Education and Credentials:
Ph.D., Structural Engineering, Pennsylvania State University (2009)
M.S., Structural Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (2000)
B.S., Civil Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University (1998)
Registered Professional Engineer (Structural Engineering), Missouri
Professional Background:
Abner Chen, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE, serves as chair of the civil engineering, computer engineering, and engineering physics programs at Marian University’s E. S. Witchger School of Engineering. In this role, he leads program development, oversees curriculum and faculty, and partners with industry leaders to prepare students for success in engineering careers.
Dr. Chen’s research focuses on structural engineering, with expertise in composite steel–concrete systems, seismic applications, multi-hazard mitigation, and structural health monitoring. At Marian, he has been instrumental in establishing the civil engineering program, creating laboratories, launching the ASCE student chapter, and expanding professional development opportunities for students.
Prior to joining Marian, Dr. Chen built a career that blended academia and industry. He has coordinated workforce development workshops with state agencies and industry partners, and he serves as a reviewer for leading journals such as the Journal of Structural Engineering.
Courses Taught:
Senior Design II
Statics
Programming for Engineers
Computer-Aided Design
Civil Engineering Materials
Mechanics of Materials
Structural Analysis (I & II)
Design of Steel Structures
Reinforced Concrete Design (Introductory & Advanced)
Matrix Analysis of Structures
Foundation Engineering
Fundamentals of Design of Steel Girder Bridges
Civil Engineering Projects
First-Year Seminar for Engineers
Areas of Teaching Expertise:
Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering
Teaching Philosophy:
Dr. Chen believes students learn best when engaged in solving meaningful, real-world problems through inquiry-based and project-based learning. His teaching emphasizes hands-on activities and inductive approaches that connect classroom theory to professional practice.
Research Interests:
Seismic performance of composite members, bridge engineering, construction materials, multi-hazard mitigation, structural health monitoring.
Selected Publications:
Chen, C.-C.*, Lee, H.-J., Zhao, Y.-Y., et al. (2025). Seismic Behavior of Innovative Precast Hybrid Steel-Concrete Beam-Column Connections. Engineering Structures, 342, 120921.
Lee, H.-J., Chang, T.-Y., Chen, C.-C., Lin, K.-C. (2023). Seismic Performance and Nonlinear Strain Analysis of Mechanical Splices for High-Strength Reinforcement in Concrete Structures. Materials, 16, 4444.
Chen, C.-C.*, Chen, C.-C., Chan, K.-S. (2022). Design of Confinement Reinforcement for Encased Composite Columns. Engineering Structures, 250(1), 113342.
Wu, M.-C., Chen, C.-C.*, Chen, C.-C. (2018). Size Effect on Axial Behavior of Concrete-Filled Box Columns.Advances in Structural Engineering, 21(13), 2068–2078.
Chen, C.-C.*, Linzell, D.G. (2013). Accuracy of AISC Methods in Predicting Flexural Strength of Concrete-Encased Composite Members. Journal of Structural Engineering, 139(3), 338–349.
Additional publications in Engineering Structures, Advances in Structural Engineering, Bridge Structures, Engineering Fracture Mechanics, and other journals.
Memberships:
Fellow, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Member, American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC)
Member, Structural Engineering Institute, ASCE
Member, ASCE Metropolitan Indianapolis Branch
Personal:
Outside of work, Dr. Chen enjoys cycling and following college sports.
