Jian Chen

Jian Chen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's College of Letters & Science. He leads the Chen Group focused on bioinspired smart materials and soft robotics. His research spans liquid crystalline elastomers, reprogrammable chemical 3D shaping, and stimuli-responsive structural coloration systems for applications in sensing and actuation.

Research interests include:

• Development of IR light-driven soft robots using liquid crystalline elastomers
• Chemical 3D shaping of reprogrammable polymers
• Stimuli-responsive interference coloration systems for sensing
• Multifunctional carbon nanotube-polymer composites

Recent publications demonstrate consistent focus on functional nanomaterials, with 61 publications receiving over 6,500 citations. Key trends include advances in sensor technology, soft robotics actuation mechanisms, and nanomaterial applications.

Awards include:

• NASA Space Act Award (2008)
• R&D 100 Award (2005)
• UWM Foundation Research Award (2007)

Leads the Chen Lab where students develop expertise in polymer synthesis, nanomaterial fabrication, and sensor development. Alumni hold positions at Intel, Xerion Battery Corporation, and Air Force Research Laboratory.