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Dr. Jingchun Chen, MD, PhD

Associate Research Professor

Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine (NIPM), UNLV

Adjunct Faculty Member at School of Life Sciences (SoLS), UNLV

Adjunct Faculty Member at School of Medicine, UNLV

Phone: 702-895-1196 (Office)
Office Location: HRC 182

Lab Location: HRC 181, 183, 272, 274

Email: jingchun.chen@unlv.edu

HRC 182, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
4505 S Maryland Parkway, Box 454009
Las Vegas, NV 89154-4009

Research Summary:

I am currently an associate professor at the Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine (NIPM), UNLV, specializing in genetic studies of complex disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and psychiatric disorders. With a strong background in genetics, genomics, and molecular biology, I have accumulated extensive knowledge and experience in genetics and bioinformatics over the past 20 years.

In recent years, my research has primarily focused on Alzheimer’s disease, leading to the acquisition of AD-related grants, publications, and numerous presentations at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC). I am an active member of various AD-related groups and have established connections with a diverse range of NIA data resources.

  1. Artificial intelligence and convolutional neural network for disease prediction, biomarker discovery, and validation in Alzheimer’s disease;
  2. Differentiation of psychiatric disorders by leveraging artificial intelligence and large genetic data;
  3. Genetic correlations between Alzheimer’s disease and COVID-19; causal effect of COVID-19 on Alzheimer’s disease;
  4. Genetic correlations between Alzheimer’s disease and gut microbiome;
  5. Genetic correlations between Alzheimer’s disease and peripheral inflammation;
  6. Drug discovery for Alzheimer’s disease using multi-omics data and net-working system;
  7. Fate of β-Amyloid in aged microglia via 3D Holotomography and proteomics;
  8. Biomechanical features and cell-type specific RNA regulation during disturbed flow-induced skin aging.

Teaching Summary:

I am a strong believer in science and education, and my primary interaction with students is to train them in a research laboratory setting. I am also on the graduate student advisor committee, supervising them for a Master’s or PhD program. I highly value the opportunities to mentor junior scientists as it is a truly rewarding aspect of my career. I advocate for early exposure to hands-on experience in a research lab, scientific methods, and a scientific perspective for undergraduate students. I firmly believe that engaging in research experiences strengthens their understanding of the science they learn in classes.

To achieve this goal, I have provided numerous research opportunities to UNLV undergraduates and local high school students. While they are in the lab, I actively encourage their participation in scientific seminars and conferences. Over time, I have gained extensive experience working with student researchers. Our protocols for recruiting and training students have proven successful, resulting in co-authorships for many students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Additionally, seven undergraduate students have received prestigious research grants, including NIH STEP-UP grants, state INBRE grants, and Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) grants. These experiences have significantly advanced their careers.

I am proud to say that seven of my students have been accepted into medical programs, and two more have secured admission into graduate schools. These achievements exemplify the positive impact of their research experiences and the support they received.

Overall, my dedication to fostering scientific growth and providing opportunities for aspiring researchers has yielded fruitful outcomes for the students I have worked with.

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