Our Team

Gabrielle Byars

BSc MBioMedSci
Chief Executive

Gabrielle brings 20 years’ of cross-industry management experience in US- and Australian-led, multi-centre clinical studies and early phase investigator-initiated research in diabetes (device) and gastroenterology (vaccine). She has a biomedical background and notable success in technical projects with a variety of university and industry stakeholders in the biotechnology and medical technology industries. Gabrielle is passionate about research that improves patient treatment options and outcomes.

Katja Loewe

MSc
Research Manager

Katja brings extensive ethical, legal, and regulatory knowledge complemented by five years’ of project management experience, supporting large investigator-initiated clinical trials. With an analytical approach to problem-solving and a track record of stakeholder management, Katja supports clinicians to deliver high-quality research that improves outcomes for patients.

Louise Gonzales

BAppSc
Senior Clinical Research Associate

Louise has worked in clinical trials for over 10 years with extensive experience in site coordination and participant recruitment. Louise began her career in Nucleus Network and worked largely in early phase healthy volunteer trials. She then moved to the Alfred Haematology Clinical Research Unit and specialised in haemophilia trials. Having worked closely with patients and their families, Louise understands the significance of improving treatments for patients.

Merrin Morrison

BBusComm GradDipBusMgmt
Marketing and Communications Manager

Merrin is a seasoned communications professional with extensive experience in the medical research, university, and not-for-profit sectors. Merrin enjoys the challenge of communicating complex scientific concepts to the public and assisting those involved in research to share their findings with diverse audiences. Driven by a passion to make a difference, Merrin contributes her expertise to showcase the importance of clinical trials.

Carla Duarte

BSc (Hons)
Clinical Research Associate

Carla has over 18 years of extensive knowledge and expertise in medical research, clinical and laboratory operations, ethical and regulatory requirements and clinical trial project coordination and management. Carla is highly driven and ardent in assisting stakeholders to realise projects that improve the quality of life for patients and their families, whilst contributing significantly to medical research.

Dr Sam Hogarth

BBiotechMedRes PhD
Research Development Officer / Clinical Research Associate

Sam finished his PhD in neuroscience at La Trobe University in 2020. He recently completed a post doctoral position at Monash University in a preclinical research lab focusing on neurometabolism and cancer immunotherapy. During this time Sam developed a strong interest in pursuing a career in cancer research and improving patient outcomes through the delivery of clinical trials and combination treatments.

Daniel Ariza Ospino

BDS MPH
Clinical Data Manager

Daniel holds a BDS in Dentistry (Colombia), a Diploma of Project Management, and he has recently completed a Master of Public Health. Daniel has clinical and data management skills and experience in oncology studies and the dentistry field. He enjoys the different challenges within his role, and focusing on the importance of clinical trials for the development of new therapies and interventions.

Simon Cumming

BSc GradDipComp
Clinical Data Manager

Simon has over 15 years’ experience working as a data manager in dermatology and skin diseases. With a background in research and data analysis in a healthcare setting, he brings an analytical and scientific approach to the position. He is passionate about the role that data analysis and clinical investigations can have in providing valuable insights into disease processes, treatment opportunities and advances in patient outcomes and quality of life.

Ally McGill

BSc CertIV Bookkeeping DipAcc
Finance and Administration Officer

Ally has worked in a variety of industries and positions, including pharmaceutical, environmental consulting, agriculture, defence, and hospital pharmacy, in both an administrative capacity and in the laboratory. Ally’s skills in scientific cognisance, administrative proficiency and financial acumen support the Melanoma and Skin Cancer Trials team.

Madeleine Muller

BBiotech MBiotech
Administrative Officer / Clinical Trial Assistant

Madeleine is a biotechnologist with a strong academic foundation and a passion for making a positive impact in the field of oncology clinical trials. She brings a comprehensive understanding of good clinical practice, exceptional organisational skills, and a drive for improving patient outcomes in the field of cancer. Madeleine has previously managed a busy medical practice and her skills support our team to manage our growing clinical trial portfolio.

Ella Sjodin

BNutScScholars
Administrative Officer / Clinical Trial Assistant

Ella has an educational background in Nutrition Science and hands-on experience in a research setting. She brings to the team a strong passion for contributing to life-changing health research. Having previously worked as a campaign coordinator, Ella’s organisational, administrative and event management skills assist with the daily operations of the team.

Prof Rory Wolfe

PhD
Biostatistician (Monash University)

Rory is a Professor of Biostatistics within the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University. He contributes to many epidemiological, public health and clinical research studies. Rory also leads research on statistical methodology applied to health research and is the head of the Australian Trials Methodology research network which seeks to evaluate, enhance and apply innovative methodology for trials.

Dr Alan Herschtal

PhD
Biostatistician (Monash University)

Alan is a Senior Research Fellow within the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University. He has over 20 years’ experience as a biostatistician and is passionate about harnessing the power of statistics and data analytics for the solution of real-world health problems. He has extensive experience in all phases of clinical trials from phase I first-in-human trials through to phase 3 practice changing trials, specialising in oncology.