Chen X. Chen

Biography

Dr. Chen has dedicated her career to the study of dysmenorrhea, commonly known as menstrual pain. Recognizing the prevalence of this condition and its potential to lead to other chronic pain conditions, Dr. Chen has challenged the historical dismissal of dysmenorrhea by the scientific and clinical communities. She aspires to promote person-centered and equitable dysmenorrhea care, ultimately improving the quality of life for menstruators and mitigating future pain risks.

As a Principal Investigator, Dr. Chen has received over $3 million in extramural funding, including a current R01 from the NIH. She has published over 40 peer-reviewed papers. Her research has been cited by scholars from 50 countries and featured in popular media outlets, raising public awareness of dysmenorrhea. Her research has also garnered recognition through invited presentations and requests for consultation nationally and internationally.

In addition to her research, Dr. Chen is a dedicated mentor. She has guided undergraduate Honors students, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows. Her commitment to teaching and mentoring was recognized with the Indiana University Trustees Teaching Award.

Dr. Chen also contributes to the broader scientific community through her service on several committees. She is a member of the Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science Program Committee, US Association for the Study of Pain Education and Professional Development Committee, and an international task force focused on developing a taxonomy for female pelvic pain.

Dr. Chen received her MS and PhD in Nursing from University of Wisconsin-Madison and her Postdoctoral Fellowship from Indiana University. She is a fellow of American Academy of Nursing.

Degrees

• Ph.D.
• University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
• M.S.N.
• University of Wisconsin-Madison
• M.B.B.S.
• Tongji Medical College

Awards

• Translating Research into Practice (TRIP) Scholar
• Indiana University, Spring 2024
• Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN)
• American Academy of Nursing, Fall 2023
• Trustees’ Teaching Award
• Indiana University Board of Trustees, Spring 2023
• Abstract of Distinction at the State of the Science Congress on Nursing Research
• Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science, Fall 2022
• New Investigator Award
• Midwest Nursing Research Society, Spring 2021
• World Expert in Dysmenorrhea
• Expertscape, Spring 2021
• Kroenke Award for Outstanding Achievement in Scientific Presentation and Translational Impact
• Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, Fall 2019
• Mary & John Barron Quality of Life Investigator Award
• Center for Enhancing Quality of Life in Chronic Illness at the IU School of Nursing, Spring 2018
• Class of 2017 at the North American Pain School
• International Association for the Study of Pain, Summer 2017
• Young Investigator Travel Award
• American Pain Society, Summer 2017
• Signe Scott Cooper Writing Award
• University of Wisconsin-Madison, Summer 2013