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Associate experts, RSI Team
The following posts are in no particular order. They are purposely randomized.
Shintaro Hagiwara
Dr. Shintaro Hagiwara is a Risk Analyst and Statistician at Risk Sciences International (RSI), where he contributes cutting-edge statistical insight to risk assessments, particularly in chemical safety and public health. Since joining RSI’s technical team in 2018 and transitioning to a full-time role in 2023, he has applied his deep quantitative knowledge to building theoretical foundations and developing statistical software. Notably, he created the database-calibrated assessment process (DCAP) and the enhanced value-of-information (VOI) framework to aid in evidence-based regulatory decision-making, both of which have been reviewed by the board of scientific counselors (BOSC). His applied statistical work provides assessments and tools to derive PODs for chemicals such as inorganic arsenic and fluoride to support both Canadian and international regulatory bodies.
Read More Margaret Wilson
Margaret Wilson holds a BSc, BEd, and MSc in Molecular Biology, with post-graduate certificates in Population Health Risk Assessment and Management. She has worked extensively in health risk research, from BSE risk management to foodborne hazards. Currently at RSI, her focus includes risk prioritization and addressing challenges related to climate change. Margaret's multidisciplinary background equips her to tackle complex risk issues effectively.
Read More Martin LeBlanc
Martin LeBlanc specializes in business development at RSI, focusing on client needs across various sectors including health, nuclear, and aerospace. With a background in electrical/mechanical technology and sales, he excels in assembling project teams and navigating complex procurement processes. He is adept at contract negotiation, proposal development, and is well-versed in Government of Canada procurement vehicles. Martin is also experienced in international projects and adapts quickly to new procurement processes.
Read More Patricia Larkin
Dr. Patricia Larkin's career is dedicated to policy and regulatory assessments, focusing on the intersection of social determinants of health and health equity. Her expertise lies in managing human health and environmental risks, particularly in energy, water resources, and climate change. Patricia's research explores Canadian innovation in energy regulatory decision-making and its impact on risk management. She has led interdisciplinary international research projects, addressing risk management in public decision-making and environmental issues like carbon capture and storage. As Chair of the Applied Risk Management Specialty Group of the Society for Risk Analysis, she continues to contribute to this field.
Read More Ian Arnold
Dr. Arnold, a former general surgeon and occupational health consultant in Labrador and Nouveau Quebec, served Quebec Cartier Mining Ltd and the Iron Ore Company of Canada from 1973 to 1981. He has held teaching positions at various Canadian medical faculties and currently serves as an Adjunct Professor at McGill University. Dr. Arnold earned his M.D. from Queen's University in 1968 and has an extensive publication and presentation record with over 100 papers. He has received numerous honors for his contributions to occupational health and workplace psychological health and safety.
Read More Natalia (Natasha) Shilnikova
Natalia Shilnikova earned her medical degree and a PhD in Medical Sciences, focusing on epidemiology related to nuclear facilities. She moved to Canada in 2007, joining the University of Ottawa McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment. Since joining Risk Sciences International in 2011, Dr. Shilnikova has worked on projects involving toxicology, epidemiology, and human health risk assessment, including systematic reviews and toxicity profiles for various chemicals and drugs. She has also contributed to post-approval surveillance of novel cancer drugs.
Read More Greg Paoli
Greg Paoli earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Waterloo, specializing in engineering and systems design. His early career involved diverse research projects at the University of Waterloo's Institute for Risk Research. Greg later founded Decisionalysis Risk Consultants in 1997 and co-founded Risk Sciences International in 2006. He has served on multiple high-profile committees, including those under the U.S. National Academy of Sciences. As CEO of Risk Sciences International, Greg focuses on risk-based regulatory transformations and has developed enabling technologies like FDA-iRISK. His work spans various sectors, from food and chemical safety to public health, and he continues to contribute to the advancement of risk-based decision-making methodologies.
Read More Cemil ‘Jim’ Alyanak
Cemil ‘Jim’ Alyanak joined Risk Sciences International (RSI) in 2018 and serves as Vice-President, Communications and Strategic Initiatives. In this senior leadership role, he leads RSI’s risk communications practice, drives cross-cutting initiatives, advances strategic in-house projects, and expands the company’s international presence and partnerships.
As creator of CRAFT (the Collective Risk Action Framework and Toolkit) and the Global Risk Census, Alyanak has helped establish RSI as a global innovator in stakeholder- and constituency-centered risk engagement. His expertise in perception analysis and communications strategy enables RSI to address complex challenges across public health, regulatory affairs, environmental risk, and humanitarian crisis response. From pandemic-era messaging to multistakeholder workshops and regulator support, his work consistently focuses on aligning message, audience, and outcomes that can be measured.
Recognized for his ability to navigate cross-cultural contexts and indigenous knowledge systems, Alyanak has worked extensively on in-region projects with local and indigenous communities worldwide. This grassroots experience informs his current portfolio, which includes collaboration and consensus-building projects that unite stakeholders and constituencies in addressing both shared and similar risks. He also provides regional, federal, and international policy guidance to companies and governing bodies seeking to design risk-informed policies, instruments, and frameworks.
Drawing on extensive emergency preparedness and disaster response experience, Alyanak now leads RSI’s Disaster and Emergency-related projects, advancing practical, risk-based solutions to complex emergencies and strengthening resilience across sectors.
Read More Monique Macdonald
Monique Macdonald brings 35 years of experience in office management and financial administration to her role as Office Administrator at RSI. Specializing in stakeholder liaison, data management, and bookkeeping, she also supports sales, marketing, and workshop administration. Monique holds a diploma in Business Administration and Accounting and has a background in both aerial surveying and industry association firms. Additionally, she serves as RSI’s Alternate Security Officer for federal government contracting services.
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