RSI Experts

Dr. Andersen’s illustrious 45-year career in toxicology and risk assessment includes key positions such as Chief Science Officer at The Hamner Institutes for Health Sciences and Professor of Environmental Health at Colorado State University. His significant contributions include developing biologically realistic models for toxic chemical and drug effects, notably in physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling, advancing the field of chemical risk assessment. Dr. Andersen’s prolific research output consists of over 500 papers and book chapters, earning him prestigious awards like the Lehman and Merit Awards from the US Society of Toxicology and the Mildred S. Christian Award from the Academy of Toxicological Sciences.

John Lark is a globally recognized expert in risk management, with a distinguished career spanning leadership roles in research, committee chairing, and board-level facilitation. He collaborates with international bodies, including the OECD, US EPA, and ISO. Mr. Lark’s expertise extends to speaking engagements at prominent conferences worldwide. He holds the CPRM certification and actively contributes to ISO committees. His extensive board experience includes chairing two not-for-profit boards and participating in major charities. He earned the ICD.D designation through the Director’s Education Program. Mr. Lark authored the international ISO Guide for implementing ISO 31000:2009.

Since 2002, Mr. McNair has led key aspects of Cerner’s Big Data operations, ensuring data quality for over 700 healthcare institutions. His role focuses on using this data for predictive models and decision-support solutions. McNair’s career at Cerner began in 1986, where he co-invented Discern Expert®, a real-time decision-support engine used globally. He held positions in regulatory affairs, served as a General Manager, and worked in pharmaceutical roles. McNair is a prominent figure in mathematical modeling, AI, and health finance, with over 100 patents and numerous publications. He’s also active in volunteer work and academic pursuits.

Nawal Farhat is an epidemiologist with expertise in systematic reviews and database analysis. She collaborates with RSI on systematic reviews related to exposure-related health effects. Her doctoral research at the University of Ottawa focused on analyzing electronic medical records to study drug-drug interactions in cardiovascular patients. Nawal holds an MSc in Epidemiology, where she explored the health effects of air pollution in Canadian cities. Her background includes coordinating surveillance systems for communicable diseases at Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health and teaching epidemiology and biostatistics courses.

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.

Dr. William Leiss held the NSERC/SSHRC Research Chair in Risk Communication and Public Policy at the Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary, from 1999 to 2005. He has a substantial consulting background, collaborating with industry and various Canadian government departments on risk communication, risk management, public consultation, and multi-stakeholder consensus-building processes. Dr. Leiss has provided expertise on diverse issues, including pesticides, toxic chemicals, tobacco, prescription drugs, electric & magnetic fields, and genetic engineering. He earned his PhD from the University of California at San Diego.

Dr. Sattar, with nearly five decades of research experience, specializes in microbial pathogens, their environmental influence, and safe technologies for combating infectious agents. His research delves into how pathogens survive and spread via water, food, air, waste, and surfaces. Funding for his work comes from peer-reviewed sources and research contracts. He offers expertise to national and international agencies and the private sector. With an extensive publication record and over 350 invited lectures worldwide, Dr. Sattar’s contributions to the field are substantial. Notable works include the 2013 reference text “Principles and Practice of Disinfection, Preservation & Sterilization” (5th ed; Wiley-Interscience). He’s received several professional honors, including the M.S. Favero Lectureship, Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Hygieia Gold Medal.