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Meet Dr. Cole Atlin, Impact Assessment and Engagement Specialist with the Calian Nuclear team. 

Tell us about your background.

I came to Calian Nuclear in 2021 after a decade of working on and researching major projects in Canadian impact assessment.  

Impact assessment is a decision-making tool used for assessing the potential positive and negative effects of proposed projects, and is regulated at the federal, provincial, and territorial levels. I’m an expert in the latest legislative requirements related to federal impact assessment. 

I have a PhD in Social and Ecological Sustainability with a focus on impact assessment, and I have also worked as an independent consultant to ensure that assessments better engage with Indigenous communities and the public.  

Throughout my career, much of my focus has been on how to improve environmental decision-making—and making assessment a more relevant process for affected communities.  

What is your role at Calian? Tell us about the type of work you do.

 I’m the Impact Assessment and Engagement Specialist at Calian Nuclear. Specifically, I work on new nuclear projects across Canada—considering what public and Indigenous engagement needs may be, and helping our clients meet and exceed their regulatory requirements.  

On a day-to-day basis, I spend a lot of time working directly with clients, writing and reviewing reports, and working with the Calian Nuclear team to deliver on our clients’ needs.  

What do you like most about working for Calian?

Everyday, I feel proud of the contributions that Calian Nuclear is making towards Net Zero and reducing our carbon emissions.  

I also really love the people I work with—my work friends are now real friends, which is extremely special. My team is comprised of extremely smart and dedicated people, and it’s a privilege to work alongside them.  
 
I also love that I can work from home!  

What keeps you busy outside of work?

I have a three-and-a-half-year-old boy, so that keeps me more than busy. He’s my everything, and the major reason why I am so dedicated to moving Canada to a Net Zero future.  

In addition to being a working mom, I am also the chair of my local library board.  

I run half-marathons, lift weights, and love to hike. I also enjoy reading and spending time with friends and family whenever possible.