Professor Richard Christenson of the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering has been named a 2026–27 Fulbright U.S. Scholar, one of the nation's most prestigious international academic honors.
Fulbright U.S. Scholars are selected by the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board to conduct research or teach in collaboration with institutions around the world, strengthening international partnerships and advancing knowledge across disciplines.
Christenson received a Fulbright Australia, United Kingdom, United States (AUKUS) Scholar Award, a highly competitive fellowship that supports mid-career and senior researchers pursuing collaborative, interdisciplinary projects aligned with the trilateral AUKUS security partnership. During the six-month appointment, he will conduct research across both the United Kingdom and Australia.
In addition to his role as a professor in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Christenson serves as co-director of the National Institute for Undersea Vehicle Technology, where his research focuses on structural dynamics, resilient infrastructure, and technologies that enhance national security and critical infrastructure performance.
His selection highlights the international impact of research taking place within the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and reflects UConn's continued commitment to global collaboration and innovation.
Christenson is one of three UConn faculty members named Fulbright U.S. Scholars for the 2026–27 academic year.
To read more about this year's Fulbright recipients, visit the UConn Today story here.
