Howard Chen

Howard Chen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Aerospace, Physics and Space Sciences at Florida Institute of Technology (FIT), specializing in computational planetary astrophysics. His research focuses on exoplanet atmospheres, atmospheric evolution, habitability, and numerical modeling. He previously held a NASA Postdoctoral Program Fellowship at Goddard Space Flight Center and earned his PhD in Earth and Planetary Sciences from Northwestern University, supported by a NASA FINESST Research Award.

• Education:
  • PhD in Earth and Planetary Sciences, Northwestern University
  • B.A. in Physics, Boston University

Chen's research uses 3D chemistry-climate models to study exoplanet habitability, atmospheric dynamics, and stellar influences on planetary systems. His work includes predicting the "radius valley" in Kepler planets and proposing hypotheses about habitable zone climate pathways, carbon-to-nitrogen ratios in Earth's mantle, and water vapor signatures on tidally locked planets. Recent publications focus on stellar emissions, spin-orbit interactions, and galactic habitability.

His scientific contributions have been recognized through media coverage in CNN, Newsweek, and Geekwire. Chen also leads educational outreach via the Only One Sky non-profit, developing art-integrated science curricula for K-12 students.