Chien-Chung “Abner” Chen, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE, the chair of the department of civil and computer engineering and engineering physics at Marian University, has been named a fellow by the ASCE Board of Direction.
Chen has turned vision into reality by leading the creation of the university’s first civil engineering program in 2022. In just a few short years, he has grown the program from ground up by recruiting faculty, and mentoring students, and building a curriculum grounded in Franciscan values and hands-on, real-world learning.
His passion for teaching and conducting research in structural engineering stems from his personal experience early in his academic journey. In 1999, while he was a graduate student studying structural engineering, Taiwan was struck by the Chi-Chi earthquake. During that time, he was deployed to the epicenter to investigate structural failures in the hardest-hit regions. Witnessing the collapse of homes, offices, schools, and bridges, he saw not only the unforgiving power of nature but also the tragic consequences of structural failures. That experience left a lasting impression and instilled in him a profound sense of responsibility. Since then, he has dedicated his career to education and research aimed at improving the safety and resilience of structures.
Known for his energy and dedication, Chen is a long-time advocate for student engagement. He has been deeply involved in ASCE student chapters for over a decade. From 2014 to 2022, he advised the ASCE Student Chapter at Purdue University Northwest, where he guided students through student competitions, community outreach, and professional development. When he joined Marian University in 2022, he once again took the lead, spearheading the creation of the Marian University ASCE Student Chapter and mentoring students through the full application and approval process. Today, both the Marian University civil engineering program and its student chapter are thriving with its first class set to graduate in 2026.
A structural engineer by training, Chen’s research spans composite structures, earthquake engineering, bridge engineering, multihazard mitigation, sustainable materials, and structural health monitoring. He’s known for adapting his research to address evolving industry needs and future challenges. His scholarly activities reflect a deep commitment to advancing the civil engineering profession through innovation, collaboration, and education.
Chen, in addition to his teaching, mentoring, and research, is actively involved in academic leadership and service. As the inaugural chair of the civil engineering program at Marian University, he led the creation of the ABET-aligned curriculum and laboratories and established industry partnerships. These efforts resulted in a substantial increase in enrollment. He also serves as a reviewer for several top-tier journals, including the ASCE Journal of Structural Engineering.
