Chengpeng Chen

Chengpeng Chen serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), where his research integrates bioanalytical chemistry and bioengineering to advance biomedical discovery. His laboratory develops physiologically relevant organ/tissue models and novel analytical methods for drug development and disease research.

Dr. Chen's academic background includes a B.S. from Ocean University of China (2007-2011), Ph.D. from Michigan State University (2011-2015) under Dr. Dana M. Spence, and Research/Teaching Postdoctoral Fellowship at Saint Louis University (2015-2018) with Dr. R. Scott Martin.

His research program focuses on creating robust analytical platforms including LC-MS-based metabolomics/proteomics for intracellular analysis, advanced spectroscopy/electrochemical cell sensors, and engineered biomaterials for microfluidic organ-on-a-chip systems. A significant portion of his work investigates how extracellular matrix microstructures influence cell metabolomes in fibrosis/sclerosis diseases, while pandemic-driven initiatives led to wearable 'smart clothes' sensors for real-time health monitoring and bacterial detection systems.

Analysis of his 2020-2022 publications reveals strong emphasis on 3D printing for microfluidic device fabrication, translational applications in tuberculosis sensing (via NSF-funded collaboration with Biokmir, Inc.), and mechanistic studies of extracellular matrix-cell interactions. His work consistently bridges fundamental biophysics with practical diagnostic technologies.

Dr. Chen actively mentors undergraduate researchers and welcomes graduate student rotations, emphasizing inclusive recruitment across diverse backgrounds. His lab's 'click-and-play' organ-on-a-chip technology aims to simplify complex biomedical models for wider research adoption while advancing drug discovery pipelines.

The Chen Research Lab operates as an interdisciplinary hub within UMBC's Meyerhoff Chemistry/Biochemistry Building (Room 462B), developing physiologically relevant models through microfluidics, electrochemistry, and spectroscopy to accelerate biomedical research and therapeutic development.