As a researcher, teacher, and practitioner, Lister uses an integrated design-research approach to explore resilience and adaptive systems design in urbanizing regions.

[6] She is a member of the Toronto Metropolitan University's Urban Water Centre, where she contributes work on designing resilient green and blue infrastructure for flood-friendly cities.

[8] In her professional practice, Lister regularly collaborates with international design firms on submissions to juried competitions and exhibitions, with a particular focus on speculative and built works in metropolitan areas.

She is the curator and director of XING - (re)connecting landscapes, a permanent exhibition at the Toronto Zoo exploring the relationship between wildlife, human development, and urban infrastructure.

[13] Lister was awarded an honorary membership in the American Society of Landscape Architects in recognition of her international leadership in ecological design.