Han-Wei Shih

Han-Wei Shih

Assistant Professor

Location: INV-240M
Email: hxs273@uw.edu

Background

Dr. Han-Wei Shih was born and raised in Taiwan and earned his Ph.D. in Cell Biology from Pennsylvania State University in 2015. His doctoral research focused on cellular ion signaling in mechanosensing and gravity-sensing within the field of space biology. Before joining UW Bothell, he served as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Washington Seattle. During his postdoctoral training, he shifted his focus to studying signal sensing and transduction in cell differentiation and antibiotic resistance, with a particular emphasis on the protozoan parasite Giardia.

Research

Giardia is a widespread intestinal parasite responsible for foodborne and waterborne diarrhea in humans, livestock, and companion animals, contributing to over 200 million cases of giardiasis each year. Its life cycle alternates between two stages: the motile trophozoite and the dormant cyst, formed through the process of encystation. Despite extensive research, the triggers of encystation and the mechanisms behind Giardia’s antimicrobial resistance remain poorly understood. With its streamlined genome and well-established in vitro encystation model, Giardia serves as an excellent system for exploring the molecular mechanisms regulating encystation and antibiotic resistance. My research aims to unravel the roles of cAMP and Ca2+ signaling in encystation and their contribution to antimicrobial resistance.

Courses

  • B BIO 375 Molecular Biology
  • BIO 495 Investigative Biology

Education

Pennsylvania State University – University Park, PA
Ph.D. – Cell Biology