Dr. Xinzhong Chen has been awarded the ASCE Scanlan Medal for 2024.
Texas Tech University's Xinzhong Chen, a President's Excellence in Research Professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental, & Construction Engineering in the Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering has been awarded the ASCE Scanlan Medal for 2024 for “advancing the field of aerodynamics of buildings and bridges through development of analysis, modeling, and simulation approaches.”
The Robert H. Scanlan Medal is awarded to an individual in recognition of distinguished achievement in engineering mechanics based upon scholarly contributions to both theory and practice. The areas of achievement will generally be structural mechanics, wind engineering, and aerodynamics.
“Receiving the Robert H. Scanlan Medal holds special significance for me, as my research has been deeply influenced by the groundbreaking work of Prof. Scanlan in bridge aerodynamics and the more general field of engineering mechanics.” Chen says. “It fills me with pride to note that this is my second significant acknowledgment, following the Jack E. Cermak Medal I received in 2017 from ASCE.”
Texas Tech University is one of the two institutions in the U.S. with a professor honored with both Cermak and Scanlan Medals. With Professor Kishor Mehta also being a recipient of the Jack E. Cermak Medal in 2014, Texas Tech University stands as the only institution in the U.S. boasting two professors honored with the Cermak Medal. The Jack E. Cermak Medal is also recognized as one of the highest recognitions in the fields of wind engineering and Industrial aerodynamics. This remarkable feat underscores the exceptional caliber of research and academic excellence fostered within the university's College of Engineering.
“This recognition not only speaks volumes for the wind engineering program at TTU but also elevates the reputation of our department, college, and university,” he states. “This will greatly bolster our ability to compete for additional federal research grants and attract highly qualified undergraduate and graduate students. Particularly noteworthy is the positive impact this esteemed recognition will have on our university's aspirations to join the Association of American Universities.”
Looking ahead, Professor Chen expressed his continued dedication to advancing research initiatives at Texas Tech University. "Receiving this esteemed recognition will provide me with even greater motivation to make further contributions toward advancing our research program at Texas Tech University," he affirmed.
As Texas Tech embraces the motto "From Here, It's Possible," Professor Chen's achievement serves as testimony to the institution's commitment to academic excellence and innovation. "From here, anything is possible," he encouraged prospective students. “Texas Tech has numerous talented scholars, dedicated educators, and outstanding programs.”
For more information about this award can be found here.