Dr. Ji Chen, a passionate biomedical engineer and assistant professor at UDC, specializes in exoskeleton design, biomechanics modeling, and motion analysis, advancing rehabilitation technologies and astronaut readiness through cutting-edge research and innovative teaching.
Experience
Education
Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Catholic University Master in Mechanical Engineering, Temple University Bachelor of Science, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
Roles
Assistant Professor, University of the District of Columbia, 2022-Present Visiting Assistant Professor, University of the District of Columbia, 2020-22 Postdoctoral Fellow, National Institutes of Health, 2017-19
Courses Taught
Survey of Biomedical Engineering Engineering Software and Programming for Biomedical Engineers Biomechanics Bio-Instrumentation Lecture/Lab Biomedical Research and Clinical experience Senior Capstone Project Robot Mechanics and Control
Expertise
Research Focus / Works in Progress
Exoskeleton design; biomechanics modelling and motion analysis; development of OpenSim based musculoskeletal models to evaluate exercise based and device-based strategies for movement enhancement; the effect of exercise-based training on gait and balance of healthy individuals and stroke survivors; the design and evaluation of orthosis and prosthesis for gait rehabilitation and for upper-body bi-manual tasks
Impact
Selected Publications
Chen, J., Romero, R., & Thompson, L. A. (2023). Motion analysis of balance pre and post sensorimotor exercises to enhance elderly mobility: A case study. Applied Sciences, 13(2), 889. https://doi.org/10.3390/app13020889
Chen, J., Wright, W. G., Keshner, E., & Darvish, K. (2022). Design and usability of a system for the study of head orientation.Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences, 3, 978882. https://doi.org/10.3389/fresc.2022.978882
Chen, J., Black, I., Nichols, D., Chen, T., Sandison, M., Casas, R., & Lum, P. S. (2021). Pilot test of dosage effects in HEXORR II for robotic hand movement therapy in individuals with chronic stroke. Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences, 2, 728753. https://doi.org/10.3389/fresc.2021.728753
Chen, J., Hochstein, J., Kim, C., Tucker, L., Hammel, L., Damiano, D., & Bulea, T. (2021). A pediatric knee exoskeleton with real-time adaptive control for overground walking in ambulatory individuals with cerebral palsy. Frontiers in Robotics and AI. 8.https://doi.org/10.3389/frobt.2021.702137.
Chen, J., Tucker, L. Hammel, L., Gravunder, A., Damiano, D. L., & Bulea T. C. An open source graphical user interface for wireless communication and operation of wearable robotic technology, Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering, 7,https://doi.org/10.1177/2055668320964056
Selected Presentations
Chen, J., & Lostroscio, K. (2025). OpenSim based Workflow for estimation of joint load and muscle activation in reduced gravity. Human Research Program Investigator's Workshop, Galveston, Texas.
Chen, J., Greaves, T., Wang, S., & Lostroscio, K. (2024). Comparison of joint angles calculated using VICON Nexus workflow and OpenSim workflow.Inaugural SMD MOSAICS Symposium, Washington, D.C.
Chen, J., & Lostroscio, K. (2023). Development of OpenSim based workflow for estimation of joint load and muscle activities.Annual Meeting of the American Society for Gravitational and Space Research, Washington, D.C.
Selected Grants
NASA. (2024). Development of biomechanics simulation tool for muscle mechanics in reduced gravity to enhance astronaut mission readiness.
NASA. (2023). Center for advanced manufacturing in space technology and applied research at UDC.
National Institutes of Health. (2022). Advancing diversity in aging research through undergraduate education at the University of the District of Columbia.
