Richard Christenson

Fulbright Australia, United Kingdom, U.S. (AUKUS) Award (All Disciplines)

Rich Christenson is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Connecticut (UConn). His research and teaching interests are in structural engineering and dynamics, including methods to control and reduce vibrations, as well as innovative methods to conduct experimental testing. Rich received his PhD from the University of Notre Dame in 2002. His research has always sought to improve the performance, safety and reliability of structures, including transportation and marine structures, buildings and bridges. Since 2017, Rich has served as a founding Director at UConn of the National Institute for Undersea Vehicle Technology (NIUVT). The institute is devoted to the collaboration of government, industry and academia to advance the design, construction and workforce development of undersea vehicles.

This AUKUS Fulbright will provide him with the opportunity to explore the challenges and opportunities associated with technical research for AUKUS academic partners, the associated security measures, and identifying opportunities for collaboration of faculty and student exchange between the AUKUS countries. Rich enjoys the many adventures he and his wife have with their five children, including 2 young adults, 2 in college, and the youngest still in high school.