• Yi-Jyun Luo | Principal Investigator (EMBO Global Investigator)

Yi-Jyun received his undergraduate degree from National Sun Yat-sen University. His PhD at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology focused on animal genome evolution. Following postdoctoral training in single-cell transcriptomics at Harvard University and in evolutionary genomics at the University of Oxford, he joined the Biodiversity Research Center in 2022. His research interests include the evolution and development of body plans, cell types and genomes. He motivates people and organises resources to support intellectual freedom and foster independence.

yjluo@as.edu.tw · Bluesky · CV

• Meng-Chen Ko | Lab Manager | Sep 2022–Present

Meng-Chen received her master's degree in ecology and evolutionary biology from National Taiwan University. She is interested in the intersection between ecology and social science and has studied the ecology of moon jellyfish and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins. In the Luo lab, she handles administrative work, helping everyone focus on science.

luolab@gate.sinica.edu.tw

• Li-Jung Kao | Research Assistant | Feb 2024–Present

Li-Jung received her bachelor's degree in marine biotechnology and resources from National Sun Yat-Sen University, where she studied the feeding habits of cone snails. She joined the Luo Lab in 2024 with a research interest in the photosynthetic symbiotic relationships between acoels and algae.

ljkao0527@as.edu.tw

• Ming-Yen Wu | Research Assistant | Feb 2025–Present

Ming-Yen received his master's degree in aquaculture from National Taiwan Ocean University, where he studied the physiology and ecology of the upside-down jellyfish, as well as live feed organisms. He joined the Luo Lab in 2025, with a research interest in the symbiotic relationships between acoels and algae, as well as the genomics and transcriptomics of corals.

martin0209@as.edu.tw

• Tosuke Sakagami | Postdoctoral Fellow (JSPS Overseas Research Fellow) | Apr 2024–Present

Tosuke completed his PhD at Okayama University in Japan. His background is in cellular biology, focusing on the structure and function of sensory organs and the nervous system in acoel worms. Currently, he is highly interested in acoel–algal photosymbiosis. In the Luo lab, he will analyze the genomes and transcriptomes of acoels and algae, in addition to morphological analysis, to understand the mechanism of photosymbiosis.

tosuke@as.edu.tw

• Victor Piñon-Gonzalez | Postdoctoral Fellow | Apr 2024–Present

Victor received his undergraduate and master's degrees from National Autonomous University of Mexico and later completed his PhD at Queen Mary University of London in the UK. His background is in physiology and cellular biology, focusing on signaling systems that control physiological processes in marine invertebrates. In 2024, he joined the Luo Lab, where he is applying multi-omics techniques to investigate the signaling systems driving coral bleaching and regeneration processes.

victormpg@as.edu.tw

• Yuki Yoshioka | Postdoctoral Fellow (JSPS Overseas Research Fellow) | Apr 2026–Present

Yuki received his PhD in Environmental Studies from the University of Tokyo in 2023. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of coral–algal symbiosis, using genomic and transcriptomic approaches to understand how corals and their dinoflagellate symbionts establish and maintain this intimate partnership. In the Luo lab, he works on comparative genomics to reveal the evolutionary history of this symbiosis.

Personal website · Google Scholar

• Yi-Ling Chiu | Research Associate | May 2023–Present

Yi-Ling earned her PhD from National Taiwan Ocean University, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of sexual reproduction in corals. She then undertook postdoctoral training in genomic analysis at the University of Tokyo. In the Luo lab, she contributes to research on acoel symbiosis and coral reproduction, utilizing transcriptomics and single-cell techniques.

yii2390@gmail.com

• Crissa Ann Lilagan | PhD Student (TIGP Biodiversity Program) | Sep 2024–Present

Crissa earned her Master’s degree in Biology from De La Salle University in the Philippines, where she focused on transcriptomics to examine the transcriptional responses of mangrove crabs to heat stress. Currently pursuing her PhD, she is studying stony corals to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind their resilience to environmental change.

lilagan0001@as.edu.tw