Don Chen

Don Chen is a Professor in the Department of Engineering Technology and Construction Management at the William States Lee College of Engineering, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, specializing in civil engineering technology and construction management. His research integrates advanced computational methods with infrastructure engineering to address critical challenges in transportation and construction systems.

His educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, August 2006
• M.S. in Civil Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, December 2002
• B.S. in Civil Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, China, July 1992

Professor Chen's research focuses on Pavement Management Systems, Building Information Modeling (BIM), Parametric Modeling and Visualization, Accelerated Bridge Construction, and Deep Learning in Construction. His work develops innovative models for pavement performance prediction, BIM-based energy optimization, and construction process visualization, significantly advancing infrastructure management and sustainable construction practices through data-driven approaches and computational intelligence.

His scientific recognition includes:

• LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional) since June 2009
• Autodesk Certified Professional: Revit Architecture (2018 to present)

Professor Chen has secured substantial research funding as Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-PI on multiple grants, primarily from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and buildingSMART International. His projects include "Development of Performance Curves for Composite Pavements in PMS" (NCDOT, 2015-2017), "Setting Appropriate Benefit/Condition Jumps for Pavement Treatments in PMS" (NCDOT, 2015-2017), "Evaluation of Benefit Weight Factors and Decision Trees for Automated Distress Data Models" (NCDOT, 2014-2016), and "Generating Construction Schedules Using OPEN BIM" (buildingSMART International, 2013). His scholarship of teaching and learning grant developed the Project-Based Integrated Work/Review Cycle (PBIWR) for accelerated construction education.

He actively integrates BIM and deep learning technologies into construction engineering curricula and industry practices, developing frameworks for fenestration systems and energy-efficient building design while advancing pavement management methodologies through sophisticated performance modeling.