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Mariam Mohd Fadzil

Clinical Trials Operations Manager

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biography

Mariam Mohd Fadzil

Clinical Trials Operations Manager

Driving Operational Excellence in Clinical Trials

Mariam Mohd Fadzil is a highly accomplished operational leader with 17 years of experience in the pathology sector. As Clinical Trials Operations Manager at nexomics, she brings a wealth of technical, management, and leadership expertise to drive operational excellence in the execution of critical clinical trials.

Mariam's career began in 2007 as a scientist at QML Pathology in Queensland, where she honed her technical skills in a core laboratory setting. From 2016 to 2018, she served as a Supervisory Scientist at TML Pathology in Tasmania, managing laboratory operations, collection centres, and courier services.

Between 2018 and 2021, Mariam served as a Senior Business Manager at Dorevitch Pathology, overseeing the business operations of laboratories and collection centres across regional Victoria. Most recently, she was the Metro Hospitals Laboratory Area Manager (2021-2024), responsible for the operational delivery of nine hospital pathology laboratory services within public and private hospitals, including oversight of clinical trials pathology testing.

Mariam's extensive experience across diverse pathology settings, coupled with her proven leadership and management skills, makes her ideally suited to lead clinical trial operations at nexomics. Her focus on operational efficiency, quality, and stakeholder collaboration ensures the successful and timely completion of vital research.

Kate Jones

Senior Scientific Officer

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Kate Jones

Senior Scientific Officer

 Driving Innovation in Clinical Trials

Kate is a highly accomplished biomedical scientist and technical leader with over 20 years of experience spearheading advancements in molecular biology, clinical genomics, and virology. As Senior Scientific Officer at nexomics, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, she leads assay validations, directs project management, and optimiSes processes for clinical trials, leveraging her deep expertise in molecular assays and genomic analysis.

Kate possesses a unique blend of scientific acumen and technical proficiency.  Her career spans both research and clinical settings, giving her a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in translational medicine.  For over 12 years at the Peter MacCallumCancer Centre, she has been instrumental in developing and implementing state-of-the-art assays for cancer genomics, consistently pushing the boundaries of diagnostic capabilities.

A recognised expert in her field, Kate has numerous publications that highlight her significant contributions to cancer diagnostics and molecular virology. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science from the University of Sheffield (UK) and holds a Doctor of Philosophy in molecular virology from Monash University. Her leadership and technical skills drive impactful improvements in clinical research and patient care, making her a sought-after collaborator and innovator in the field. 

Leanne Featherstone

Senior Clinical Trials Support Officer

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Leanne Featherstone

Senior Clinical Trials Support Officer

Driving Clinical Trial Success Through Expert Operational Support

Leanne Featherstone is a highly accomplished scientific professional with over 30 years of experience in the healthcare and pathology sectors. As Senior Clinical Trials Support Officer at nexomics, she provides invaluable business, technical, and managerial support to the Clinical Trials Operations Manager and Head of Commercialisation, contributing significantly to the organisation's success in driving impactful clinical trials.

Leanne's extensive background encompasses both clinical trials and laboratory management. As a former Clinical Trials Coordinator at nexomics, she expertly managed over 400 active studies, building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. This experience provided her with a deep understanding of the intricacies of clinical trial operations, ICH-GCP guidelines, and pathology industry standards, enabling her to significantly improve workflows, increase operational efficiencies, and ensure high-quality outcomes.

Beyond her clinical trial expertise, Leanne has a proven track record in pathology department management. As the former Scientific Head of Department - Haematology and Reproductive Pathology at a major, high-throughput private laboratory, she honed her skills in team leadership, performance optimisation, and continuous improvement, always focusing on customer satisfaction and cost-effective solutions.

Leanne holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Laboratory Science) and a Bachelor of Business. Her exceptional communication, time management, and extensive technical knowledge, combined with her decades of experience.

Evangeline Buela

Clinical Trials Coordinator

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Evangeline Buela

Clinical Trials Coordinator

Facilitating Groundbreaking Clinical Trials Through Expert Coordination

Evangeline Buela is a highly motivated and skilled Clinical Trials Coordinator at nexomics, within the PathologyDepartment of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne. She brings a unique blend of scientific expertise and a passion for fostering positive work environments to her role, contributing significantly to the smooth and efficient execution of critical clinical trials.

Evangeline's journey in clinical trials began in2016 as a scientist in molecular pathology, where she honed her understanding of the scientific underpinnings of research. Building on this foundation, she completed her Master of Clinical Research at the University of Melbourne in 2021, igniting her passion for clinical trial management. This led her to transition into her current coordination role in 2023.

