He had moved to the USA where he was professor of aerospace engineering at Purdue University with more than 75 publications[1] in the fields of continuum thermodynamics and the relativistic physics of continuous media[2] During this time, he first addressed the question of higher education reform in Greece.

During this time in exile Lianis worked against the dictatorship, first as a member and later as the general secretary of the Panhellenic Liberation Movement (PAK) - North America.

It established a departmental system in place of the traditional academic chair, created four levels of staff, and specified channels of promotion based on qualification exclusively.

[5] Graduate Schools were established with their own deans and faculties, and university self-governance grew to encompass junior staff and student participation.

The new framework served to broaden the academic and administrative base of the university, including a less hierarchical structure and more opportunity for meritocratic advancement.