Xi Chen

Xi Chen is an Associate Professor at The City College of New York and the Advanced Science Research Center (CUNY ASRC) Nanoscience Initiative since 2016. His research focuses on smart materials, nanotechnology, and energy harvesting, with applications in sustainable energy, robotics, and medical technologies. He previously conducted postdoctoral research at Columbia University in Biological Sciences.

• Education: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (Stevens Institute of Technology), M.S. and B.S. in Precision Instruments and Mechanical Engineering (Tsinghua University).

His work on water-responsive materials and evaporation-driven engines has generated over 20 publications in journals like Nature, Nature Materials, and Nature Communications. Recent research explores peptide-based supramolecular systems with adaptive properties, including coacervates, nanofibers, and humidity-responsive crystals, emphasizing biomolecular self-assembly and dynamic material behavior. His innovations have been featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and BBC.

Scientific awards include recognition from the National Science Foundation and American Society of Mechanical Engineers, highlighting contributions to bio-inspired materials and energy conversion. Current projects investigate evaporation-induced actuation for green chemistry, locomotion, and electricity generation.