Researchers

Sherman is 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 translational research. He has held roles at Microba Life Sciences a Brisbane-based ASX-listed biotech, and was part of the leadership team at Nucleus Network – an early-stage clinical trials site 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 track record in driving tangible change for research organisations, helping to improve their culture and performance.

He contributes his spare time to the greater good through being a Board Director of the Australian Clinical Trials Alliance (ACTA), Co-Chair to the Clinical and Consumer Advisory Group of the $75m Australian Teletrials Program, Co-Chair to the Clinical Trials Advocacy Working Group of the Queensland Clinical Trials Consortium (QCTC), former member of the Metro North Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC), and Editorial Board for ‘Trials’ – a journal promoting all aspects of trials including methods, processes and non-significant outcomes for transparency in the field.

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.

Anne Tremellen is the Manager of the Clinical Trials Centre. She is a registered nurse and midwife who has been actively supporting researchers for the last 20 years. In her current role, she oversees the implementation and conduct of research projects to ensure the high quality and timeliness of research conducted ensuring that relevant local, national and international regulations and standards are being met. She liaises with clinical staff, investigators and external research entities to ensure that all studies are undertaken efficiently, providing regular reports on research activity to Principal Investigators and the Institute.

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 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.

Prof John Fraser AO is the Queensland Spatial Biology (QSBC) Executive Director, Founder and Director of the Critical Care Research Group, Director of the Intensive Care Unit at St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital, Founder and Chief Medical Officer of De Motu Cordis Pty Ltd and Founding member and Co-Chair, International ECMO Network.

John has five professorships across major Australian universities, has published over 700 peer-reviewed publications and has received more than $120 million in competitive grants. In 2018, John was awarded the Australian Society of Medical Research Clinical Research Award. Professor Fraser AO was named an Officer of the Order of Australia in January 2025 for his distinguished service to medicine as an intensive care physician and surgeon, and to global critical care research.

Associate Professor Arutha Kulasinghe leads the Clinical-oMx Lab at the Frazer Institute, University of Queensland and is the Founding Scientific Director of the Queensland Spatial Biology Centre (QSBC) at the Wesley Research Institute. A/Prof Kulasinghe has pioneered spatial transcriptomics, proteomics, and interactomics in the Asia-Pacific region, contributing to world-first studies in lung cancer, head and neck cancer, and tissue atlasing studies of infectious diseases across pandemics. His research aims to understand the underlying pathobiology by using an integrative multi-omics approach. A/Prof Kulasinghe is supported by the Wesley Research Institute, MRFF, NHMRC, US DoD, Cancer Australia, Cure Cancer and numerous hospital and philanthropic organisations.

Caroline Grogan is a Research Fellow in the Health Services Research Team, at Wesley Research Institute. Caroline is a qualitative researcher with a PhD from QUT, Faculty of Health, School of Public Health and Social Work. Her PhD focused on the micro-processes involved in implementing Dementia Friendly Community principles locally in Queensland. She has over 10 years’ experience in community services and community development programs, specialising in co-design, person-centered dementia and aged care. Caroline’s current research interests include phenomenology (lived experience) and participatory research methods towards research translation. She is passionate about supporting the well-being and autonomy of people living with dementia and their families. She aims to use research to inform policy and improve services. Caroline’s research champions innovative methods and processes to actively include the voice of consumers in health services research. 

Belinda is a Senior Research Assistant in the Health Services Research Team at Wesley Research Institute. Belinda has dual Bachelor Degrees in Social Science (Development) and Arts (Public Policy and International Relations) and a Master in Public Health. Belinda has a strong public health policy and research background. Belinda has worked on State and Federal Government’s strategic initiatives stemming from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety in both the Aged Care and Disability sectors. She has also worked on research strategies that have focused on Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities’ access to and capacity building within health care systems. Belinda aims to use her knowledge and experience in public health research, policy design and policy implementation to ensure that evidence-based policies and  research that address real-world challenges and informs decision-making.

Professor Robert Ware is a biostatistician and clinical epidemiologist. Robert has more than 20-years experience working as an academic biostatistician. He has extensive experience working with clinical colleagues on both randomised trials and cohort studies. His research expertise centres on the design and analysis of longitudinal studies, with a methodological focus on developing statistical methods to deal with the impact attrition, missing data and non-compliance have on effect estimators. As a consequence of his research program and his collaborative work with clinicians, he has developed an extensive theoretical and practical knowledge of the design, conduct and analysis of both observational and experimental studies. 

Robert has recently been appointed at Wesley Research institute as the Director of Clinical and Academic Research Collaborative, where he is a key member of the ADVANTAGE Partnership. This initiative is aimed at enhancing clinical research and academic integration between Griffith University and Wesley Research Institute across the medical, nursing and allied health disciplines against the backdrop of the UnitingCare Health hospitals. As part of his role at WRI, Robert applies advanced statistical modelling techniques to address complex research problems in both investigator led projects at WRI, as well as studies within the Clinical Trials Centre.  

