Dozens of NTU students are working to save the Queen's Head; however, time is not on their side. Located in the Yehliu Geopark near Keelung City, the iconic rock formation that is one of Taiwan's most visited tourist attractions is suffering the consequences of constant exposure to the relentless seaside elements. If no action is taken soon, the Queen may well lose her head within the next five years.

Under the leadership of Prof. Kuo-Huang Hsieh of the Graduate Institute of Chemical Engineering, the Yehliu Rock Formation Reinforcement Team draws on the diverse talents of students working in a wide range of fields, including chemical engineering, polymer chemistry, mechanics, geology, and geography. In August 2014, this interdisciplinary team of rock doctors commenced a series of preliminary "anti-aging" experiments in which they applied specially formulated protective nanoglues to nearby stones at the Yehliu site. Follow-up tests indicated that the nanoglues had held up well through the wet and windy weather of winter; therefore, the team is optimistic that, if all goes well through the heat and rain of the coming summer, they can expand the project and proceed with formal reinforcement work on the Queen's Head itself.

Surveys conducted by the North Coast and Guanyinshan National Scenic Area Administration indicate that the effect of year upon year of natural weathering is also taking its toll on the Queen's neck. Statistics show that the neck's circumference has shrunk dramatically from 144 centimeters in 2006 to only 126 centimeters at present. In the absence of reinforcement measures, her head could fall within just five years.

Prior to carrying out the experiments, the team spent the past three years observing the natural changes to Yehliu's rocks in analyzing their composition and hardness. It has taken 3D scans of the Queen's Head and analyzed its mechanics. These efforts were made as part of the team's plan to completely preserve the Queen's Head through reinforcement, waterproofing, water conveyance, and preserving its aesthetics. It also intends to apply nanotechnology waterproofing glue to fortify the stone's hardness while preventing wind erosion and permitting moisture within the rock to escape. The transparent and colorless glue will not affect the cherished landmark's appearance.