Dr Nielsen is based in UAE and is currently an Associate Professor and the Lead of EngD in Construction at Heriot-Watt University Dubai campus.

Dr Dr Nielsen has over 25 years of academic and industrial experience and she is currently active in post-graduate education and research.

As a catalyst for closer collaboration between industry and academia, she has promoted applied research with an industry focus.

Her publications include book chapters and numerous papers in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.