Dr Meg Donovan is a Research Officer at the Queensland Spatial Biology Centre (QSBC). Meg completed a Bachelor of Biomedical Science with Class I Honours at the University of Queensland (UQ) specialising in immunology and infectious diseases. She went on to complete her PhD at the UQ Frazer Institute, studying the host-pathogen interactions that occur during infection. In this time, Meg became interested in employing spatial biology technologies to answer biological questions about health and disease. At the QSBC, Meg is working on discovery and translational research projects using cutting-edge tissue profiling technologies to assess a multitude of biomarkers across every cell within cancer, heart, and lung disease. 

Dr Aaron Kilgallon is a Data Scientist at the Queensland Spatial Biology Centre (QSBC) at the Wesley Research Institute. Aaron has research backgrounds in particle physics and in the application of data science techniques in biophysics and neuroscience. His doctoral research at the University of Oregon was on the application of machine learning techniques to search for undiscovered and novel signatures of dark matter produced at the Large Hadron Collider. He then gained further research experience as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Queensland Brain Institute, where he worked on applying machine learning and data science techniques to understand the motion of GABA neuroreceptors near neuronal synapses when affected by epilepsy-associated mutations.

Aaron brings many technical skills to his role at the QSBC, including machine learning, the development of image analysis algorithms, mathematical modelling, and data science. He is passionate about research in data-driven techniques to revolutionise medicine and improve treatment outcomes for patients, particularly those with degenerative diseases, and believes that next-generation medicine will rely on these methods to address the complexity of modern healthcare.

Dr Aaron Kilgallon is supported by the Harding Family Fellowship, and we are grateful to the Harding family for their generosity.

Michael currently oversees the operations of the Wesley Research Institute Biobank and Clinical Laboratory. He holds a Bachelor of Biomedical Science with First Class Honours and a PhD in Neuroscience. During his time in academic research, Michael investigated the molecular mechanisms underpinning the development of the brain and placenta. Having also worked in both anatomical pathology and clinical trial laboratories, Michael has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the management of biospecimens. In his current role, Michael is dedicated to making high-quality biospecimens available to researchers, recognizing the pivotal role they play in driving scientific discovery and improving human health.

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. 

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.

Hanna is a Clinical Research Assistant at the Wesley Research Institute. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biotechnology with a First Class Honours. In her current role, she supports the clinical team in delivering high quality clinical trials and assists with the biobank and clinical trial laboratory operations. Hanna has multiple years’ experience in stem cell banks and phase 1 and 2 clinical trials. She dedicates herself to promoting the best experience for patients and the highest quality of clinical trial sample management. 

Jacqui is a Registered Nurse who has been with Wesley Research Institute for 12 years, working in her role as Research Nurse – Clinical Trials Coordinator. Gaining her Bachelor of Nursing Degree at Queensland University of Technology, her nursing career covers over 20 years’ experience working across hospitals within the United Kingdom and Brisbane, Australia. Jacqui has coordinated many clinical trials and been fortunate enough to have seen a number of the investigational products make it onto the PBS, providing the public with life changing treatment.

Keeley is a Mental Health Care Navigator with Isaac Navicare, a mental health information and referral service for the Isaac region run by the Wesley Research Institute. Keeley has a background in Allied health administration and is currently undertaking her Bachelor of Nursing through James Cook University.

Linda is a Registered Nurse who works as a Clinical Trials Coordinator at Wesley Research Institute. She graduated from the University of Tasmania with a Bachelor of Nursing and was awarded First Class Honours for her research project exploring nurses’ participation in patient resuscitation. Clinically, Linda specialises in Interventional Cardiology and is currently completing postgraduate studies in Cardiovascular Nursing. Her current research interests include structural and interventional cardiac research, neurology and strategies to improve health literacy in cardiac patients.

Dr Eliot Peyster is the Director of Cardiovascular Translational Medicine at the Wesley Research Institute and an Adjunct Professor of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Queensland. He is a cardiologist and transplant physician whose research integrates spatial biology, advanced computational methods, and novel human tissue models to drive precision medicine breakthroughs in cardiovascular disease, heart failure, and organ transplantation. 

Dr Peyster has led pioneering studies applying machine learning and computer vision to improve diagnosis and prediction in diseases of both the native and transplanted hearts, earning national research awards, multiple patents, and international recognition. Building on this expertise, his group is now establishing real-world workflows for AI and computer-vision-based clinical decision support.  In pursuit of further real-world impact, his group is now developing living human heart tissue platforms for ex-vivo therapeutic trials — enabling direct testing of new drugs and interventions in real human myocardium before they reach patients. 

Current research focuses on uncovering human-specific mechanisms and biomarkers in cardiac sarcoidosis, coronary artery disease, transplant rejection, and heart failure, while developing new translational pipelines that accelerate therapies from the lab to the clinic. 

Naomi Berrell is a Research Assistant at the Queensland Spatial Biology Centre. She graduated with a Bachelor of Biomedical Science First Class Honours from the Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland. Naomi has extensive experience applying spatial biology approaches across a number of solid malignancies to identify predictive tissue-based signatures for the development of predictive biomarkers. She has presented her findings at national and spatial user group meetings across Australia.

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.

