Jiuan Jiuan Chen is the inaugural Director of Conservation Imaging at the Institute, tasked to provide strategic leadership in advancing imaging practices across conservation research, applied methodologies, and public outreach.
From 2012 to 2025, Chen served as Professor of Conservation Imaging and Technical Examination and Documentation at the Patricia H. and Richard E. Garman Art Conservation Department at SUNY Buffalo State University. During her tenure, she developed a comprehensive curriculum in digital imaging for conservation, significantly shaping the pedagogical foundation of this specialized field. In recognition of her exceptional contributions to conservation education, she received the prestigious Sheldon and Caroline Keck Award from the American Institute of Conservation in 2023.
Chen holds both a Master’s degree and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Art Conservation from Buffalo State (2001), with a specialization in the conservation of photographic materials and a strong emphasis on photographic documentation. Her professional background includes positions as a photograph conservator at the George Eastman Museum and Paul Messier LLC.
Her research focuses on developing practical imaging methodologies and tools to enhance workflow efficiency and expand the capabilities of conservation imaging techniques. She also investigates the safe and effective use of various radiation sources in imaging. Notably, Chen co-designed the AIC PhD Targets with Dan Kushel and Luisa Casella, and co-holds a U.S. patent with Paul Messier for Target UV™: Fluorescent Color Calibrator for Calibrating RGB Pixel Values.
Chen was one of the founding members of the AIC Imaging Working Group’s leadership team from 2020 to 2022, underscoring her commitment to advancing imaging standards within the conservation community.