His research background is in sustainable structural engineering, covering advanced materials, interface bond and fracture mechanics, and applied mechanics. His research can be broadly categorized into two areas: (1) green buildings and (2) sustainable civil infrastructure. Dr. Chen has extensive industrial experience as a project manager in New York City, where he completed designs of numerous new and renovation projects for high-rise and middle-rise buildings. He has three pending patents and his publications record includes about 60 refereed journal and conference papers and project reports.