Brian M. Kleiner

Brian M. Kleiner is a Professor in the Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech and serves as Director of the Myers-Lawson School of Construction, a joint venture between the Colleges of Engineering and Architecture and Urban Studies. He holds the Ralph H. Bogle Professorship and has been recognized with numerous awards for teaching, research, and leadership.

Dr. Kleiner’s education includes a Ph.D. (1990), M.S.I.E. (1983), and B.A. (1981) from the State University of New York at Buffalo. His professional history spans over 30 years at Virginia Tech, where he has led initiatives in macroergonomics, construction safety, and socio-technical systems.

His research focuses on human factors engineering, macroergonomics, and work system design, with emphasis on construction safety, healthcare systems, and organizational resilience. He directs the Macroergonomics and Group Decision Systems Laboratory and co-founded the Center for Innovation in Construction Safety and Health Research.

Notable achievements include pioneering studies on safety climate in construction supply chains, electrical hazard prevention, and human-centered smart housing design. His work has been supported by federal grants and industry partnerships, addressing critical challenges in occupational safety and health.

Awards highlight his contributions to teaching, including multiple Paul E. Torgersen Awards, and leadership, such as the Distinguished Professor Award from the Construction Industry Institute. He actively serves on national advisory boards, including the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) and the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.