ESP Biography



H. ALEX CHEN, No Description Available




Major: Not available.

College/Employer: UMass

Year of Graduation: G

Picture of H. Alex Chen

Brief Biographical Sketch:

Alex Chen is an environmental organic chemist studying the fate and transport of persistent organic contaminants in the subsurface environment. With a specialized training in soil chemistry, his industrial work centers around ASTM Environmental Site Assessment and water quality. His academic work examines the sorption mechanisms of PFAS onto natural soil particles.



Past Classes

  (Clicking a class title will bring you to the course's section of the corresponding course catalog)

S15477: Chemistry of the Environment in HSSP Spring 2023 (Feb. 25, 2023)
This course covers the principles and applications of environmental chemistry through a case-study centered approach. We will observe the natural world and identify underlying chemical mechanisms. By applying basic chemistry knowledge such as acids and bases and polarity, students will gain an understanding of how chemical processes govern changes in soil, water, and sediment. The chemistry of environmental pollution will be emphasized. Topics include but are not limited to: water quality, acid mine drainage, soil ion exchange, DDT/TCE transport, and organic contaminant remediation.


S15478: Minerals Lab: Earth's Materials in Spark 2023 (Mar. 18 - 19, 2023)
In this laboratory-based module, students will carefully examine and identify minerals to complete series of inquiry-based tasks related to earth's materials and their environments. Basic minerology will be introduced. In the final part of this module, students will explore the impact of minerals on earth's environments.


S15107: Soils Lab: Formation and Classification in Splash 2022 (Nov. 19 - 20, 2022)
The hands-on laboratory portion of this module will teach students how to identify soil horizon and texture. Students will investigate in their associated geological, biological, and chemical characteristics. In the discussion portion of the module, we will explore environmental and geological factors that contributes to soil formation. We will learn about how the last ice age shaped much of the geological landscape in the Northeastern United States.


S15108: Rocks Lab: Documenting Earth Processes in Splash 2022 (Nov. 19 - 20, 2022)
In this laboratory-based module, students will carefully examine and identify rocks to complete series of inquiry-based tasks related to earth's dynamic processes. Basic minerology will also be introduced. In the final part of this module, students will explore the impact of rock formation and composition in our environment and its impact on biota.


S15051: Environmental Pollution in HSSP Summer 2022 (Jul. 09, 2022)
This case-study driven module provides an overview of contaminants in the environment through scientific, legislative, social, and industrial-based approaches. It will provide an in-depth discussion about the source, properties, transport, and fate of environmental contaminants and the effect it has on human society. It will integrate themes drawn from environmental law and justice. Through case studies, students will holistically explore and assess scientific and social aspects of the effects of environmental pollution locally and globally. Emerging contaminants such as PFAS will be covered. Modern remediation technologies will be introduced if time allows. See attached Course Poster about the case studies and themes we will cover this summer.


S14892: Soils: Science, Practice, and Sustainability in HSSP Spring 2022 (Feb. 26, 2022)
As the “foundation” of our environment and human society, soil is crucial to food production, climate systems, and water, nutrient, and waste cycling. This class will commence with a thorough examination of soil formation and classification through an exploration of geological history in North America. Then, we will focus on soil ecosystem and its impact in agricultural practices. We will connect soil physical and chemical properties to its role in the fate and transport of emerging environmental contaminants. In the end of this course, we holistically analyze the impact of anthropogenic activities and conservation strategies.


Z14657: The Judiciary Branch Through the Lens of Environmental Law in Splash 2021 (Nov. 20 - 21, 2021)
The lecture portion of this course covers the fundamentals of environmental law and litigation. It introduces major legislations that shaped American environmental governance and provides a critical perspective in the role of EPA through various court cases. The discussion portion of this course focuses on environmental law cases from the Supreme Court of the United States. Students will critically engage in judiciary reasoning. Students will then independently and collectively research precedents, facts, and law reviews concerning a potential law suit regarding the Clean Water Act that may be presented to the Court.


S14658: Environmental Water Science in Splash 2021 (Nov. 20 - 21, 2021)
This module provides a comprehensive overview of drinking water treatment, quality, and sustainability. The module begins by an introduction to the concept of watershed and provides an overview of water treatment process from raw to distribution. The module introduces water quality measurement and monitoring through the regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Topics such as lead and copper, hardness, bacteria, PFAS, and alkalinity will be covered. In the end, students will gain an understanding of some of the changes and challenges facing water quality and quantity, including contamination, availability, and distribution.


S14540: Environmental Pollution in HSSP Summer 2021 (Jul. 10 - 31, 2021)
This module provides an overview of contaminants in the hydrosphere through scientific, legislative, and industrial approaches. It will provide a discussion about the source, properties, fate, and transport of environmental contaminants and the effect it has on biota. It will address historical incidents that led to environmental legislations such as the Superfund Act (CERCLA) and the Clean Water Act and the role of those legislations in today's world. Students will also have the opportunity to virtually investigate hazardous waste sites.


H14598: Ireland Uncovered: Irish History and Diaspora in HSSP Summer 2021 (Jul. 10 - 31, 2021)
The Great Famine of 1845 was often viewed as the 'first wave' of mass migration from Ireland to the United States. Some 32.7 million people in America claimed Irish descent in 2015. This module examines the influence of Irish diaspora in America and traces the development of Irish American communities. It will assess the social and political influence of American Irish communities in the rebellions, revolts, and revolutions that led to the establishment of independent Ireland. The overreaching idea is the strong ties between Ireland and the United States throughout history.


