dr. jiong chen received his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry in 1995, and his ph.d. in molecular, cell and developmental biology in 2002, both from the university of california, los angeles (ucla). he conducted his ph.d. research in frank laski’s lab, and focused on the genetics and developmental studies of cell movement processes in drosophila ovary. from 2002 to 2004, chen did his postdoctoral research in drosophila eye development under the guidance of utpal banerjee at ucla. he joined model animal research center, nanjing university in 2004, and is currently a professor of genetics and developmental biology in the medical school of nanjing university. his current research interests include mechano-sensing, collective cell migration, epithelial morphogenesis, and tissue and organ formation.
