Marcia Friesen

Marcia Friesen is the current Dean of the Price Faculty of Engineering and a Professor in the Department of Engineering Education at the University of Manitoba. She holds a PhD in Biosystems Engineering from the same institution. Her roles include leading the Faculty’s strategic vision, research initiatives, and community outreach programs such as WISE-KidNetic Energy and the ENGAP Program for Indigenous Canadians. Dr. Friesen has served as NSERC Chair in Design Engineering (2018–2023) and previously held leadership positions including Director of the Internationally Educated Engineering Qualifications Program (IEEQ).

Her research focuses on engineering education innovation, Indigenous knowledge integration into curricula, sustainable development, and mHealth technologies. Notable projects include advancing design education for resilience and sustainability, particularly in Indigenous communities, and developing agent-based models for public health applications. She has secured over $2M in research funding and contributed to policy through roles at Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba and the Canadian Engineering Memorial Foundation.

Dr. Friesen’s scholarly work spans engineering education pedagogy, intercultural competency, and technology for healthcare. Her recent publications emphasize empathy-driven design, equity in hiring practices, and Indigenous perspectives in STEM education. Beyond academia, she fosters industry partnerships through programs like Engineers-in-Residence and co-op placements, enhancing student experiential learning opportunities.