H14165: Ireland Uncovered: The American Irish in Splash 2020 (Nov. 14 - 15, 2020)
This course will emphasize the influence of the Irish diaspora in America. The lecture begins with the mass immigration caused by the Great Famine in Ireland and examines the communities and impacts of those Irish immigrants in America. It will assess the social and political influence of American Irish communities in the rebellions, revolts, and revolutions that led to the establishment of independent Ireland. The overreaching idea is the strong ties between Ireland and the United States throughout history. Topics include the potato famine, cultural memory, Irish communities in America, the Young Ireland Movement, the Fenian Brotherhood and the Irish Republican Brotherhood, and the Easter Rising of 1916. If time allows, the course will address the cultural significance of St. Patrick's Day and late generation Irish identity in America.


H13741: Uncovering Ireland and the American Irish in Spark 2020 (Mar. 14 - 15, 2020)
This lecture will address the influence of the Irish diaspora in America. The lecture begins with the mass immigration caused by the Great Famine in Ireland and examines the impacts and contributions of those Irish immigrants in America. It will assess how Irish Americans build their Irish identity in America following the mass migration and the ways which identity structures are affected by migration and exile. Briefly, the lecture will discuss Irish Americans' political influence, towards the U.S. and Ireland. Together, we will discuss the history and symbolic significance of St. Patrick's Day celebration in America and the future of Ireland.


S13716: The Earth, Its Dynamics, and the Environment in HSSP Spring 2020 (Feb. 29, 2020)
Provides an interdisciplinary introduction to the science of earth in connection to human activity. This course commences with an exploration of our physical planet through geological approach. Students will examine earth's landscape, formation, dynamics, and atmosphere. Together, we will use Google Earth and a number of databases to examine those physical characteristics of the earth. The second half of the course will focus on the impact of human activities on the earth. By studying pollution fate, climate change, and biogeochemical cycling, we will examine how our society impact the earth and the ways which we attempt to remediate them. We will analyze scientific principles through the lenses of modern society. Case studies along with practical experiences is a crucial component of this course. Topics include but not limited to: earthquakes, volcano, minerals and rocks, biogeochemical cycles, glaciers and glacial processes, environmental hazards, pollution fate and transport, ecosystem depletion, and sustainability.


H13146: Irish Presence in America in Splash 2019 (Nov. 23 - 24, 2019)
The Irish Americans: This lecture will address the influence of the Irish diaspora in America. The lecture begins with the mass immigration caused by the Great Famine in Ireland and examines the impacts and contributions of those Irish immigrants in America. It will assess how Irish Americans build their Irish identity in America following the mass migration and the ways which identity structures are affected by migration and exile. Briefly, the lecture will discuss Irish Americans' political influence, towards the U.S. and Ireland.


H13147: Ireland Uncovered in Splash 2019 (Nov. 23 - 24, 2019)
"History is a nightmare, from which I am trying to awake", words of James Joyce. One rebellion after another, Irish people had struggled over centuries seeking independence from a history of colonization and conquest. This lecture uncovers this dark side of Irish history and examines the revolutions and rebellions that led to the independent Republic of Ireland, today. The lecture begins with introducing Irish nationalist movements from the Era of Vikings to 1800s, assessing the historical and cultural background that contributed to Irish rebellions. The lecture emphasizes the Easter Rising of 1916 and the national movements followed. The lecture ends with a brief overview of the causes, plots, and future of The Troubles (nationalist conflict in Northern Ireland).


H13072: Macroeconomics: Principles and Applications in HSSP Summer 2019 (Jul. 07, 2019)
This course covers models and concepts in macroeconomics. Students will apply the models and theories to analyze real-world economic problems and policies. Students will interpret the actions of the Federal Reserve Banks and the Congress, and understand data published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Topics include economic growth, inflation and recession, money and banking, stocks and bonds, fiscal and monetary policy, international trade and finance, and unemployment.


H12791: The Great Potato Famine: History in Context in Spark 2019 (Mar. 16 - 17, 2019)
Four out of eight million Irish people migrated during the Great Potato Famine Era in 1840s. Many historians believe that this is the first wave of mass Irish migration to the United States. This course will explore the historical context and social and political impact of Famine Generation Immigrants in America. By examining the cultural memories after this traumatic event, students will gain an understanding of Irish identity diaspora in modern United States. Figures such as Liam Neeson, John F. Kennedy, and others will also be covered. Topics including St. Patrick's Day will be discussed.


Z12972: Macroeconomics in Spark 2019 (Mar. 16 - 17, 2019)
What is Macroeconomics? What are the implications of Economics in today's world? After completing this course, students will gain an understanding of some fundamental principles of macroeconomics, including opportunity cost, allocation efficiency, supply and demand, GDP, inflation/deflation, and the business cycle. Current issues will also be discussed.


H12792: Irish Presence in America in HSSP Spring 2019 (Feb. 23, 2019)
This course provides students with an overview of the sociological, political, and cultural impacts of Irish diaspora in American society from 1800s to present. This course will also analyze the characteristics, contributions, and impacts of Irish communities in the United States throughout history. By studying the background and factors of migration, students will gain a deeper understanding of trans-Atlantic cultural identity and develop an appreciation to the making of the modern American society. Topics include the Potato Famine, immigration and urbanization, political impact in the U.S., the Gaelic League, St. Patrick’s Day, Irish nationalism and the Easter Rising, and other topics if time permits. Modern figures such as Liam Neilson, John F. Kennedy, and Colm Toibin will be covered. This course will use a variety of primary and secondary sources including digital and print media. See attached outline for more information regarding the content of this course.