PROF. IN LASER PROCESSING RESEARCH CENTER, SCHOOL OF MECHANICAL AND ELECTRIC ENGINEERING, SOOCHOW UNIVERSITY, SUZHOU 215131, CHINA. RESEARCH INTERESTS LASER MATERIALS PROCESSING, LASER ASSISTED MATERIAL REMOVAL, SHAPING, AND SURFACE MODIFICATION, LASER APPLICATIONS IN INDUSTRY, ESPECIALL IN LAER WELDING AND LASER METAL DEPOSITION.The aim of his research group has been to understand the physics of process/material interactions, leading to positive impacts on quality and productivity. His group has strived to achieve this aim via a combination of novel experimentation, materials characterization, and theoretical/numerical investigations. Recent projects from CHEN’s research group include: (1) laser metal deposition for superalloy and high strength steel such as high speed steel for remanufacturing and manufacturing. (2) Shaping of metallic foam via laser-forming process for shock absorbing, weight reduction, and thus sustainability applications in aerospace and automotive industries. Laser-induced steep temperature gradient in foam plates enables effective shaping without cracking and cell crashing often occurring in mechanical shaping. Also, laser metal deposition to fabricate foam steel is an another research area. (3) laser cladding of superalloy for gas turbine. (4)laser welding/sealing of glass to metal/alloy.