Lei-Shih Chen, PhD

Professor
Curriculum Vitae
Contact
Health Behavior
212 Adriance Lab Rd.
1266 TAMU
College Station,
TX
77843-1266
lacechen@tamu.edu
Phone: 979.436.9762
Google Scholar Profile
Scholars@TAMU Profile
Biography
Dr. Lei-Shih Chen is a Professor in the Department of Health Behavior at Texas A&M University (Health Science Center). With 20 years of dedicated research experience, Dr. Chen focuses on public health genomics, health disparities, disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and cancer prevention and control. Dr. Chen has successfully secured approximately $13 million in research funding from various agencies, including the NIH, NSF, Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities, and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. She has authored nearly 70 peer-reviewed publications and has chaired 39 graduate students (with 29 having graduated). Additionally, Dr. Chen has mentored ten post-doctoral associates, all of whom have completed their training, and advised around 300 undergraduates in research.
Dr. Chen’s research contributions have garnered recognition in government reports and the policy statements of the American Public Health Association. She has received several national awards, including the American Society of Human Genetics Education Award (2023), the Cancer Public Health Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award (2022), the Outstanding Research Award (2019), and the Young Professional Award (2018) from the American Public Health Association. Texas A&M University has also recognized Dr. Chen’s outstanding research achievements with several awards, including the Pathway Award (2024) at the university level, the Faculty Research Excellence Award at the college level (2023), and the Armstrong Scholar Award (2021) at the department level. In addition to research endeavors, Dr. Chen was honored with the 2022 Association of Former Students Distinguished Achievement Award for Teaching, the most prestigious teaching award at Texas A&M University.
Education and Training
- Texas A&M University, Post-Doctoral Fellowship/Residency, 2007
- Texas A&M University, PhD, Health Education, 2007
- National Taiwan University, MS, Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, 2001
- National Taiwan University, BS, Physical Therapy, 1999
Professional Certifications
- Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) - National Commission for Health Education Credentialing. 2018-Current
- Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) - National Commission for Health Education Credentialing. 2006-2018
- Licensed Physical Therapist - Taiwan. 1999
Research Interests
- Public Health Genomics
- Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
- Disability and Health
- Cancer Prevention and Control
- Health Disparities
Teaching Interests
- Health Behavior Theory
- Worksite Health Promotion
Awards, Recognition and Service
- School of Public Health Promotion and Tenure Committee - Texas A&M University. 2024-Current
- Pathway Award - Texas A&M University. 2024
- ASHG Education Award - American Society of Human Genetics. 2023
- Faculty Research Excellence Award - School of Public Health, Texas A&M University. 2023
- Association of Former Students Distinguished Achievement Award for Teaching - Texas A&M University. 2022
- Public Health Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award - American Public Health Association. 2022
- Outstanding Research Award (Genomic Forum) - American Public Health Association. 2019, 2022
- Armstrong Scholar Award - Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University. 2021
- Young Professional Award (Maternal and Child Health Section) - American Public Health Association. 2018
- Early Career Research Excellence Award - College of Education and Human Development, Texas A&M University . 2017
- Teacher of the Year in Health Education - Department of Health and Kinesiology, Division of Health Education, Texas A&M University. 2015
- Outstanding New Faculty Award - College of Education and Human Development, Texas A&M University . 2011
- Horizon Award - American Association for Health Education. 2011
- NIH/NHGRI Travel Award to attend the 2010 Summer Workshop in Genomics - National Institute of Health. 2010
- Outstanding Dissertation of the Year - College of Education and Human Development, Texas A&M University. 2008
- Will Rogers Institute Fellowship - American Association for Health Education. 2007
- Outstanding Graduate Student - Department of Health and Kinesiology, Division of Health Education, Texas A&M University. 2007