The Chen Lab

Welcome to the Chen Lab, we are an environmental and material science research lab in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at James Madison University.

Our Research

Our laboratory is dedicated to conducting cutting-edge research in the field of environmental and material science. We are committed to developing innovative solutions for water treatment, nutrient recovery, and addressing contaminants of emerging concerns. Our team is passionate about making a positive impact on the environment and human health through our research endeavors. We strive to push the boundaries of knowledge and contribute to the development of sustainable technologies.

There are three focus in Chen research lab:

Sustainable and selective ultrashort- and short-chain PFAS adsorption by cellulose-based bioadsorbents and Donnan dialysis
Novel nitrogen and phosphorus recovery from animal manure by cellulose-based nanomotors facilitated by Donnan dialysis
Radioactive waste cleanup by integrated Donnan dialysis and functional cellulose adsorbents

News & Events

Emma Foley, Luke Campbell, Keyvan Harris, Bella Fong Sarah Varney are doing summer research for 2025 REU program!
Congrats to Rania, who graduated recently with BS in health science and pre-med!
Congrats Chen group received 2024 Madison Trust grant for nutrient recovery study!
Congrats to Bella Fong, who was awarded J'ste scholarship for 2025 summer research!
Sarah Vollbrecht joined in Spring 2025 , and she will be doing nutrient recovery research!
Bella Fong joined in Spring 2025 , and she will be doing nutrient recovery research!
Emma Foley joined in Aug 2024, and she will be doing PFAS research!
Callie Muska joined in Aug 2024, and she will be doing PFAS research!
Luke Campbell joined in Aug 2024, and she will be doing PFAS research!
Sarah Varney joined in Aug 2024, and she will be doing nutrient recovery research!
Natalie Cook joined in Aug 2024, and she will be doing nutrient recovery research!
Rania Supriadi joined in Aug 2024, and she will be doing nutrient recovery research!
Sarah Cook joined in Aug 2024, and she will be doing radioactive wastewater research!
Keyvan Harris joined in Aug 2024, and she will be doing radioactive wastewater research!
Congrats Dr. Hui Chen joined JMU chemistry as an Assistant Professor in Aug 2024!

Latest Publications