Jingyi Chen

Jingyi Chen is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Arkansas. She serves as Vice Chair in the College of Arts & Sciences and leads the Chen Research Group focused on rational design and synthesis of functional nanomaterials for energy conversion and human-health applications.

• PhD, Chemistry & Nanotechnology – University of Washington (2006)
• MA, Chemistry – State University of New York College at Buffalo (2002)
• BS, Chemistry – Sun Yat-sen University (1997)

Her research spans three major projects:

• Project I: Developing cost-effective catalysts for fuel cell applications through precise synthesis of copper-based bimetallic nanocrystals.
• Project II: Surface modification of nanoparticles with polydopamine for bio-related applications like low-friction coatings.
• Project III: Creating nanoplatforms for targeted drug delivery against antibiotic-resistant infections and cancer.

Recent publications focus on nickel phosphide nanoparticles (2024), perovskite oxide oxygen evolution catalysts (2023-2024), and silver nanoparticle antimicrobial mechanisms (2020-2023). Her group has produced 15+ recent publications in journals like ACS Nano, J. Phys. Chem. C, and ACS Infectious Diseases.

Award highlights include:

• Thomson Reuters Top 1% Highly Cited Researcher (2015-2018)
• Arkansas Research Alliance Fellow (2018)
• Women’s Giving Circle Award (2014)
• Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award (2011)

She has mentored over 20 graduate and undergraduate students, including Ryan Manso (PhD 2022), Isabelle Niyonshuti (PhD 2021), and David Thompson (DOE SCGSR awardee 2022). Her lab (CHBC 304/306/309) employs advanced tools like synthesis setups, electrochemical stations, and laser irradiation systems.