Chen X. Chen, PhD, RN, joins Nursing as Sorensen Endowed Professor

Chen X. Chen, PhD, RN, MBBS, will join the University of Arizona College of Nursing as the Sorensen Endowed Professor focused on improving the health, well-being and health care of individuals, families and communities. She begins Aug. 5.

Chen joins the college from the Indiana University School of Nursing, where she is an associate professor. She has dedicated her career to the study of dysmenorrhea, commonly known as menstrual pain. Chen said dysmenorrhea affects more than half of females of reproductive age and can increase the risk for other chronic pain conditions. As a principal investigator, Chen has received more than $3 million in extramural funding, including a current R01 grant from the National Institutes of Health. 

“I am looking forward to the opportunity to collaborate with the talented faculty, staff and students within and beyond the College of Nursing,” said Chen. “The chance to work alongside experts in pain and symptom management, women’s health, health equity, biobehavioral health and integrative health is incredibly exciting. When I visited the campus and interacted with my future colleagues, I had a strong impression that the environment here is intellectually stimulating, collaborative and nurturing.”

Chen collaborates nationally and internationally in the areas of pain, women’s health and research methodologies. She has published more than 40 peer-reviewed papers. Her research has been cited by scholars from 50 countries and featured in popular media outlets. 

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Chen join the faculty of the College of Nursing,” said Brian Ahn, PhD, dean of the College of Nursing. “Her research directly impacts so many women who have often suffered in silence. Her ability to inspire students to follow how dysmenorrhea can have long-lasting and widespread impact on patient health means our graduates will be better prepared to advance a healthier Arizona.”

Chen is a dedicated mentor, having guided undergraduate students, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Her commitment to teaching was recognized with the Indiana University Trustees Teaching Award. 

Chen, who has moved to Tucson with her husband and two children, said she is excited to experience what the region has to offer. 

“I am fascinated by the desert landscapes, cultural richness and outdoor activities,” Chen said. “I enjoy biking and hiking with my family, and we are thrilled about the amazing access to biking and hiking trails here. We love visiting national parks, and it is a dream come true to live within an hour of one.” 

Chen received her PhD in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her postdoctoral fellowship from Indiana University. Chen has a Bachelor of Medicine from the Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China. Chen is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing.