UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN
Groundbreaking mechanical engineer named USask's Distinguished Researcher

Now, Chen's innovative work, leadership and commitment to training and mentoring the next generation of engineers and researchers is being recognized at 2025 Fall Convocation with USask's Distinguished Researcher Award.

Dr. Daniel Chen (PhD), professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Division of Biomedical Engineering, is being recognized at USask's 2025 Fall Convocation with USask's Distinguished Researcher Award. (Photo: Submitted)

"I really appreciate and feel honoured to receive this award," said Chen. "I'm grateful to my nominators and I would say that my graduate students are the ones who really earned this award. They are the ones who are continuing the great research in this area."

Chen's research has helped shape the field of bioprinting and tissue engineering from the ground up, with structures known as tissue scaffolds. These structures are made from biomaterials the materials that are safe to use in the body which help regenerate tissue like nerves and cartilage.

"From an engineering point of view, I am creating scaffolds, or materials for tissues and organs to grow, while collaborating with various disciplines across USask, particularly looking at different applications like tissue repair or even tooth repair," said Chen.

Chen's work began as a PhD student developing 3D printing techniques. Twenty-six years later, he leads a collaborative research group at USask's College of Engineering, focusing on ways to expand bioprinting through improved scaffold design. He has also furthered his work in tissue engineering with new methods that infuse scaffolds with molecules like growth factors that improve tissue regeneration.

"Although some applications have moved to clinical trials, there are many still in their infancy because with questions like, Will the immune system accept it or reject it?' there is just so much involved in generating new tissue," said Chen. "Something like a traditional knee replacement uses alloy or metal which can lead to rejection by the body, but we are using degradable biomaterials, meaning that the scaffold will degrade once the new tissue is formed."

"My graduate students are really the driving force for this research. I do everything I can to support them so they can continue their work."

Dr. Daniel Chen

Chen has become a global voice in the field of bioprinting and tissue engineering, publishing hundreds of research papers, and receiving numerous awards and fellowships including the Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering and the USask Distinguished Graduate Mentor Award. His accomplishments have led to significant advancements in his field, and his commitment to collaborative research has helped foster meaningful interdisciplinary connections.

Chen is also deeply committed to mentoring and training the next generation of researchers. Over the years, Chen has trained more than 60 graduate students who have gone on to make significant contributions in the field.

"My graduate students are really the driving force for this research. I do everything I can to support them so they can continue their work," said Chen.