About our Dean
Simaan AbouRizk, PhD, PEng is a Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Alberta.
AbouRizk earned his PhD from Purdue University in 1990. Shortly after, he joined the University of Alberta, where he has made significant contributions to construction engineering and management.
He is internationally recognized as a leading authority in construction simulation, driving advancements in construction planning, productivity improvement, and risk analysis. His impactful research has transformed construction practices in Alberta, earning him prestigious accolades, including the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022 and membership in the National Academy of Construction, The Canadian Academy of Engineering and a Fellowship in the Royal Society of Canada.
AbouRizk has taken on key leadership roles that have affected real change in the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Engineering, including founding and leading the Hole School of Construction Engineering (1997 - 2018), serving as Chair of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (2018 - 2021), serving as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering (2021 - current).
As Dean, he has supported the establishment of key Research Centers, including the Construction Innovation Centre and the Water Research Centre, fostering clusters for cutting-edge discoveries. AbouRizk also established the University of Alberta Engineering Research Chair program, a competitive program within the Faculty of Engineering, aiming to foster collaborative partnerships with industry. His initiatives, such as the operationalization of the Elko Garage and the ICE Incubator, have significantly advanced student innovation and entrepreneurship.
Additionally, AbouRizk founded SMA Consulting Ltd. and DRAXware Inc., both focused on applying technological advances to address challenges in construction and logistics. Under his leadership, SMA has received numerous awards for its commitment to innovation, while DRAXware has become a leader in remote logistics solutions. Through his work, AbouRizk continues to bridge the gap between academia and industry, driving impactful change in the engineering community.