Dr. Lisa Tobber standing outside.
Dr. Lisa Tobber is an assistant professor in civil engineering specializing in structural engineering. In recognition of International Women’s Day coming up on March 8, 2026, she is one of several women being spotlighted from the School of Engineering.
Tell us a bit about yourself. If you had to describe yourself in three sentences, what would you say?
I’m driven by solving challenging problems that can make the built environment safer and more sustainable. I genuinely enjoy the technical side of engineering, whether that’s working in the lab, modeling structural systems, or building new computational tools. Outside of engineering, I spend as much time as possible outdoors with my family, and being a mother is central to who I am.
What drew you to UBC Okanagan and the School of Engineering?
UBC Okanagan offered the opportunity to help build a structural engineering research program and be part of shaping a growing institution. That kind of opportunity is rare and the location also mattered to me. Being close to mountains, lakes, and wilderness creates a balance between intense technical work and time outdoors.
UBC Okanagan offered the opportunity to help build a structural engineering research program and be part of shaping a growing institution. That kind of opportunity is rare.
Why did you decide to study engineering?
I didn’t start with a clear plan to become a structural engineering professor. I worked for a construction company and initially thought I wanted to manage construction sites. I entered engineering through a college transfer pathway, and once I was exposed to structural engineering, I realized how much I enjoyed it. I was drawn to the problem-solving, the mechanics, and the idea that the calculations directly affect real buildings and people’s safety.
I also had mentors who encouraged me and helped me see possibilities I hadn’t considered for myself.
Tell us about your work.
My research focuses on structural and earthquake engineering, particularly prefabricated concrete systems used in high-rise buildings. Our work spans three areas. First, applied research that can directly influence building codes and engineering practice. Second, the development of new structural technologies and patented systems that improve performance and constructability. Third, discovery-driven research exploring new concepts that may shape the future of structural design.
The goal is to create buildings that are safer during earthquakes, more economical to construct, and more sustainable over their life cycle. Structural engineering has a direct role in housing affordability, climate resilience, and public safety.
What are the big questions you hope to answer – or problems you hope to solve – through your work?
How do we design buildings that are resilient and repairable after earthquakes?
How do we use prefabrication to deliver housing faster, more economically, and with less environmental impact?
And how do we translate research into real changes in engineering practice and building codes?
What courses do you teach?
I teach APSC 261 (Theory of Structures), which introduces students to the fundamentals of structural analysis, and ENGR 414 (Precast Concrete Structures), a senior-level course focused on real structural systems used in practice.
How does your research influence your teaching?
My research constantly reminds me that engineering is not just theory – it is an evolving field. I bring real examples from our lab and research into the classroom so students can see how the concepts they are learning apply to real buildings and real problems.
I also try to create opportunities for students to engage directly through projects, research experiences, and exposure to industry.
What is the best part about being an engineer today?
Engineers have an enormous ability to shape the future. The buildings, infrastructure, and technologies we design will exist for decades and affect millions of people. Today we also have powerful computational tools and experimental facilities that allow us to explore ideas and innovate in ways that were not possible before.
Engineers have an enormous ability to shape the future.
March 8 is International Women’s Day. June 23 is International Day of Women in Engineering. All throughout the year, the SoE is committed to celebrating and acknowledging the contributions and leadership of women in our engineering community.
As a woman in engineering, how has your perspective shaped your experience or purpose in the field, and what shifts are you seeing today?
Structural engineering is still a field where women are underrepresented, especially in research and leadership roles. That makes mentorship and representation especially important.
Different perspectives also influence the questions we ask. Structural engineering is increasingly not just about whether a building stands, but also how it performs – whether it is repairable, whether it is affordable, and whether it contributes to sustainable and resilient communities.
There has been progress, but there is still work to do to ensure engineering is a field where everyone feels they belong and can succeed.
What advice would you share with the next generation of women and underrepresented voices entering engineering?
Engineering is challenging, and it is normal to struggle at times. What matters most is persistence and curiosity. Focus on learning deeply, ask questions, and seek out mentors and opportunities.
You do not need to have everything figured out at the beginning. Many engineering careers develop in unexpected directions.
You do not need to have everything figured out at the beginning.
Who inspires you?
I am constantly inspired by the students at UBC Okanagan. Many are first-generation university students or come from backgrounds where engineering was not an obvious path. Their determination, resilience, and willingness to take on difficult challenges are incredibly motivating.