2025 LBJ DC Fellow
Yu Ting Chen is a Master of Public Affairs candidate (DC Concentration) at the LBJ School. She earned a bachelor's degree in Marine Science from the R.O.C. Naval Academy.
Chen served in the Taiwanese Navy for five years as a Communication Officer on a warship and a Tactical Sensor Officer on helicopters. During her service, Chen developed a profound understanding of maritime operations and the strategic importance of maintaining security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Her experience participating in multiple drills and navigating heightened tensions between Taiwan and China in the Taiwan Strait further ignited her interest in Taiwan-China security policy. These critical experiences underscored the significance of maritime security in ensuring stability and resilience in the broader Indo-Pacific context.
As a non-native English speaker and career transformer, Chen has actively immersed herself in American life, overcoming language barriers at the LBJ School to excel academically and professionally. Her unique blend of operational expertise and academic dedication makes her a valuable contributor to Indo-Pacific security and Taiwan-China relations discussions.
She is seeking a Policy Apprenticeship in Washington, DC, where she aims to focus on Taiwan-China security studies, maritime strategy, and Indo-Pacific affairs with a think tank or nonprofit organization. She hopes to leverage her military background and policy training to contribute to advancing peace and stability in the region.
Policy interests: Taiwan-China security studies, maritime strategy, and Indo-Pacific affairs