Todd Ruthman
Vice-President Software and Modelling Solutions
Joined RSI in 2006
Todd Ruthman serves as Vice‑President, Software and Modelling Solutions at Risk Sciences International (RSI) and has been with RSI since its founding in 2006. With a BASc in Systems Design Engineering from the University of Waterloo, Todd strives to understand the complex interactions in systems - a perspective that he channels into the design of data-driven, evidence-based decision-support applications for RSI’s clients. His team crafts custom IT solutions and leverages tools such as SQL Server, .NET, Python, Excel, and R, to translate complex risk scenarios into interactive decision-support platforms.
Todd leads RSI’s software development group and brings expertise in design, modelling, software development, database architecture, and system visualization to clients worldwide. He has played a key role in developing, enhancing and maintaining FDA‑iRISK, a globally used web-based system designed to estimate the public health burden from microbial and chemical hazards in food.
Pre-RSI
Todd’s academic foundation in Systems Design Engineering instilled an enduring fascination with the architecture of complex systems. His career initially focused on traditional business website and database applications. After reconnecting with founder Greg Paoli at a university reunion, he joined RSI and developed a passion for integrating IT solutions within risk science. His background equips him to bridge technical development with client needs—whether implementing custom web platforms or building robust analytical tools.
Publications associated with Todd Ruthman
Development of a risk-ranking framework to evaluate potential high-threat microorganisms, toxins, and chemicals in food.
FDA-iRISK–a comparative risk assessment system for evaluating and ranking food-hazard pairs: case studies on microbial hazards.
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Outside RSI
Outside his professional work, Todd Ruthman enjoys an exploratory lifestyle. Avidly interested in science and fiction, he reads widely and even experiments with writing—though he freely admits these results are “mixed.” He also enjoys casual hiking and cycling. Todd often promises himself that he’ll embark on another cycling road trip one day though likely not as naively ambitious as his journey across Japan in the 1990s.
Todd's minimalist camping setup during a cycling trip to Japan
