Contact Info

Dr. Chen is the founder/director of the Construction Automation, Robotics, and Ergonomics (CARE) Lab. The CARE Lab researches and explores ergonomic engineering and advanced technologies for the effective management and optimization of human-centered built environments in digital and physical formats. 

Funded Research Projects

  1. Autonomous Maintenance Technology Phase 2 (Co-PI), USDOT Pooled Fund, Amount: $1,252,000 (07/01/2025-06/30/2029)
  2. Validation of Innovative Work Zone Countermeasures by Field Tests (PI), Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), Amount: $346,009 (10/01/2025-09/30/2027)
  3. Strategic Expansion of Driving Simulators in INDOT Driver Training Programs (Co-PI), INDOT, Amount: $1,395,795 (07/01/2025-07/31/2028)
  4. Feasibility Study of Deploying Movable Barriers as Permanent Barriers and Temporary Traffic Barriers for Future Roadway Design, Construction, and Maintenance (PI), INDOT, Amount: $193,926 (10/01/2025-11/30/2026)
  5. Retention of the Early-Career Highway Technician Workforce: Exploring and Addressing Their Career Trajectories and Challenges (PI), INDOT, Amount: $192,262 (10/01/2025-05/30/2027)
  6. Automated Personalized Ergonomic Risk Report Generation System (PI), INDOT, Amount: $304,123 (09/01/2023-06/30/2026)
  7. INDOT Training Gap Analysis, Developing a Training Program for INDOT Workforce Development (new, Front-line and Supervisors) and Smart Tool for Effective Planning for Workforce (Co-PI), INDOT, Amount: $256,665 (10/15/2023-10/14/2025)
  8. Synthesis Study on Applying Solar Power Systems in Indiana’s Right of Way (ROW) and INDOT-Owned Facilities (Co-PI), INDOT, Amount: $99,188 (12/01/2023-02/28/2025)
  9. EAGER: SAI: Human-Centered Design and Enhancement of Next Generation Transportation Infrastructure with Connected and Automated Vehicles (Co-PI), National Science Foundation (NSF), Amount: $300,000 (09/01/2021-08/31/2023)
  10. Implementation Exploration of Autonomous Vehicles: Impacts of Autonomous Truck-Mounted Attenuator (ATMA) on INDOT Work Zone Safety, Mobility, and Crews' Perceptions/Behavior/Productivity (PI), INDOT, Amount: $330,374 (07/26/2021-11/25/2023)
  11. Exploration of Color Patterns for Improving Work Zone Safety and Perception (PI), INDOT, Amount: $99,584 (08/23/2021-11/30/2024)
  12. Synthesis Study of Employing Snow Plow Driving SImulators in Training (Co-PI), INDOT, Amount: $93,119 (01/01/2022-12/31/2022)
  13. Integration of BIM for Bridge Modeling (Co-PI), INDOT, Amount: $319,168 (09/01/2021-08/31/2025)
  14. BIM Standards for Road and Related Transportation Assets (Co-PI), INDOT, Amount: $119,546 (01/01/2022-06/30/2023)
  15. Applied Ergonomics (PI), INDOT, Amount: $99,829 (8/24/2020-3/15/2023)
  16. Life Cycle Integration of Infrastructure Information Modeling (PI), INDOT, Amount: $131,769 (7/1/2019-11/12/2021)
  17. A Case Study of Drivers' Visual Attention and Behavioral Responses to Traffic Signs or Other Delineation Devices for High-Crash Areas (PI), Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP), Amount: $99,660 (7/1/2019-6/30/2022)
  18. Cognitive Attention and Traffic Crashes: A Study of Countermeasures in Two Intersections and One Section (Subcontract PI), Contractor: Georgia Southern University, Funding Agent: Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), Amount: $161,480, with Purdue Subcontract of $73,500 (9/16/2019-7/16/2021)
  19. PFI-RP (INCLUDES Supplement): Partnerships for Innovation in Interoperable Building Information Modeling Technology for Applications in Automated Building Code Compliance Checking and Modular Construction Automation (Co-PI), National Science Foundation (NSF), Amount: $149,827, (9/15/2018-8/31/2023)
  20. PFI-RP: Partnerships for Innovation in Interoperable Building Information Modeling Technology for Applications in Automated Building Code Compliance Checking and Modular Construction Automation (Co-PI), National Science Foundation (NSF), Amount: $749,770, (9/15/2018-8/31/2023)