Mary Christiansen's research focuses on the development and characterization of portland-based and alternative cements (non-portland cements), as well traditional and alternative supplementary cementitious materials with the goal of improving the sustainability and resiliency of concrete. She teaches concrete materials and structural engineering-related courses and has earned several teaching and advising awards.
Christiansen is an active member of the American Concrete Institute (ACI) and is currently the founding chair of Committee 242 Alternative Cements. She is an associate professor in the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Swenson College of Science and Engineering. Christiansen received her PhD in civil engineering from Michigan Technological University and her MS and BS in structural engineering and architectural engineering, respectively, from the Milwaukee School of Engineering.