from the viewpoints of evolution and ecological adaption.
2. Parasitic angiosperms/mistletoes: From the aspect of competition for water resources between parasitic plants and their hosts, enhancement and reduction in hydraulic conducting structure and function were investigated in both the host and parasitic plants. In addition, I am focusing on morphology, taxonomy, phenology, distribution and dispersal of parasitic plants, to explore the role that parasitic plants play in the biosphere, and how they evolved.
3. Carnivorous plants: The research focuses on development and comparison of special trap structures and the evolution to the adaptable environment.
4. Plants under environmental stress: For example, coastal plants are in a saline environment with little available water. The structure of water transport in roots, stems, and leaves must be correlated with function and adaption to adverse circumstances.
Plants at high elevations must be able to withstand freezing winter temperatures and drought and to restore water transport ability in the spring. The evolved chain defense mechanisms of these plants allow them to survive in their unique environment.
Other duties
I. Collection and research:
1. Collection of botanical specimens, including field collection, preparation, identification and management.
2. Processing and management of liquid-preserved specimens, slides and wood samples.
3. Participation in compiling the inventory of Orchid Island and Kinmen Island.
4. Participation in compiling the database of the National Digital Archives Program of Botany in Taiwan.
II. Exhibitions and Educational Programs:
1. Participation and development of the exhibition, training programs, conservation projects and administration affairs for the museum’s botanical garden.
2. Coordinating and conducting the exhibit of “Previous and Contemporary Existence of Flowers” (preparation in 2001, exhibition in 2002)
3. Consulting the design of “Taiwan Dioroma Gallery”
4. Review of exhibit signage and film scripts.
5. Participating of the museum’s administration by providing answers to professional inquires and visitors’ questions.
6. Involvement in the activity sheet of the exhibit halls by providing professional instruction and reviewing manuscript
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7. Coordination of “the Cross-strait Symposium on Floristic Diversity and Conservation” and participating the conduction of the “International Symposium on Plant Diversity in Eastern Asia and Workshop on Botanical Gardens”, “Workshop for Museum Exhibitions” and “the International Symposium on Museum Research: Present and Future”.
8. Lecture for Naturalist Center, Life Science Workshop, Community College, and the Environmental Education Workshop for Preschool Teachers. |
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