Ji Chen

Dr. Ji Chen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), affiliated with the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. His work focuses on exoskeleton design, biomechanics modeling, and motion analysis to advance rehabilitation technologies and astronaut readiness. He holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Catholic University, a Master's in Mechanical Engineering from Temple University, and a Bachelor's from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China.

Dr. Chen's research emphasizes the development of OpenSim-based musculoskeletal models to evaluate strategies for movement enhancement, including the effects of exercise-based training on gait and balance in healthy individuals and stroke survivors. His work also involves designing orthoses and prostheses for gait rehabilitation and upper-body tasks. He has secured grants from NASA and NIH, including a 2024 grant to develop biomechanics simulation tools for reduced-gravity muscle mechanics analysis.

Dr. Chen teaches courses such as Biomechanics, Bio-Instrumentation, and Robot Mechanics and Control. His presentations include work on OpenSim workflows for joint load estimation and comparative studies of motion analysis methodologies. He actively collaborates on projects like the HEXORR II robotic therapy system and pediatric exoskeletons for cerebral palsy patients.