Dr. I-Min Tso | Department of Life Science, Tunghai University | Taiwan
Dr. I-Min Tso is a leading Taiwanese arachnologist and behavioral ecologist whose work has significantly advanced our understanding of spider behavior, silk mechanics, and predator-prey interactions. Dr. Tso earned his PhD in Biology from the University of Michigan and currently serves as a professor in the Department of Life Science at Tunghai University, Taiwan. With over two decades of academic experience, his research integrates behavioral ecology, visual communication, and spider silk biomechanics, often exploring the ecological role and engineering potential of spider systems. Dr. Tso has published extensively in high-impact journals and frequently collaborates internationally. His studies have not only enriched ecological theory but also demonstrated practical applications in pest control and biomaterials. Recognized for his innovative approaches and scientific rigor, Dr. Tso is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award for his contributions to both fundamental science and its translational potential.
Publication Profile:
Education:
Dr. I-Min Tso began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the National Taiwan Normal University , where he developed a foundational interest in zoology and ecology. He then pursued graduate studies in the United States, earning a PhD in Biology from the University of Michigan. His doctoral research laid the groundwork for his future specialization in spider behavior and ecological interactions, particularly in predator-prey dynamics. Dr. Tso’s international education provided him with a broad scientific perspective and rigorous training in experimental design, taxonomy, and behavioral analysis. This diverse academic background has enabled him to seamlessly blend fieldwork with laboratory research, contributing to his interdisciplinary approach to spider biology. His academic path reflects both excellence and curiosity, equipping him with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct pioneering work in behavioral ecology, biomechanics, and taxonomy.
Experience:
Dr. I-Min Tso began his professional research career as a post-doctoral researcher at the Institute of Zoology, Academia Sinica, where he continued his studies on spider ecology. He joined Tunghai University as an Assistant Professor, rising to Associate Professor in the Department of Life Science. Over the past two decades, Dr. Tso has built a world-class research program focused on spider behavior, visual signaling, and silk mechanics. He has supervised numerous graduate students and collaborated with scholars globally, contributing significantly to both education and research. His work has been funded by Taiwan’s NSTC and MOST, reflecting the national and international impact of his studies. Beyond academia, his contributions to applied research, such as pest control using alkaline water and biomaterials from spider silk, demonstrate his versatility. His career reflects sustained excellence, innovation, and leadership in zoological research.
Research Focus:
Dr. I-Min Tso’s research centers on behavioral ecology, especially visual interactions between spiders and their prey, as well as spider systematics and taxonomy. He investigates how spiders use visual lures and camouflage to manipulate insect behavior and enhance predation success. His team has uncovered fascinating ecological phenomena, such as prey bioluminescence-mediated luring, color polymorphism in crab spiders, and the role of bacterial communities in enhancing silk properties. Another major focus is the mechanical properties and nanostructure of spider silk, especially cribellate and ampullate silk, under different environmental and biochemical conditions. Through interdisciplinary collaborations, he connects spider biology with fields like biomechanics, materials science, and neuroethology. His research bridges fundamental ecological theory and practical innovations, such as pest control solutions and novel biomaterials. Dr. Tso’s work is characterized by integrative methodologies, international collaboration, and a passion for uncovering the hidden complexity of arachnid life.
Publications Top Notes:
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Prey bioluminescence-mediated visual luring in a sit-and-wait predator ( Journal of Animal Ecology)
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Spider predatory aggressiveness and its links to personality and neurophysiology (Scientific Reports)
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Bacteria in spider webs enhance host silk extensibility (Scientific Reports)
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Alkaline water as a novel biting midge control agent with ecological evaluation (PLOS ONE)
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Predator-prey interactions with crab spider color polymorphs in different light cycles (Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology)
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Two coinhabitants lure prey via a shared visual trait (Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology)
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High humidity enhances cribellate silk adhesion via mechanical plasticization (J. of Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials)
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Uncoiling springs improve mechanical functionality of cribellate silk (Journal of Experimental Biology)
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Major ampullate silk properties in spiders fed carbon nanomaterials (PLOS ONE)
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High-contrast yellow spider web patterns attract more prey (Functional Ecology)
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Dr. I-Min Tso embodies the qualities of a top-tier researcher through his dedication to scientific discovery, mentorship, and international collaboration. His innovative contributions to spider behavioral ecology and biomechanics make him a compelling candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Recognizing his work would not only honor his individual excellence but also highlight the importance of arachnological research in broader ecological and material science contexts.