Endowed Professor, Gladys E Sorensen | Professor, BIO5 Institute | Member of the Graduate Faculty
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. br>br>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. br>br>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. br>br>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.br>br>Dr. Chen received her MS and PhD in Nursing from University of Wisconsin-Madison and her Postdoctoral Fellowshifrom Indiana University. She is a fellow of American Academy of Nursing.
A prestigious grant has been awarded to Dr. Chen Chen from the College of Nursing for her research on dysmenorrhea, or menstrual pain. Dr. Chen, an accomplished nursing researcher and mentor, aims to understand individual differences in dysmenorrhea by studying the relationship between vaginal microbiota, inflammatory mediators, and metabolome. Here are the key aspects of her project:
- Dr. Chen will examine vaginal microbiota and their function to uncover mechanisms underlying individual differences in dysmenorrhea.
- She will recruit diverse girls and women to provide vaginal samples, blood samples, and questionnaire data.
- Using a multi-omics approach, she will examine vaginal microbial taxa, inflammatory mediators, and metabolites associated with individual differences in dysmenorrhea.
- The expected impact of this research includes suggesting new treatment options for dysmenorrhea, revealing vaginal microbiota and metabolites as potential biomarkers, and generating a rich resource for further research on dysmenorrhea and menstrual health.