Recognising the importance of leadership skills in her career progression, Evangeline actively participated in the PeterMacCallum Cancer Centre's Mentoring Program and completed the People LeadershipFundamentals Program. These experiences have equipped her with the tools and knowledge necessary to excel in her role and contribute to a high-performing team.

A strong advocate for psychological safety in the workplace, Evangeline proactively organises activities to cultivate and enhance a positive and inclusive work culture. Her commitment to creating a supportive environment makes her a valued member of the nexomics - PeterMacCallum Cancer Centre team, fostering collaboration and driving successful clinical trial outcomes.

Todd Waugh

Lead Scientist Anatomical Pathology Clinical Trials

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Todd Waugh

Lead Scientist Anatomical Pathology Clinical Trials

Bridging Research and Clinical Practice

Todd Waugh is a highly motivated and results-driven scientist specialising in anatomical pathology and its crucial role in supporting cutting-edge research and clinical trials. As the Lead Scientist of Anatomical Pathology Clinical Trials at nexomics, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, he acts as a vital link between research initiatives and clinical practice.

Since completing his Biotechnology degree at RMIT in 2015, Todd has gained diverse experience in medical scientist and research assistant roles within tissue and biobanking organisations, as well as public pathology laboratories. These experiences have provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the integral contribution anatomical pathology makes to both research and clinical trials.

At nexomics, Todd plays a key role in ensuring the seamless integration of anatomical pathology services into clinical trials. He works closely with the routine Anatomical Pathology Laboratory to guarantee that both established and newly developed bespoke testing methodologies are accredited to the rigorous NATA ISO/IEC 17025 standard.  This dedication to quality and compliance ensures the reliability and validity of data generated for critical research and clinical decision-making.

Todd's passion for advancing scientific knowledge and improving patient outcomes drives his commitment to providing high-quality anatomical pathology support for clinical trials.  He is dedicated to fostering collaboration between researchers and clinicians, facilitating the translation of groundbreaking discoveries into tangible improvements in patient care.

Shane Ryan

Head of Commercial

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Shane Ryan

Head of Commercial

Driving Commercial Growth

Shane Ryan is a highly accomplished business development professional with a proven track record in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. As Head of Commercial at nexomics, he leads the organisation's efforts in securing and managing clinical trial contracts for pathological testing, spanning Phase I to Phase IV studies.

With over 25 years of experience, Shane has honed his expertise in sales, marketing, and business development across diverse organisations, including Pfizer, Sanofi Pasteur, Australia. He possesses a deep understanding of the clinical trial landscape, particularly within the pathology sector, and excels at building strong relationships with key stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies, research organiSations, and healthcare providers.

A nexomics, Shane is responsible for developing and implementing business development strategies that drive growth and expand the organisation's reach in the clinical trial market. He is adept at identifying new opportunities, negotiating contracts, and managing client relationships to ensure successful collaborations and mutually beneficial outcomes.

Minesh Lalla

Senior Business Development Manager

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Minesh Lalla

Senior Business Development Manager

Innovative Scientist and Commercialisation Leader Advancing Precision Oncology and Clinical Trial Access

Minesh Lalla is an innovative Scientist and Business Development Manager at Nexomics, with over 15 years of experience spanning R&D, product development, clinical translation, and commercialisation. His previous roles include Scientist and Global Business Development & Applications Support Manager for an ASX-listed diagnostics company. Minesh holds three active international patents, including one for an on-market IVD product. As a co-inventor, he was instrumental in the successful IPO of Sienna Cancer Diagnostics Ltd. (ASX: SDX) and its merger with INOVIQ Limited (ASX: IIQ), formerly BARD1 Life Sciences Ltd ASX:BD1).

At nexomics, Minesh is committed to transforming the organisation into a leading provider of oncology laboratory testing services by creating value in the services offered. He leads marketing and business development efforts, positioning nexomics and Peter MacCallum Pathology as trusted partners, collaborators, and early adopters of innovative technologies, ensuring improved access to clinical trial testing and precision oncology diagnostics.

Passionate about commercialisation and partnerships, Minesh actively contributes to the broader biotech ecosystem. He mentors young researchers, supports MedTech commercialisation education as a course contributor, and represents the sector at national and international biotech and pharma conferences and Victorian International Life Sciences Trade Delegations.

Minesh’s expertise and dedication continue to drive impactful contributions to oncology diagnostics and therapeutic development.