Venita is a registered nurse who works as a Clinical Trials Coordinator at the Wesley Research Institute. She has a Bachelor of Nursing from QUT. She has worked in clinical trials over the last 10 years in various therapeutic areas including rare diseases, immunology and coeliac disease. She enjoys being part of a team that endeavours to promote a positive experience to study participants engaged in clinical trials.

Dr John Feenstra is a Thoracic and Pulmonary Hypertension Physician.  He is the Director of the Wesley Pulmonary Hypertension Unit and the lead physician for pulmonary hypertension in the Queensland Lung Transplant Service at the Prince Charles Hospital.  He is the current president of the Pulmonary Hypertension Society of Australia and New Zealand.  Dr Feenstra holds the titles of Senior Lecturer with the University of Queensland and Honorary Fellow of the Wesley Research Institute.  Dr Feenstra is actively involved in research, teaching and clinical trials in pulmonary hypertension. He is the Clinical Director of the Pulmonary Hypertension Research Program at the Wesley Research Institute.

Chris is of a nursing background and has a number of years’ experience across an array of clinical areas within The Wesley Hospital, including Neuroscience, acute stroke and surgical Urology. He has joined Wesley Research Institute as a Clinical Trial Coordinator.

With 25 years of experience, Marie-Louise began her career in South Africa as a registered nurse and clinical trials coordinator, working in various hospitals. She later relocated to Australia, where she continued her nursing practice and earned a Graduate Certificate in Nursing (General). Her return to clinical research has been a highly rewarding step, with joining the pulmonary hypertension group standing out as a key professional milestone. Dedicated to enhancing patient experience, Marie-Louise is a strong advocate for patients, ensuring their journey with the research center is as positive and supportive as possible, all while contributing to the advancement of care in a developing field. 

Jessica is an experienced Clinical Trial Coordinator and Registered Nurse with over 16 years of nursing and 8 years of clinical trials experience specialising in Oncology, Haematology and Stem Cell Transplant and Immunology/Immunotherapy.  She has experience working in Brisbane, Melbourne, and the UK, in both the public and private health sectors.  She has a Bachelor of Nursing from the Queensland University of Technology.  She is passionate about providing compassionate patient centred care and contributing toward enhanced treatment options and symptom management for patients.  Her current focus is on early phase trials for Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) and Coeliac disease.    

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.

Haofan has joined the Biobank team and Clinical Trials Centre, where she works with biological samples to support clinical trials, ensuring their proper handling and collection, and assisting in incorporating samples into trial protocols to advance research. She holds a Master of Pharmaceutical Industry Practice from the University of Queensland and has been working in clinical trials since 2021, specialising in optimising patient care and research outcomes. As a Clinical Research Assistant at Wesley Research Institute, she plays a pivotal role in supporting clinical trials and laboratory operations, ensuring precision and quality at every stage. 

Kelly commenced her PhD at Charles Darwin University within the Health Services Research Team at Wesley Research Institute in 2025, combining her biomedical and health services research experience to examine factors which lead to hard-to-heal or chronic wounds. Her proposed research aims to investigate the microbiology of delayed wound healing, the disparate health outcomes for people with chronic wounds living in rural and remote areas, and explore opportunities to make effective changes to chronic wound care, thereby improving treatment, outcomes and quality of life for those affected.

Kelly McGrath is a health services and biomedical researcher with a background in tertiary education and over 25 years of experience in the health sector. In 2021, Kelly was appointed to implement and evaluate a new model of mental health care in the rural and remote Isaac region of Central Queensland and has contributed to Wesley Research Institute’s Virtual Hospital and Healthcare Research Program. Currently focusing on health services and implementation research, Kelly’s previous research focused on discovery biology. Her research has directly impacted private virtual hospital design, access to mental health services, mental health service operations, and development of new knowledge regarding the etiology of Parkinson’s Disease and several types of cancer.

The Catalano Family Foundation supports Kelly McGrath’s PhD scholarship, and we are grateful to the Catalano family for their generosity.

Holly is a Registered Nurse who works as a Clinical Trials Coordinator at Wesley Research Institute. She has a Bachelor of Nursing from QUT and has a background in cardiothoracic intensive care and clinical trials, primarily in respiratory trials.

She is currently focusing on pulmonary artery hypertension trials and is passionate about providing compassionate, patient-centred care and contributing to the improvement of the quality of life and health outcomes for patients.

Emma Thiele is a registered nurse with 17 years of experience working predominantly in respiratory health and clinical education. She is new to the pulmonary hypertension clinical trials team and is loving the change in career direction. Her favourite part of the job remains the patients.

Jill is a Registered Nurse with experience across a range of healthcare areas, including the cardiac catheterisation lab and clinical research. She completed her Bachelor of Nursing at Deakin University in Melbourne. Jill is currently focused on pulmonary hypertension clinical trials and is passionate about creating a supportive, caring environment for participants. She’s especially interested in improving her patients’ quality of life and contributing to new and better treatment options through research.

Yena has joined the Clinical Trials Centre as a Clinical Research Assistant. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology from Oregon State University and a Master of Pharmaceutical Industry Practice from the University of Queensland. Yena brings several years of pharmacy experience and a strong interest in advancing clinical research and patient outcomes.