Elena Zabolotnii

Elena Zabolotnii is a Professor in the Civil and Environmental Engineering department at Carleton University. Her research focuses on performance-based design, slope monitoring using fiberoptics, machine learning applications in geotechnical engineering, computational geomechanics, pit slope stability, 3D effects in slope stability, and seismic slope stability.

• Doctor of Philosophy, Geotechnical Engineering (2020, University of Alberta, Thesis: 'Three-dimensional slope stability effects in the failure at the Mount Polley TSF')
• Master of Engineering, Geoenvironmental Engineering (2016, University of Alberta)
• Bachelor of Applied Science, Civil Engineering (University of Regina)

Zabolotnii's research integrates advanced computational methods with real-world geotechnical challenges. Key areas include 3D slope stability analysis, seismic effects on slopes, and machine learning applications for monitoring data from fiberoptics equipment. Her work also emphasizes performance-based design as an alternative to conventional slope stability analysis.

The 15 most recent publications cover topics such as 3D slope stability, tailings dam safety, seismic analysis, and computational modeling. These studies often involve case histories like the Mount Polley Tailings Storage Facility and regulatory compliance in diverse regions.

• Teaching Achievement Award (2023, Carleton University)
• Vanier Scholar (2017-2020, NSERC PGS-D)
• President’s Doctoral Prize of Distinction (2016, University of Alberta)

Zabolotnii actively supervises research students, including Aravind Murali (M.A.Sc., 2024). She contributes to industry-relevant R&D projects such as the Large Open Pit Slope Stability Project and historical works like the Saskatchewan Black Spot Screening Project (2009).