Chih-Chia (JJ) Chen, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health and Human Physiology at the University of Iowa. He earned his Ph.D. in Kinesiology from Arizona State University (Motor Behavior & Exercise Psychology; focus on individuals with intellectual disabilities), an M.Ed. in Adapted Physical Education from National Taiwan Normal University, and a B.Ed. in Elementary Education with a minor in Physical Education from National Tainan Teachers College. Dr. Chen’s scholarship examines physical activity, motor learning, and health promotion across the lifespan, with a strong emphasis on inclusive and adapted programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including Down syndrome, as well as older adults and college students.

Dr. Chen has developed an active, externally funded research program supported by organizations such as the Badminton World Federation, the Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities, OSHA, and state Medicaid initiatives focused on fall prevention and quality of life (e.g., Bingocize®). His work has resulted in an extensive record of peer-reviewed publications in journals including Journal of American College Health, Autism Research, International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, and Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, and he regularly presents at national and international conferences.

In recognition of his contributions, Dr. Chen has received multiple honors, including the Donnie Prisock Diversity Award (2024), the Community Engagement Research Award (2018), and Volunteer of the Year from Special Olympics Mississippi (2018). He provides national leadership as Vice President–Select (2024–2027) of the National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities (NCPEID) and serves on editorial boards and as a peer reviewer for leading journals in adapted physical activity and disability research. He is also deeply committed to community-engaged teaching and service, with long-standing involvement as a volunteer coach with Special Olympicsand through inclusive university–community partnerships.