Our People

Sherman Leung
Head of Research Operations
Sherman is the Head of Research Operations at Wesley Research Institute and is responsible for the strategic planning and operation of the Clinical Trials Centre, Biobank, Research Office and Research Programs.
Sherman holds a Bachelor of Science with first-class honours and a University Medal, and a PhD in the field of medicine. He has held roles as an academic lecturer at Griffith University, a research coordinator at Microba Life Sciences, and was part of the leadership team at Nucleus Network – an early-stage clinical trials centre that conducts clinical studies for some of the world’s leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
He is trained in Good Clinical Practice, is a certified PRINCE2 Practitioner and has a strong interest in the ethical delivery of research having served on the Human Research Ethics Committee at Metro North Health. Sherman has a track record in driving tangible change for research organisations, helping to improve their culture and performance.

Josh Sear
Research Manager
Josh is the Research Manager at Wesley Research Institute, and his portfolio includes supporting investigator-led research projects as well as providing strategic and administrative support for the Institute.
With 7 years of experience in the research sector, Josh is responsible for supporting Wesley Research Institute researchers, as well as UnitingCare clinical researchers, to deliver exceptional research outcomes. This includes support with grant applications, contractual requirements and navigating various policies and procedures such as ethics and governance. Josh also plays a key role in administering internally and externally funded projects.

Emma Blake
Senior Grants & Compliance Specialist
Emma is the Senior Grants and Compliance Specialist at Wesley Research Institute, and her portfolio includes supporting investigator-led research projects and sponsored clinical trials.
With over 10 years’ experience in the research sector, Emma is responsible for ensuring that all research studies conducted at Wesley Research Institute meet rigorous quality standards and adhere to strict ethical guidelines. Emma plays a critical role in supporting the development of research proposals and applications to both internal and external funding bodies. In addition, she is also responsible for managing all aspects of clinical trial start-up activity and ongoing monitoring.

Brinda R
Clinical Trials Centre Start-Up Assistant
Brinda is a Clinical Trials Start Up Assistant at the Wesley Research Institute who holds a Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science and Public Health), and a Master of Pharmaceutical Industry Practice from the University of Queensland. In her current role, she provides support in all operational aspects of clinical trial start-up activity while ensuring regulatory compliance. Passionate about driving medical innovation, she leverages her scientific expertise and industry knowledge to facilitate efficient study initiation and compliant trial processes.

Paula Sparling
Research Administration Assistant
Paula is working as a Research Administration Assistant at Wesley Research Institute. She has a background in the Fast Moving Consumable Goods (FMCG) industry and the Health and Fitness industry. Paula has completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement) and a Bachelor of Business (Marketing). Paula has played an important role in supporting the Ataxia-Telangiectasia research team.