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Christian Rieser

Assistant Professor Adjunct

After completing studies in economics at the University of Pittsburgh, Christian Rieser went on to study engineering at the Technical University of Munich and the Ecole National des Ponts et Chaussées in France where he earned master’s level engineering degrees at both universities.

His areas of focus include design, review, and supervision of cable-supported, steel, composite, and post-tensioned concrete bridges; dynamics of pedestrian bridges, floor systems, and monumental stairs; design of steel and timber shell structures; and structural glass and façade design.

Christian has contributed to research projects for the European Union and the Fédération International du Béton. He has served as a teaching assistant in Department of Structural Dynamics at the Technical University of Munich and has been a guest critic at Pratt Institute. He has co-authored and presented papers for the International Bridge Conference, International Association of Shell and Spatial Structures, Footbridge 2014, and International Conference on Small and Medium Span Bridges.

Christian has worked at renowned engineering consultancies in Europe and the US and has engineered, managed, and collaborated on landmark engineering structures around the world. He has collaborated with noted architects such as Behnisch Architekten, BIG, SANAA, Pelli Clarke Pelli, Renzo Piano Building Workshop, SOM, and others.

Christian is a licensed professional and structural engineer in the US and Canada and serves as the Technical Director knippershelbig, leading the New York office.

Christian's CV is available here.

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

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  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.