Dr Rissanen has a fusion of expertise in neuroscience, scholarship of teaching and learning and counselling psychology. Some of her accomplishments include leading the development of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in biological sciences, democratizing access to quality education on a global scale, and curriculum development in medical doctor degree program to address social determinants of health, equity, diversity, and inclusivity at the University of Alberta.

Furthermore, Dr. Rissanen's contributions extend to the digital realm, where she has led the development of online resources tailored for large first-year science courses, enhancing learning outcomes and accessibility for diverse student populations. Dr Rissanen holds  a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Eastern Finland, a Masters in Education specializing in Postsecondary Education from Memorial University, an International Certificate in Educational Leadership from the University of British Columbia, and a Master in Counseling from City University of Seattle. With her dedication to higher education, she continues to explore best practices in teaching innovation and research, focusing now on student well-being and academic success with particular emphasis on advancing student mental health and cultivating trauma-informed educational practices.