He holds a B.S. degree (Central South University 2001) and a M.S. degree (Central South University 2004), all in Geology Engineering. Dr. Chen received his Ph.D. degree in Railroad Engineering from Central South University. He has been on the faculty of the department of geotechnical engineering at Central South University since 2008. In September 2012, Dr. Chen was promoted as an associate professor for his research accomplishments in the department of geotechnical engineering. His research interests include Transportation Geotechnics Engineering (coarse grained materials) and Tunnel Geological Prediction/ Prospecting. Professor Chen is also a committee member of TRB AFP70 Mineral Aggregates.