Dr. Chider Chen

Associate Professor

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Biography

Dr. Chen’s research focuses on stem cell biology and stem cell-based therapy for craniofacial immune-related diseases, identifying novel physiological mechanisms and translating findings to pilot clinical studies aimed at treating autoimmune diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Systemic Sclerosis. His major goal is to investigate the ultimate fate of small vesicles produced by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their role in immunoregulation and communication with surrounding cells. Additionally, Dr. Chen examines bone biology, dissecting the role of MSCs in bone and marrow homeostasis, particularly how aging contributes to the deterioration of physiological systems. His studies reveal links between histone modifications and cell mechanics, such as nuclear size and shape, and he seeks to understand how MSCs rejuvenate senescent cells through these modifications. Dr. Chen is also involved in oral cancer research, exploring the physiological roles of cancer stem cells and immune components within the tumor microenvironment, enhancing the identification of oral cancer biomarkers for improved diagnosis and treatment. His work is currently supported by the National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor

2025-01-01 — Present

University of Pennsylvania • Philadelphia, PA

Tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Pharmacology.

Assistant Professor

2018-01-01 — 2025-01-01

University of Pennsylvania • Philadelphia, PA

Tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Pharmacology.

Research Assistant

2009-01-01 — 2014-01-01

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Conducted research related to craniofacial biology.

Research Associate

2003-01-01 — 2009-01-01

BioPromed Biotech Co., Ltd. • Taipei

Conducted research in biotechnology.

Research Associate

1999-01-01 — 2003-01-01

BioAgri Corp. • Taipei

Conducted research in agri-biotechnology.

Requirements for University of Pennsylvania

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.6
GRE General
Verbal
Required:162
Quantitative
Required:162
Overall
Required:162
GMAT
Total Score
Required:728
Overall
Required:728
TOEFL
Total
Required:115
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or equivalent Strong quantitative background
Application Checklist
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Letters of Recommendation (2-3)
  • Resume/CV
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Essays
Specialization Notes

Wharton Doctoral programs cover fields like Finance, Marketing, Management, and Operations, Information and Decisions.