Heather L MacLean

Prof MacLean's overall aim is to advance scientific and engineering knowledge in the developing field of systems analysis for sustainable engineering. Her primary area of research involves developing and applying life cycle assessment and techno-economic methods to evaluate the technical and externality impacts of conventional and alternative energy and transportation systems and elements of the built environment more generally.

Her research expertise is in the evaluation of conventional and alternative energy and infrastructure systems. The focus over the last number of years has been on modeling the techno-economic and environmental performance of bioenergy systems (for transportation and electricity generation), unconventional fossil resources (oil sands-derived fuels) and alternative fuels/propulsion systems for vehicles. Much of the research has incorporated life cycle and techno-economic approaches.

The research is interdisciplinary, incorporating civil, environmental, chemical and mechanical engineering, economics and public policy components to name a few. She collaborates with both the public and private sectors on the research projects.