Christian Cook

Biography

Christian’s teaching focus is in the field of human resources (HR) and her expertise is greatest in the areas of HR strategy, employee relations, leadership development, adult learning, and employee performance. Prior to a career transition to teaching and research, Christian worked for over twenty years across several large, international organizations and has held the Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation for fifteen years. She draws on a wide range of practitioner experiences and research foundations to provide a dynamic and engaging environment for participants in her university classes and professional workshops. Christian is active in the MRU and Calgary community and has served the CPHR Alberta membership through leadership and participation on the Experience Validation Committee, Mentorship Committee, Discipline & Ethics Committee, Recertification Audit Committee, and through facilitating preparatory workshops for members intending to sit the CPHR National Knowledge Exam. She has also served the United Way of Calgary and Area (2 campaigns) and over many years, the Women in Need Society (as a board member and society director, committee chair, and board chair). Christian earned her PhD (Leadership) from the University of Calgary, her MBA (HR Mgmt.) from Royal Roads University (Victoria, BC), and her undergraduate degree from Simon Fraser University (Vancouver, BC). Her research interests and professional experience include the scholarship of teaching and learning, transformative learning, leadership development and emerging leaders, job rotation as a leadership development intervention, professional identity, burnout, HR strategy, and employment relationships.

Research Interest

HR strategy, employee relations, leadership development, adult learning, and employee performance.