Jennifer Chen

Dr. Jennifer Chen earned her doctorate in human development and psychology from Harvard University. She is currently tenured full professor and chair of the Department of Early Childhood Education at Kean University. She is a well-respected scholar who has authored/co-authored more than 90 scholarly publications, including four books, co-edited volumes, and many refereed research articles. Dr. Chen actively engages in research in several areas including teaching and student learning, teaching experiences, dual language development, the infant/toddler workforce, and AI in early childhood education (ECE). Most recently, she has developed the POWER (Purposeful, Optimal, Wise, Ethical, Responsible) framework for guiding AI use in ECE. She has also published in the use/overuse/misuse and the ethical considerations of AI-generative technology and AI-powered tools for use in ECE.

Dr. Chen is an award-winning researcher, distinguished scholar, distinguished college teacher, and research mentor. The honors that have been bestowed on Dr. Chen in recognizing her outstanding scholarly work include the 2022 NJAECTE’s Distinguished Scholarship in Early Childhood Teacher Education/Early Childhood Education Award, the 2021 Kean Presidential Excellence Award for Distinguished Scholarship, the 2020 NAECTE (National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators) Foundation Established Career Award for Research on Early Childhood Teacher Education, the Kean Presidential Excellence Award for Distinguished Teaching, the Kean Faculty Research Mentor of the Year award, a Fulbright Scholar research award to Hong Kong, a book winner award, and many University research awards. Most recently, Dr. Chen was named a 2023 Exchange Leader in the Exchange Leadership Initiative. She was also honored with the 2023 Outstanding Early Childhood Teacher Educator award from the NAECTE Foundation.

Dr. Chen has served in various leadership positions, including as the former president of the New Jersey Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators (NJAECTE), the former co-president of the NJAECTE, and a former board director of the New Jersey Chapter of the Fulbright Association.

• Ed.D., Human Development & Psychology, Harvard University
• Ed.M., Language & Literacy, Harvard University
• M.A., Bilingual/Bicultural Education, Teachers College, Columbia University
• B.A., Psychology with a minor in Linguistics, Barnard College, Columbia University