Dr. Lianne Lefsrud — Risk, Innovation, and Sustainability Chair (RISC)

Dr. Lefsrud brings a wealth of diverse industrial and regulatory experience, paired with cutting-edge research in key areas such as risk management, artificial intelligence and machine learning (AIML), organizational decision-making, data visualization, and the operationalization of safety practices. Her comprehensive background allows her to bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that her insights are both academically robust and practically applicable. Dr. Lefsrud’s work is characterized by a relentless focus on achieving tangible results, with a strong emphasis on safety and efficiency.

By integrating her deep industry knowledge with innovative research, she drives forward initiatives that not only advance academic understanding but also enhance operational performance and safety standards in real-world settings. Her commitment to excellence ensures that her contributions are both impactful and enduring, making her a leader in her field.

Strategic Collaborative Research and Development Initiatives

Conducting tailored research with collaborators in Business, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Economics, Computer Science, and various engineering disciplines

Collaborating across disciplines to test and implement effective solutions.

Canadian researcher with 1:4 matching of industrial funding with federal funding.

Training highly qualified undergraduate and graduate students as next-gen leaders.

Speaks to technical- and decision-makers’ experience with practical applications.

Inclusive Collaborator

We need diverse and inclusive teams to address the wicked problems facing our society. Oftentimes, problems like serious incidents and fatalities disproportionately affect workers from marginalized groups.

Despite the need for diverse perspectives, women represented only 20.2% of students in post-secondary engineering and engineering technology programs in 2017-2018. First Nations, Métis, Indigenous, people of colour, LGBTQ2S+, and neurodiverse individuals face even greater barriers in engineering and technology. Dr. Lefsrud recruits historically under-represented groups which move beyond measuring surface-level diversity and create inclusive workplaces where everyone flourishes and provides uniquely valuable insights.

Click here to learn more about the Lefsrud Lab.

Key Industries of Focus

Leveraging advanced technologies and sustainable practices to enhance safety, operational efficiency, and innovation across diverse industries.

Energy, Mining, and Manufacturing

Dr. Lefsrud’s involvement in the energy sector is marked by her extensive work on risk management, regulatory compliance, and the integration of advanced technologies to enhance safety and operational efficiency. In the mining industry, she focuses on sustainability and the application of AI and machine learning to improve decision-making processes and mitigate environmental impacts.

Construction and Transportation

Dr. Lefsrud’s research focuses on optimizing operational processes and improving safety standards through advanced data analysis and visualization techniques. She collaborates with industry leaders to implement practical solutions that enhance the safety and reliability of transportation systems, leveraging her deep understanding of regulatory environments and her commitment to operational excellence.

Green Energy, Hydrogen, and Geothermal

Dr. Lefsrud applies her knowledge of organizational decision-making and operationalization to streamline processes, increase safety standards, and drive innovation, ultimately contributing to the development of safer and more efficient manufacturing practices. Through her multidisciplinary approach, she bridges the gap between research and practical application, fostering advancements that benefit both industry and society.

Just Us in Our Mission to Drive Innovation and Excellence

Whether you’re an academic, a graduate student, or an industry leader, there are countless opportunities to collaborate, contribute, and make a lasting impact. Partner with us and join a vibrant community dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and creating real-world solutions. Together, we can achieve extraordinary results. Contact Dr. Lianne Lefsrud today to learn more about how you can get involved.

About Dr. Lianne Lefsrud

  • PhD, Strategic Management and Organization,
    Alberta School of Business, 2014.
  • PEng, Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta, since 1997.
  • MSc, Interdisciplinary Civil & Environmental Engineering and Sociology, 1996,
    University of Alberta.
  • BSc, Civil Engineering, Cooperative Program, 1994,
    University of Alberta.

Academic Appointments

University of Alberta, Faculty of Engineering

  • Risk, Innovation, and Sustainability Chair (RISC), David and Joan Lynch School of Engineering Safety and Risk Management, July 2022 –
  • Associate Professor, Department of Chemical and Materials, Faculty of Engineering, July 2021 –
  • Director (Outreach and Diversity), Department of Chemical and Materials, Faculty of Engineering, August 2019 –
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Chemical and Materials, Faculty of Engineering, May 2015 – June 2021

University of Michigan, Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise

  • Erb Post-Doctoral Fellowship and concurrent Dow Sustainability Research Fellowship, Ross School of Business / School of Natural Resources and Environment, September 2013 – May 2015