November 21, 2025
UChicago–Taiwan Student Exchange Fellows advanced technical research skills and built professional networks
The UChicago–Taiwan Student Exchange Fellowship (UCTS) continues to be a cornerstone of academic collaboration between the University of Chicago and Taiwan’s leading institutions. Since its establishment, the program has offered students with an unparalleled opportunity to engage in frontier research, experience cultural immersion, and forge enduring academic and professional connections.
To date, over 100 principal investigators (PIs) from Taiwan and more than 60 PIs from the University of Chicago have participated in the program, reflecting its broad reach and robust institutional support. Faculty and students from the Physical Sciences Division (PSD), the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME), and the Biological Sciences Division (BSD) have all been active participants, underscoring the program’s interdisciplinary reach.
In 2025, UCTS welcomed its most diverse cohort to date, bringing together students from National Taiwan University (NTU), National Tsing Hua University (NTHU), National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), and the University of Chicago. Fellows pursued projects across cutting-edge disciplines from ultrafast spectroscopy, biomedical imaging, to quantum computing while building cross-cultural understanding and international perspectives that extend beyond the laboratory.
The 2025 UCTS Fellowship demonstrated the profound impact of international exchange. Fellows not only advanced their technical research skills but also built professional networks that will shape future collaborations between Taiwan and UChicago. Alumni of the program continue to publish jointly authored papers, pursue graduate studies abroad, and return as mentors for the next generation of fellows—testaments to the program’s lasting influence.
Faculty mentors consistently note the high caliber of UCTS fellows, whose presence contributes to the University’s research reputation while enriching campus life with global perspectives. Donors and partners recognize UCTS as a model for fostering innovation through international cooperation.
Building on the momentum of 2025, UCTS will continue to expand its scope and impact. For the coming years key initiatives include expanding fellowship opportunities to provide broader access to transformative experiences; supporting new areas of research that address global challenges, from climate science to biomedical discovery; and enhancing cultural programming to deepen mutual understanding between the UChicago and Taiwanese communities.
The success of the fellowship depends on the generosity of our supporters. Continued donor engagement will allow UCTS to provide students with immersive research opportunities, mentorship from leading faculty, and experiences that shape their academic and professional futures.
2025 Cohort of Fellows
The 2025 program brought 29 exceptional students from Taiwan’s premier institutions to Chicago from June 16 to August 31, 2025. Paired with faculty mentors across the sciences and engineering, these fellows contributed pioneering research that shapes the future of human knowledge.
Whether advancing experimental techniques in spectroscopy or applying biomedical engineering solutions to real-world health challenges, fellows played an integral role in the intellectual life of the university. In addition to their research, the students actively participated various academic, outreach and social activities in Chicago.
Equally important, 9 UChicago students had the opportunity to travel abroad and conduct research in Taiwan’s esteemed laboratories. Working alongside Taiwanese faculty and graduate students, these fellows gained firsthand exposure to international scientific practices while gaining a richer appreciation for Taiwan’s culture, history, and innovation ecosystem. This reciprocal exchange ensures that the fellowship enriches both communities, creating a balanced and enduring partnership.
Learn more about the fellowship experience in the profiles below and on the program website.
Wei–Kai Shao (from National Taiwan University)
“I was highly honored to receive the UCTS Scholarship, which provided me with the opportunity to conduct exchange research at the University of Chicago, supported by generous sponsors. Under the guidance of Prof. Greg Engel, I participated in research on ultrafast spectroscopy. Specifically, I learned the principles of instrument design, optical path optimization, data analysis scripting, and systematic noise elimination for complex spectroscopic measurements.
Prof. Engel also encouraged me to fully “experience the life of a Ph.D. student” during this period. Consequently, alongside other rotators, I acquired essential lab techniques through observation, participation, and summer tutorials. Simultaneously, Prof. Engel assigned a critical task: to conduct “coffee chats” to understand others’ motivations for pursuing a Ph.D. and selecting their research groups. This exercise provided me with a much clearer vision for my future career path.
Beyond my research, I served as the UCTS Captain, responsible for planning and organizing the activity schedule for all participants. During the exchange, I explored over 200 places in Chicago and hosted more than 100 events, including over 20 major events that saw participation from over half of the program’s students. This experience proved invaluable for developing my leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.”
Stacey Huang (from National Cheng Kung University)
“This summer, I had the opportunity to conduct short-term research in Professor Simon Schwoerer’s lab. During this period, I was assigned a project focused on identifying the nutrients utilized by fibroblasts for collagen synthesis. To achieve this, we employed the stable isotope tracing technique, which involves incorporating labeled isotopes into specific nutrients to track their metabolic fate within the cells.
Beyond the experiments themselves, what impressed me most was seeing how people in the lab approached research with such enthusiasm and diverse perspectives. I was also amazed by the advanced instruments and well-equipped facilities at the University of Chicago, which deeply inspired me. This experience allowed me to witness a different spirit of scientific inquiry and reignited my passion for research. I sincerely hope that one day, I will have the opportunity to return to such an excellent research environment.”