For this Faculty Feature, we spoke with Hao-Wei Chang, PhD, Instructor, Pathology & Immunology in the Immunobiology Division.
Tell us about your background. Where did you grow up, and when did you first become interested in science and medicine?
I grew up in Taiwan, a small island in the western Pacific Ocean. Although its size is only one-fifth that of Missouri, it has remarkably diverse ecosystems. Growing up in this environment, I became interested in how different creatures adapt to their surroundings and interact with other residents from a young age. One day in elementary school, I had the chance to examine a water sample collected from a nearby river under a microscope. I instantly fell in love with this microscopic world! This passion for science and microbiology led me to work in a lab studying molecular chaperones of methanogenic halophilic archaea as an undergrad, and later to a lab investigating the interactions among microbes in an acidic hot spring after earning my master’s degree.
What is your career path?
I became interested in gut microbes and metabolism while pursuing my master’s degree. At that time, I was trying to understand the relationship between metabolic changes and E. coli’s ability to produce colicin. Colicin can inhibit the growth of closely related bacteria. Therefore, the colicin producer might have an advantage when competing with non-producers in a nutrient-limited environment. However, the relationship between colicin production and changes in bacterial metabolism has never been experimentally demonstrated. I was fortunate to observe and investigate this relationship. But how about the interactions beyond closely related bacteria? How does nutritional availability shape the microbiota? How does the change in microbiota affect their environment? These questions motivated me to apply for the Ph.D. program in Molecular Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis at Washington University in St. Louis, and eventually to Dr. Jeffrey Gordon’s lab. Participating in the development of the Microbiome-Directed Complementary Food (MDCF) for children with undernutrition and witnessing the launch of the first clinical trials of MDCF has been a warm, powerful, and rewarding experience. This unique opportunity also prompted me to think about two questions: (1) how can I leverage my experience in microbiota research to better understand microbial interactions in the context of the dietary intervention, and (2) what is the interplay between diet and the host immune system? I then joined Dr. Marco Colonna’s team to further my training in immunology. I deeply appreciate Marco and Jeff for giving me great flexibility, allowing me to develop new immune-focused projects while completing the follow-up project on MDCF and microbiota.
What are your favorite parts of your current role?
I enjoy discussing science with people from different fields. These conversations challenge me to view questions from various angles. To me, this is the best way to come up with new, interesting ideas!
What is a memorable moment you’ve had while working in the department?
The most memorable moment was when I first observed the blood vessel network in a whole-mount adipose tissue sample. The microscopic world I explored as a kid inspired me to become a microbiologist. However, when I became one, I realized there were few opportunities for me to use it due to the nature of the projects at the time. I was extremely excited to have a reason to try whole-mount immunofluorescence imaging for a project I am currently working on. I received a lot of help and was so happy that I was able to make the protocol work!
What special skills or talents do you have that people may not know about?
Since my wife and I both love watermelon, I have become skilled at picking the right ones.
What are some of your favorite hobbies or activities?
I love hiking and traveling with my family. Seeing my 3-year-old daughter get excited after spotting a beetle, butterfly, or bee makes me feel like I’m reliving my childhood.
What is your advice to aspiring people in your field?
As scientists, we continuously explore the boundaries of human knowledge. The unknown is exciting but also a little frightening. That’s okay. Remember that we can always ask for help and advice. Build collaboration and nurture it with honesty and hard work. If you do come back with a story to tell, try to use simple language and illustrations to help others understand, because this is the first time others have seen this amazing place you’ve spent so much time exploring.
