Academic Credentials
  • Ph.D., Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, 2012
  • M.S., Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, 2007
  • B.S., Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Idaho, 2005
Professional Honors
  • The National Academies Mirzayan Science and Technology Policy Fellowship, 2011
  • UCSB Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Dissertation Fellowship, 2010
  • Center for Nanotechnology and Society Science Fellow, 2006-2010
  • NASA Space Grant Scholar, 2002-2005
  • Micron Scholar, 2003-2005
Professional Affiliations
  • Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
  • Optical Society of America

Dr. Erica Lively is the practice director for Exponent's Data Sciences practice, where she assists clients with the design and execution of data acquisition programs using advanced sensors and oversees our capabilities in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data wrangling, data analysis, and forecasting, including quantitative risk assessment and data visualization. She applies this expertise to developing high-quality datasets for consumer products, wearables, and digitally enhanced clinical studies and helping clients use those data to build a safer, more equitable, and more technologically advanced world. Her work leverages multidisciplinary teams with expertise in life sciences, engineering, human factors, regulatory compliance, and litigation support to help clients acquire the highly complex data they need to be market leaders.

Skilled at designing, managing, and executing human participant studies using prototype and commercially available technology, Dr. Lively's experience helps clients build high-quality data sets used to develop products that perform for a wide variety of applications. She focuses on using methodologies that prevent data bias, collecting personal data with consideration for privacy, and managing the risks and resources associated with high-value data collection. Additionally, Dr. Lively has experience executing studies throughout design and validation cycles. 

Dr. Lively holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her graduate research focused on infrared lasers and detectors. In addition to her technical work, she has long focused on addressing issues surrounding technology from an interdisciplinary perspective. As a Science Policy Fellow at the National Academy of Engineering, she participated in studies to improve healthcare through the implementation of systems engineering tools. She has also studied the issues and implications related to media framing of emerging nanotechnologies.