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Our expert staff have extensive and varied experience in clinical research

Our Clinical Trial Coordinators have experience across a variety of therapeutic areas ranging from Phase I-IV trials. They are familiar with a large number of EDC systems, and have completed IATA Dangerous Goods, IV cannulation and Advanced Life Support training. We also employ pharmacists and other health care professionals to assist with our trials where required.

Director

Professor Evelin Tiralongo

Evelin is a German trained pharmacist with dual Australian and German registrations, and a PhD in biochemistry. She has over 20 years’ of experience in pharmaceutical research in Australia and Germany and has been a principal and sub-investigator on research grant and commercially funded clinical trials for more than a decade.

Management team

Elisabeth Kolarich

Operations Manager

Elisabeth Kolarich, MSc

Elisabeth completed her degree in Food Science and Biotechnology and has more than 20 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical and clinical trials industry. Initially working in quality-focused roles, Elisabeth ensured compliance to country specific requirements, auditing and implementing quality systems in various industry leadership roles in Austria, Germany and Australia. Since 2022, Elisabeth is in the role of the Operations Manager and has a comprehensive understanding of the entire study life cycle starting from feasibility to trial completion to the highest quality standards.

Claire Williams

Business Manager

Dr Claire Williams, PhD

Claire completed a MSc in Neuroscience, a PhD in Neuropharmacology and has more than 10 years of clinical and pre-clinical research experience. Claire has worked extensively in clinical trial coordination and management of Phase I-IV trials in various therapeutic areas in the UK and Australia, developing strong industry partnerships and business acumen. Claire has a passion for translational research and is driven to find meaningful, applicable results that directly benefit human health.

Emi Zakar

Business Manager

Emilia Zakar, BCom

Emilia offers more than 20 years of experience in clinical research, including 12 years of leadership and management roles in Clinical, Quality and outsourcing services across the Asia Pacific. She has managed multi-compound client portfolios as a Quality Lead and Outsourcing Manager in Asia Pacific and has worked across all major therapeutic areas in Phase I-IV clinical trials. Emilia is passionate about delivering clinical trials with the highest standards to ultimately offer new treatments to patients.

Tracey Brumby

Clinical Research Nurse Team Leader

Tracey Brumby, BN RN

Tracey has over 10 years’ experience in Phase I-III clinical trials, and over 25 years’ experience as a registered nurse, specialising in Cardiology. Her research experience has included coordination of interventional cardiac device studies, drug trials including oral, intramuscular, subcutaneous and intravenous routes, along with registries. Tracey is passionate about patient advocacy and the positive impacts of research.

Clinical trial coordinators

Anna Fahd

Clinical Trial Coordinator/Clinical Research Nurse

Anna Fahd, BN RN

Anna is a Registered Nurse and Study Coordinator with previous experience in Phase I-II clinical trials based in Sydney. She has extensive experience in trial-related procedures, data management and phlebotomy. She also has experience in caring for patients in acute surgical and medical wards.

Taryn Houghton

Clinical Trial Coordinator/Clinical Research Nurse

Taryn Houghton, BN RN

Taryn has a Bachelor of Nursing with over 13 years’ experience as an Emergency Nurse. Her skills in critical thinking have helped her manage her responsibilities in team leader positions. Taryn’s research coordination experience includes a diverse range of studies for both chronic diseases and healthy volunteers.

Haewon Park

Clinical Trial Coordinator/Clinical Research Nurse

Haewon Park, BN RN

Haewon completed a Bachelor of Nursing and Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing in New Zealand. She has more than 11 years of experience in Phase I-III (cancer and blood) clinical trials, Oncology and Orthopaedic nursing. Haewon is passionate about research studies and patient care.

Meika Ellemor

Clinical Trial Coordinator/Clinical Research Nurse

Meika Ellemor, BN RN

Meika is an experienced Registered Nurse with two decades of experience in oncology, palliative care, paediatrics, orthopaedics, plastics and rural nursing in New Zealand, Western Australia, and Brisbane. Most recently Meika has worked over 10 years in Emergency Medicine here on the Gold Coast.

Jessica Todd

Clinical Trial Coordinator/Clinical Research Nurse

Jessica Todd, BN RN

Jessica has been practicing as a Registered Nurse for more than 10 years, with a primary background in Acute Medicine. She has over 3 years’ experience in Phase II-III trials based in Glasgow, specialising in Alzheimer’s Disease. Jessica values the time she spends with her patients and is passionate about contributing to research.

Subaat Khan

Senior Clinical Trial Coordinator

Subaat Khan, MIPC, BBiomedSci (Hons)

Subaat holds a Master of Infection Prevention and Control and has completed a Bachelor of Biomedical Science with Honours degree. She has more than 7 years experience coordinating pharma-sponsored and investigator-initiated trials. She has experience in financial and contractual tasks, as well as laboratory and clinical experience. Additionally, she has authored and co-authored several research papers.

Cassandra Balinas

Clinical Trial Coordinator

Cassandra Balinas, PhD

Cassandra has a PhD in Immunology and is an accredited phlebotomist. She has extensive experience working in blood collection centres and clinical research settings and has developed a strong interest in identifying diagnostic tests and effective pharmacotherapeutics for emerging disorders. Cassandra also possesses extensive laboratory skills including cell culture, flow cytometry and PBMC isolation.

Ting Yu

Clinical Trial Coordinator

Ting Yu, PhD

With a PhD in Microbiology, Ting brings extensive research experience in environmental toxicology and molecular microbiology. Over the past two years, Ting has expanded her expertise into clinical research, gaining valuable skills in study setup, participant recruitment, and independent project management, particularly in Phase I trials.

Jessie Kane

Clinical Trial Coordinator/Business Support

Jessie Kane, BSc

Jessie completed a Bachelor of Biomedical Science and has worked in clinical trials for more than 3 years across New Zealand and Australia. Jessie has experience in coordinating Phase I-II clinical trials, conducting study start up activities and participant recruitment.

Clinical trial administration and support

Freya Souter

Quality Assurance Officer

Freya Souter, BASc

Freya completed a Bachelor of Applied Science and has more than 30 years’ experience in Quality Assurance obtained from working in laboratories and industries including pathology and research across pharmaceutics, cosmetics and food. Freya has more than 12 years’ experience in Sydney and Adelaide based Phase I trial sites covering multiple therapeutic areas.

Jules Newman

Operations Support Officer

Jules Newman, BExSc, BEd (Biology)

Jules also holds a Master of Environment (Education for Sustainability). She has previously worked supporting Health Technical Services and Office for Research (Ethics) roles. Jules enjoys working in research related roles and is especially passionate about the function of nutrition in health and medicines developed from natural sources.

Mala Patel

Communications Officer

Mala Patel, BCom

Mala completed a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration degree and has been working in marketing and communications for more than 20 years. Originally from New Zealand, Mala has experience in research, education and patient-support roles in Sydney, London, and the Gold Coast. Mala enjoys working in an industry that  facilitates innovations in healthcare.

Jane Kim

Administration Support Officer

Jane Kim, BComm

Jane has completed a Bachelor of Commerce and has more than 3 years’ experience in medical administration/reception. Jane finds it rewarding to be part of a team that makes a difference in patient outcomes through innovative clinical trials and research.

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Location
Clinical Trial Unit
Building G40, Level 4
Parklands Drive, Gold Coast campus
Griffith University QLD 4222
Delivery
Clinical Trial Unit
Building G40, Level 4
Health Drive, Gold Coast campus
Griffith University QLD 4222

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