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Dr. Chen’s research focuses on understanding the resilience of soil and water systems to land use and cover changes and large-scale disturbances (e.g., agriculture, wildfire, and heavy rainfall events), with an emphasis on biogeochemical cycling of nitrogen and organic carbon. He integrates disciplines such as biogeochemistry, environmental engineering, and data science to develop innovative and nature-based solutions (e.g., wetlands and bioretention systems) to address environmental challenges such as climate change, pollution, and ecosystem degradation. His research interests encompass soil and water quality, water reuse, resource recovery, and emerging contaminants. 

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