Coastal areas are some of the most densely populated and economically important parts of the world. So, it should come as no surprise to hear they are suffering under the combined impact of human activities and climate change. Issues such as nutrient overloading leading to eutrophication of coastal waters, harmful algal blooms, dead zones, and acidification plague these areas and nowhere is this more true than in developing nations. However, solutions to these challenges have been few and far between, due to the historical separation of science and management of these areas. Dr. Chen is trying to rectify this disconnect through his work. Dr. Chen is a professor of environmental biogeochemistry in the College of the Environment and Ecology and director of the Department of Environmental Science, Xiamen University. He is also the deputy director for the Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies. But at his heart, he is a researcher. Specifically, Dr. Chen seeks to understand how anthropogenic stressors impact the watershed-coast system. His studies focus on the major process and controls of nutrient, carbon and oxygen at key interfaces (reservoir, estuary, bay, wetland). His lab is painting a much clearer picture of how human activities and climate change are threatening our coastal environment. However, Dr. Chen does more than just spend his time out in the field and lab, analyzing samples and elucidating data. He and other faculty are involved with the national key research and development project to build the nation’s ecological security in highly urbanized areas and to integrate ecological restoration methods along some of Fujian province’s river deltas. In this sense, Dr. Chen represents what researchers are today – no longer trapped in a bubble of publications and data but rather working with other experts in a truly interdisciplinary manner to solve critical environmental issues. In fact, his entire research group is dedicated to bridging scientific research and management practices – in order to achieve not only environmental protection but also sustainable use of our precious coastal resources.
For more information on Dr. Chen’s research please visit his webpage at /teacherfile.asp?tid=500 or contact him via email (nwchen@xmu.edu.cn)
