Xiang Chen

Dr. Xiang (Shawn) Chen is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She earned her Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florida in 2016. At UNC Charlotte, Dr. Chen leads a research lab focused on the design and discovery of multifunctional materials across nano- to meso-scales. Her group utilizes multiscale predictive computer simulations in close integration with experimental collaborations to uncover novel material behaviors. Dr. Chen’s current research highlights the dynamic interplay between material microstructures, transport properties, and mechanical behavior, advancing fundamental understanding for structural and thermal management applications. Through her work, she aims to establish predictive structure-property relationships that guide the development of next-generation functional materials. She is a 2025 NSF CAREER Award recipient.