Vicente’s research focuses on improving how construction and infrastructure projects are planned and delivered. Combining expertise in construction engineering and management and computer science, he applies Lean Construction principles, digital technologies, and automation to address challenges in productivity, planning and control, safety, supply chain and logistics. His work spans artificial intelligence, building information modelling, digital twins, extended reality, computer simulation, optimisation, and, more recently, robotics.

Before joining the University of Alberta, Vicente spent more than 12 years at the University of Auckland, where he founded and led the Smart Digital Lab. At Alberta, he co-founded and led the establishment of the Infrastructure and Human Tech (IHT) Lab, supporting students in developing research with commercial potential. He has secured more than CAD $64 million in research and teaching grants, authored over 220 publications, and supervised more than 100 undergraduate and graduate students.

An entrepreneur and active leader in academic and industry organisations, Vicente works to connect research, talent development, and practical innovation.

Cathy brings more than 25 years of comprehensive project coordination, financial management, and administrative experience from the University of British Columbia (UBC). She specializes in overseeing complex project budgets, financial administration, and coordinating high-impact institutional events. Notably, her background includes managing a $1M manufacturing project. She leverages her background in business administration and structured frameworks to seamlessly guide teams through operational changes and system transitions. Known for her precision and collaborative approach, Cathy excels at building relationships across multidisciplinary teams. She brings a practical, highly organized approach to managing resources, coordinating event logistics, and driving successful project delivery.