As for Chen:
All scientists in this RP can double as field scientists (so they're able to go on expeditions and such along with the rest of the team).
If your character specializes in geology, they're allowed to carry some very small mining equipment of sorts. Also, since your character is a research bot, shouldn't she have a scanning device a la a tricorder or something?
To clarify: Can your character only talk when it's plugged in?