Chen, Weichao (Vera), PhD

Dr. Weichao “Vera” Chen is an Assistant Professor in the Medical College of Wisconsin Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Research and Advanced Education. She also serves as the Assistant Director of Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC) in the MCW Cancer Center. Dr. Chen holds a Master of Education from Peking University, China and received her Ph.D. in Information Science and Learning Technologies from the University of Missouri in 2012.

Dr. Chen has over two decades of work in the field of learning, design, technology and educational research and more than a decade of experience in faculty development and health professions education. She is an expert in learning sciences and educational theories and passionate about fostering joy in learning and professional fulfillment.
Dr. Chen leverages emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence and learning analytics tools, to optimize educational offerings and to enhance learning assessment and program evaluation. She is committed to empowering faculty, staff, and learners with the Design-Based Research toolkit to promote generative learning and develop scholar practitioners.

Dr. Chen is adept at qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods. Her extensive contributions include numerous journal publications, book chapters, conference presentations, and workshops.

In recognition of her expertise, Dr. Chen has served as the chair for the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Southern Group on Educational Affairs (SGEA) Faculty Development in the Medical Education Special Interest Group in 2019-2020. She was a sub-conference executive chair for the 28th International Conference on Computers in Education 2020 and the 27th Global Chinese Conference on Computers in Education 2023.

In her spare time, Dr. Chen enjoys reading, writing, long walk, attending Toastmasters meetings, and practicing BaDuanJin.