Chen Jie's research interest lies in health economics, applied econometrics and development economics. Her past research primarily focuses on applying econometric tools in analyzing policy effects on health inequality and other issues. She has also worked on a variety of development economics projects on fertility and saving behaviors in China.

Yvonne holds an undergraduate degree in Computer Science and Economics from Washington University in St. Louis. She received her master and doctoral degree in economics from Yale University. In addition to her academic career, she also worked as a senior associate at a Philadelphia based health care consulting firm, offering strategic advice for pharmaceutical companies around the world.