CISWP Team
Our team is a vibrant group of dedicated professionals, each bringing their unique expertise to advance the safety, wellness, and performance of workers across Canada. Here, you can explore the profiles of our team members, learn about their areas of expertise, and discover how their work contributes to CISWP’s mission. Together, we are shaping a safer, healthier, and more productive Canada.
CISWP is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. We actively support participation from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from non‑traditional and underrepresented groups, and believe that a diversity of perspectives strengthens our research, our impact, and our organization.
President
Dr. Amin Yazdani
Dr. Amin Yazdani holds a PhD in Kinesiology (Work and Health) from the University of Waterloo and is a Board-Certified Safety Professional. His research focuses on preventing workplace injuries, improving job accessibility, and advancing evidence-informed practices that support a diverse and evolving workforce. Dr. Yazdani’s work in health and safety standards continues to inform policy, guide innovation, and support the development of safer and more accessible workplaces across Canada.
Senior Director, Research
Dr. Marcus Yung
Dr. Marcus Yung holds a PhD in Kinesiology (Work and Health) and is a Board-Certified Professional Ergonomist. His research focuses on the etiology of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, exposure assessment, fatigue, and development of prevention strategies and interventions to mitigate injury risk. Dr. Yung collaborates with CISWP’s Lead Researchers and Data Analysts to guide both laboratory work simulations and field studies and population-level data to better understand exposure-disease relationships.
Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships
Nicki Islic
Nicki holds a Master’s in Public Health from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, University of London. She leads CISWP’s outreach initiatives, focusing on building partnerships and being responsive to industry trends, challenges, and the needs of interested parties. Nicki collaborates with a diverse range of partners, including researchers, industry, government, workers, and businesses of all sizes, to support work and health research and translate findings into practice.
Director of Operations
Dr. Kristen Bolliger
Dr. Kristen Bolliger holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Western University and a Master of Science in Athletic Training from Ohio University. Her doctoral research focused on gender-equity in sport and recreation settings. Dr. Bolliger creates operational efficiencies and managerial support for the CISWP research team, while integrating her passion for health and wellness.
Scientific Lead
Dr. Hilary Cheng
Dr. Hilary Cheng holds a doctorate in Biomedical Engineering and a masters in Mechanical and Automation Engineering. Her research focuses on wearable sensors and exoskeletons, translating biomechanical data into practical solutions for healthcare and workplace safety.
Scientific Lead
Dr. Cristina Herrera Valerio
Dr. Cristina Herrera Valerio holds a doctorate in Kinesiology and advanced degrees in human performance, physical education, and physical therapy. Her research focuses on shoulder and clinical biomechanics and injury prevention, and she oversees CISWP lab projects simulating field tasks.
Scientific Lead
Steven Pretty
Steven Pretty holds a masters and bachelor in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo. His work applies biomechanics and anthropometric methods to improve the safety, comfort, and performance of equipment, tools, and PPE for Canada’s diverse workforce.
Scientific Lead
Lia Tennant
Lia Tennant holds a masters in Kinesiology and is pursuing a doctorate in Kinesiology at the University of Waterloo. Her research focuses on lumbar spine impact biomechanics, low back pain, and occupational musculoskeletal disorders, with experience in academic lab management and training.
Operations Lead
Bronson Du
Bronson Du holds a masters in Public Health and Health Systems and a bachelors in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo. As an Operations Lead at CISWP, he leads systems-focused research to improve working conditions, integrating human factors into industry and national standards.
Operations Lead
Eddy Madou
Eddy Madou holds a masters in Sport and Exercise Science and a bachelors in Kinesiology with a Psychology minor. His work focuses on biomechanics and injury prevention. A Registered Kinesiologist, he supports return-to-work through evidence-based exercise and education.
Senior Data Analyst
Dr. Mohammad Howard-Azzeh
Dr. Mohammad Howard-Azzeh holds a doctorate in Epidemiology, with advanced training in biology and biotechnology. His research focuses on spatial epidemiology, including overdose and drug poisoning analyses. At CISWP, he applies advanced analytics to address workplace and public health harms.
Data Analyst
Aleeza Malik
Aleeza Malik holds a masters in Applied Health Sciences from Brock University, specializing in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. At CISWP, she applies statistical modelling and quantitative analysis to occupational health research, using data-driven approaches to address workplace health and safety challenges.
Data Analyst
Kumar Somasundram
Kumar Somasundram holds a masters in Kinesiology in Occupational Biomechanics from McMaster University. His work focuses on work-related musculoskeletal disorders, injury risk reduction, and the use of wearable sensors, lab instrumentation, and data analysis to improve workplace health and safety.
Researcher
Victoria Gevaert
Victoria Gevaert holds a masters in Public Health Sciences in Epidemiology and Biostatistics and a bachelor in Health Studies from the University of Waterloo. Her work focuses on environmental exposures and community-based research, with experience studying contaminant exposure in northern Indigenous communities.
Researcher
Kristina-Marie Janetos
Kristina Janetos holds a masters in Human Kinetics from the University of Ottawa and an honours bachelor in Kinesiology from Brock University. Her work focuses on environmental thermophysiology, applying heat mitigation strategies to improve worker inclusivity, safety, performance, and well-being in challenging environments.
Researcher
Michael Karkuszewski
Michael Karkuszewski holds a masters in Neuroscience from the University of Western Ontario. His work integrates biomechanics, motor control, and advanced motion analysis. At CISWP, he applies experimental design and analytics to support projects improving workplace health, safety, and performance.
Researcher
Ian Kurniawan
Ian Kurniawan holds a masters in Kinesiology and Neuromuscular Physiology from the University of Saskatchewan and a bachelor in Kinesiology from the University of Windsor. His work focuses on muscle and neuromuscular function, chronic pain, and translating evidence into practical solutions to improve workplace health, safety, and well-being.
Researcher
Kristin Yates
Kristin Yates holds a masters in Human Health and Nutritional Sciences from the University of Guelph. Her research focuses on work demands, musculoskeletal pain, and interventions, particularly in food service. She brings a multidisciplinary perspective shaped by experience as a chef, personal trainer, and educator.
Research Technician
Amanda Cunsolo
Amanda Cunsolo holds a bachelor of Applied Health Information Science from Conestoga College. She brings knowledge of the Canadian health-care system, research practices, data analysis, and change management, applying innovation and technology to support projects that enhance workforce well-being and productivity.
Research Technician
Gracie Groulx
Gracie Groulx holds a bachelor of Physical Education from Brock University and advanced ergonomics training from Fanshawe College. Her work focuses on ergonomic risk assessments and practical interventions to reduce musculoskeletal injury, translating research into safer, healthier workplaces.
Research Technician
Larissa Brenneman
Larissa Brenneman holds a bachelor of Applied Health Information Science from Conestoga College. Her work spans data management, statistical analysis, and health technology, with experience studying overhead work biomechanics. She is interested in validating PPE to improve comfort and function for the skilled trades.
Research Technician
Sudhan Shrestha
Sudhan holds a bachelor of Science in Computing from London Metropolitan University and graduate certificates in Applied AI and Machine Learning, and Big Data Solutions Architecture from Conestoga College. He applies strong Python, R, and AI skills to data-driven workflows, contributing to occupational health research through modeling, visualization, sensor data processing, and automation.
Budget Administrator
Samantha Novak
Samantha holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Brock University and is a certified Project Management Professional. She has years of finance experience, specializing in budget development, multi-year reporting, and managing complex multi-grant portfolios, with expertise in public-sector finance.