Kaiwen Chen

Dr. Kaiwen Chen serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering at The University of Alabama's College of Engineering, where she is affiliated with the Center for Sustainable Infrastructure. Her research integrates drone robotics, sensor technologies, and Artificial Intelligence to revolutionize building diagnostics and performance simulation.

Her academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Environmental Design and Planning from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (2020)
• M.Sc. in Management in Science and Technology from Southeast University (2016)
• B.S. in Construction Project Management from Southeast University (2013)

Dr. Chen's research program focuses on innovations in the AECO field, with core expertise in drone-based imaging systems, 2D/3D data processing, infrared thermography, high-performance computing, and building energy modeling. Her work bridges advanced computational techniques with practical infrastructure challenges, particularly in building envelope diagnostics and pavement inspection.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2024-2025) reveals dual research thrusts: primary focus on AI-driven construction applications (digital twins, thermal anomaly detection, UAV-based surveys) and significant contributions to wireless power transfer systems. This interdisciplinary scope demonstrates exceptional versatility in applying cutting-edge computational methods to both civil infrastructure and electrical engineering challenges.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Runner-Up for 5th Annual ASCE VIMS Datathon Competition (2024)
• Virginia Tech Outstanding Dissertation Award (2020)
• ASCE i3CE Best Paper Award (2019)

Dr. Chen leads externally funded research initiatives including a US Department of Energy project on aerial intelligence for building envelope diagnostics and a Georgia Department of Transportation project on drone-assisted pavement inspection. These grants demonstrate her ability to secure competitive funding for high-impact infrastructure research.

As an active contributor to the Center for Sustainable Infrastructure, she advances research in sustainable infrastructure systems through the integration of drone technologies, AI analytics, and digital twin methodologies for comprehensive infrastructure assessment and management.