Our People

Dr James Daveson is a gastroenterologist with a sub-specialty interest in Coeliac Disease, with a large patient cohort and strong mature links to Coeliac Disease Support groups. Over the last 15 years, he has developed an expertise in studies widely recognised as fundamental to the current generation of immune therapies for Coeliac Disease. Expertise arises from overseeing a large patient cohort in specialised clinics across two sites both in metropolitan and regional Queensland.

Dr James Daveson is the Director of the Coeliac Disease and Immune Health Research Program at Wesley Research Institute.

Dr Sehgal completed his PhD at the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh (UK) (2013-2017), where he developed a long-term research passion for investigating gut homeostasis and what happens during dysfunction and disease. In 2018, Dr Sehgal joined the Mater Research Institute as a Research Officer to research the role of macrophages in growth and development. In October 2022, Dr Sehgal joined WRI as Senior Research Officer where he is leading several translational projects to understand the underlying biological mechanisms that regulate immune responses and whether this data can be quickly translated into clinical practice. Dr Sehgal’s research combines exploratory discovery-based research and translational research to understand triggers, disease progression, and both intestinal and extraintestinal manifestations of gastrointestinal disorders such as Coeliac Disease and Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Using this approach, he aims to understand the interlinked networks that regulate immune responses during disease.

Jen has worked as a Clinical Research Practitioner across multiple clinical trials at Wesley Research Institute since 2018. She is a General Practitioner, with special clinical interests in gastroenterology and allergy, and has additional experience in organisational and clinical governance, medical education, and health practitioner wellbeing.

Leah is an experienced Clinical Trials Coordinator within a multitude of specialty areas including oncology, haematology, immunology (incl. coeliac disease), neuropsychiatry, neuroscience and Tourette Syndrome research. She has a Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science) from Griffith University, and a Masters of Nursing Studies from the University of Queensland. Leah has 10 years of medical and surgical nursing experience within private and public hospitals in Brisbane. She is passionate about supporting research and clinical trials which continue to provide novel treatment options, practices, and improved health outcomes to all patients. She is committed to ensuring all patients and their families receive the best quality care and support.

Elise is a Clinical Research Assistant at the Wesley Research Institute. She has a Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science) with a First Class Honours from the University of Queensland. During her time in research, she studied stem cell fate throughout spinal cord development, as well as following traumatic spinal cord injuries. Her background in academic research and clinical trials settings has uniquely positioned her to support a range of different clinical trials both in and out of the lab.

Emma Craig has been a Registered Nurse for the past 25 years, specializing in both adult and Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, Renal and Palliative Care. Prior to commencement at WRI, Emma worked in Paediatric Immunology, Allergy and Endocrine Research at the Mater Hospital and Queensland Childrens Hospital. She has a special interest in Gastroenterology Research particularly early diagnosis and treatment options to improve the health outcomes and quality of life of people with coeliac disease. Her number one priority is to ensure participants have a positive and worthwhile journey from the first point of contact, continuing throughout the study and post completion.

Merin is a dedicated Clinical Research Coordinator with over 13 years of experience as a Registered Nurse across hospitals in New Zealand and Australia. She earned her Bachelor of Nursing from the University of Auckland and has since worked in multiple clinical research organisations, contributing to trials across various therapeutic areas. Now part of the Coeliac Research program, Merin is passionate about bridging cutting-edge research with compassionate patient care, ensuring patients receive the best possible support and guidance.