Christopher Shearer

Brief Bio

Dr. Shearer is an Associate Professor and William V. Coyle Professor in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. Prior to joining South Dakota Mines, he worked as a structural engineer and conducted research at two DOE National Laboratories. He currently consults for industry on materials-related issues. Dr. Shearer serves on three American Concrete Institute (ACI) committees including ACI 232: 'Fly Ash in Concrete' and as the president of the ACI Dakota Chapter. He also serves as the faculty advisor at South Dakota Mines for the Concrete Canoe Team and for the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). He received his BS from Ohio Northern University, and his MS and PhD from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Civil Engineering. In his spare time, he is an avid hiker, reader, musician, traveler, movie-watcher, weightlifter, and (developing) yogi. 

Research Expertise

Dr. Shearer's research investigates the chemical, physical, mechanical, and durability properties of infrastructure materials. A primary focus is on characterizing and developing innovative, but practical, cement-based and alternative materials for a future sustainable infrastructure that reduces the global footprint of the construction materials industry. He also researches improved pedagogical approaches for engineering with a concentration on active and service learning.

Teaching

Dr. Shearer teaches courses in both materials and structural engineering. He has taught Mechanics of Materials, Engineering & Construction Materials, Concrete Theory & Design, Structural Analysis, Prestressed Concrete, and Advanced Concrete Materials. He is a co-founder of EPICS@mines (https://www.sdsmt.edu/EPICS/ ) , which is an academic program that enables students to work on real design projects focused on providing engineering solutions for Tribal Communities in South Dakota.