Marina L. Gavrilova, Ph.D
About
Dr. Marina Gavrilova
Dr. Gavrilova is a co-director of the Biometric Technology Laboratory (BTLab) and a Research Excellence Chair in Trustworthy and Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI). Dr. Gavrilova research examines how biometric data proliferation leads to redefining of our understanding of human identity. She introduced new models of information fusion, unraveled intricate relationships between human behavior, emotions and social interactions, and created the area of social behavioral biometrics. Dr. Gavrilova transdisciplinary research focuses on design and development of trustworthy, explainable, reliable, and ethical decision-making systems and their integration in safety, cybersecurity and health applications.
Dr. Gavrilova co-authored a World Scientific bestselling book, has launched conferences and founded a scientific journal. She has represented Canada as a keynote speaker at international conferences, and received several prestigious awards, including the Order of the University of Calgary and the Killam Annual Professorship. Her research was featured on Discovery Channel, CBC Radio, and in the National Museum of Civilization exhibit. In 2024, Dr. Gavrilova delivered the 16th Annual Lecture of a Lifetime as the first ever Faculty of Science recipient of this higher honor, presented by the Chancellor and Senate at UCalgary. In all her engagements with students and colleagues, Dr. Gavrilova keeps the focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion. As a role model, Dr. Gavrilova has sparked a passion for science and technology in many young aspiring scholars through her advocacy and engagement in the media and global community.
This Biometric Technologies in Computer Science web site is devoted to research conducted in the Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Sciences, under Prof. Gavrilova supervision. Canada Foundation for Innovation funding awarded to Prof. S. Yanushkevich (Schulich School of Engineering) and Prof. M. Gavrilova (Faculty of Science) allowed to establish BTLab in 2003. Follow this link to the original BT Lab website maintained by the Department of Electrical and Software Engineering (ESE), Schulich School of Engineering.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy
Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering Departments, the University of Calgary, Canada, 4.0/4.0 GPA, NSERC PGS-D and Killam Memorial Scholarship, 1994-1999
Diploma with Honors
Faculty of Computational Mathematics and Cybernetics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Russia, 4.0/4.0 GPA, Moscow Mayor’s Scholarship, 1988-1993
2023/7 - Present UCalgary Research Excellence Chair
Trustworthy and Explainable AI for Digital Society
2016/7 - Present Full Professor with Tenure
Computer Science Department, The University of Calgary
2018/1 - 2023/7 Associate Head Research & Planning
Computer Science Department, The University of Calgary
2003/1 - Present Founding Co-Director
Biometric Technologies lab (BTLab)
2003/1 - Present Founding Co-Director
Spatial Analysis Research in Computational Sciences (SPARCS) lab
2006/7 - 2016/7 Associate Professor with Tenure
Computer Science Department, The University of Calgary
2000/6 - 2006/7 Assistant Professor, Tenure-track
Computer Science Department, The University of Calgary
Employment History
Awards
UCalgary Inaugural Research Excellence Chair on Trustworthy and Explainable AI (2023)
5 year appointment 2023-2028 “This inaugural Research Excellence Chairs program is a top honour for UCalgary researchers. It recognizes your stature as an exceptional scholar, your distinguished accomplishments, and your research leadership.”
Killam Annual Professorship Award (2022)
Recognizing exceptional members of faculty who are extraordinary teachers and researchers, who are leaders in their academic fields, and who have received national and international recognition. Up to five Killam Annual Professorships are awarded each year to outstanding academics at the University of Calgary in recognition of their distinguished scholarship.
Computer Graphics International Outstanding Career Life-time Achievement Award (2022)
In recognition of outstanding accomplishment, academic excellence and service to the Computer Graphics community
The Order of the University of Calgary (2021)
The highest honour given in recognition of exemplary and distinguished service to the University and the broader community, significant contributions to STEM education and research at UCalgary, as well as commitment to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in CPSC field. This work has raised the profile of the university internationally, furthering our reputation as an innovative institution conducting cutting-edge research.
Elected Fellow (2021)
EEE International Institute of Cognitive Informatics and Cognitive Computing, IEEE I2CICC
UCalgary GREAT Supervisor Award (2020)
Outstanding supervision and support during the COVID pandemic... to recognize care and leadership through this challenging time
U Make a Difference Award (2018)
UCalgary top distinction to “acknowledge an outstanding contribution to University vision, that recognizes individuals and teams who exemplify excellence and the ability to reach above and beyond the expected to Make a Difference in our university community
IEEE Senior Membership Elevation (2017)
An honor bestowed only to those who have made significant contributions to the profession, the recognition of your peers for professional excellence
UCalgary GREAT Supervisor Award (2017)
An outstanding supervision performance and dedication to graduate student training
Profiled as Killam Memorial Scholarship Alumni (2016)
Killam Annual Meeting, held at the UCalgary, video interview that "captured what it means to be Killam Laureate and its impact on student and faculty
Profiled as a distinguished Canadian Prairies woman in academia (2016)
As part of NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering Project “to demonstrate vibrancy and diversity of Canadian women academics in the Prairie Region”
Leadership Award (2014)
International Conference on Computational Sciences and its Applications, Guimaraes, Spain for “an outstanding contribution to computational sciences community”
Senator Recognition (2011)
Book commemorating Senate Service contributed to UofC Library in Dr. Gavrilova’s name
ACM Senior Membership Designation (2009)
For over 10 years of service and exceptional achievements,” Association for Computing Machinery
Woman of Distinction, Resilience and Wisdom Award (2007)
Women Resource Center, University of Calgary
Author of World Scientific Bestseller of the Month (2007)
September 2007, Book “Image Pattern Recognition: Synthesis and Analysis,” World Scientific
Promising Researcher Fellowship Award (2006)
Promising Researcher Fellowship Award, London South Bank University, UK
UCalgary High Flyer Designation (2004)
For “outstanding contribution to research, teaching and service”
CFI Young Innovator Award (2003)
The Canada Foundation for Innovation