Dr Albert Chen

Fellow
Specialising in
Evolutionary biology and palaeontology

Albert Chen studies the origins, evolution, and interrelationships of birds and their close extinct relatives.

Academic interests

Albert's academic interests include: 

  • Evolution of birds
  • Phylogenetics
  • Vertebrate palaeontology
  • Comparative anatomy.

Degrees obtained

  • BS with Honors, University of Maryland.
  • MSc with Distinction, University of Bristol.
  • PhD, University of Bath.

Awards and prizes

  • Paleontological Society Allison R. “Pete” Palmer Student Research Award 2019.
  • Systematics Research Fund 2018.
  • Marc Lipella Memorial Scholarship 2014.

Biography

Albert Chen studies the evolutionary history of major animal groups, primarily birds and their close extinct relatives. Their research focuses on combining genetic data from living species with anatomical data from both living and fossil species to infer probable evolutionary relationships and patterns, creating a foundation for understanding the origins of modern biodiversity and organismal responses to key events in Earth history.

In 2020, Albert co-authored the paper naming Asteriornis maastrichtensis, one of the oldest known fossils of a modern-type bird, which became the focus of a temporary exhibit at the University of Cambridge’s Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences.

Albert regularly participates in scientific outreach through a variety of outlets, including delivering public talks, writing popular articles, and producing infographics.

Other interests

Drawing, birding, cartoons.

Publications, links and resources

Find more information about Albert Chen's publications and research on ORCID.

Hear from our students

  • Photo of postgraduate student

    Ellie

    Postgraduate

    Jesus College has been a great home for me during my PhD. I chose Jesus College for a number of reasons – first, the location. We are central enough to be within easy walking distance of most things, but far enough away to avoid the hustle and bustle (and tourists in summer!). The College also has extensive grounds, with amenities like the hockey pitch, football pitch and tennis courts all on site. Secondly, the accommodation is some of the best I’ve seen in Cambridge. My house was newly renovated when...

    Read more
    Postgraduate
  • Postgraduate at Jesus College

    Dolly

    Postgraduate

    I chose Jesus College because of the great mixture of undergraduates and postgraduates, and when I first visited I thought it was the most beautiful place I had ever seen! The sense of community in Jesus has had an enormous impact on my experience here. Whether you need help, advice, cheering up or even just a chat there is always someone there to put a smile on your face. From the MCR committee to the Porters, the canteen staff to the gardeners, everyone is so friendly and welcoming. Jesus also...

    Read more
    Postgraduate
  • Photograph of a postgraduate student

    Matthew

    Postgraduate

    Jesus College has been at the heart of my Cambridge experience. I chose the College because I was impressed by its distinctive blend of academic rigour and extracurricular achievement. A College for all-rounders, Jesus is a lively and rewarding place to study. I couldn’t be happier here! Friendly and engaged, the Jesus postgraduate community never ceases to impress me. At ease with themselves and forever curious, my peers go out of their way to cultivate a sense of camaraderie. After a day of leafing through old manuscripts at the National...

    Read more
    Postgraduate
  • Photograph of a postgraduate student

    Jake

    Postgraduate

    When applying to Cambridge colleges it can feel a bit overwhelming as there are so many to choose from. I applied to Jesus College because it has a large MCR which was important for me because I wanted to feel part of a community. Now that I’m doing my PhD here, I’m very glad I did choose a college with a large postgraduate community. Throughout the year there are lots of postgraduate events, including formal dinners, special formals at Christmas and Easter, bops in the bar and film nights in...

    Read more
    Postgraduate
  • Photograph of a postgraduate student

    Alison

    Postgraduate

    What first attracted me to Jesus College was its reputation and history, central location without being touristy, and the postgraduate housing options. When I arrived at Jesus I was so pleased to find the partner accommodation was spacious, affordable, and situated very close to the college, allowing us to really take advantage of the facilities. We especially enjoyed The Roost, the nicest of all the college bars, doubling as a café during the day - ideal for studying or meeting up with groups - and a lively pub in the...

    Read more
    Postgraduate