Stephen Fox

Director of Pathology | Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre | Deputy Director - Collaborative Centre for Genomics Cancer Medicine

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Stephen Fox

Director of Pathology | Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre | Deputy Director - Collaborative Centre for Genomics Cancer Medicine

Leading Pathology and Driving Diagnostic Innovation for Better Equitable Access

Professor Stephen Fox is Director of Pathology and Group Leader at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Professorial Fellow at the University of Melbourne. He holds an Honours degree and Medical degree from the University of Bristol, UK and a DPhil in Medicine from the University of Oxford. He has Fellowships of both the Royal College of Pathologists Australasia (RCPA) and UK and is also a Founding Fellow of the Faculty of Science. He is an NHMRC Leadership Fellow and a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences. He was also elected an expert member of the WHO Classification of Breast Tumours.

Professor Fox has a research interest in diagnostic and predictive markers in breast and other tumour types using protein and nucleic acid-based assays with the goal of facilitating equitable patient access of such assays through MBS funding.

David Westerman

Head of Haematopathology | Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre | Co-Lead Wilsons Centre of Blood Cancers - Collaborative Centre for Genomics Cancer Medicine

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David Westerman

Head of Haematopathology | Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre | Co-Lead Wilsons Centre of Blood Cancers - Collaborative Centre for Genomics Cancer Medicine

Leading Haematologist and Pathologist Advancing Precision Diagnostics in Blood Cancer

Associate Professor David Westerman is an internationally recognised Haematologist and Pathologist with expertise in lymphoma, leukaemia, and molecular haematopathology. Based at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and The University of Melbourne, he brings decades of clinical, academic, and diagnostic experience to translational cancer research and precision diagnostics.

A/Prof Westerman plays a pivotal role in integrating molecular pathology and flow cytometry into routine diagnostic workflows, contributing to the development and refinement of biomarkers for blood cancers. His clinical and scientific leadership supports numerous investigator-led and industry-sponsored trials, with particular focus on measurable residual disease, targeted therapies, and immunophenotyping.

David has authored over 260 peer-reviewed publications and is actively engaged in multidisciplinary cancer research networks. His recent work includes high-impact studies on BCL2 inhibitors, computational flow cytometry, and novel diagnostic strategies in CLL and AML.

Cameron Snell

Head of Anatomical Pathology | Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

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Cameron Snell

Head of Anatomical Pathology | Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Expert Tumour Pathologist Advancing Personalised Cancer Care Through Biomarkers and Digital Pathology

Dr Cameron Snell is a Consultant Anatomical Pathologist at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, with specialist interests in breast, skin, lung, soft tissue, and gastrointestinal malignancies. His work is driven by a commitment to advancing personalised cancer care through the integration of predictive biomarkers into routine diagnostics.

Dr Snell’s research and diagnostic focus includes the application of digital imaging and quantification technologies to interpret slide-based biomarkers, enabling more accurate and tailored treatment strategies for cancer patients.

A past recipient of the prestigious Nuffield Fellowship, Dr Snell completed a Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) at the University of Oxford, where he focused on tumour hypoxia and biomarker development. His academic background and clinical expertise position him at the forefront of innovation in pathology and cancer diagnostics.

Piers Blombery

Head of Molecular Haematology - Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre | Co-Lead Wilsons Centre of Blood Cancers - Collaborative Centre for Genomics Cancer Medicine

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Piers Blombery

Head of Molecular Haematology - Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre | Co-Lead Wilsons Centre of Blood Cancers - Collaborative Centre for Genomics Cancer Medicine

Imlementing Genomic Innovations for Blood Cancer Patients

Associate Professor Piers Blombery is a Clinical and Laboratory Haematologist and Lead of the Molecular Haematology Service in the Department of Pathology at Peter Mac. He completed dual fellowship training in clinical and laboratory haematology and travelled to the UK to complete his training at University College Hospital London (UCLH). Associate Professor Blombery then worked as a consultant haematologist at UCLH, after completing his specialty training. He returned to Melbourne as a haematologist in the aggressive lymphoma tumour stream to lead the molecular haematology service. He also runs the genetic haematology service at Peter Mac including an expanding clinical research program in inherited blood diseases that has included the Melbourne Genomics Health Alliance Bone Marrow Failure Flagship and more recently the MRV-funded EMBRACE and MRFF-funded IBMDx study for whole genome sequencing in these diseases.

Associate Professor Blombery leads the Wilson Centre for Blood Cancer Genomics, a translational diagnostics and research initiative supported through the Snowdome Foundation. The centre focuses on implementation of novel technologies into accredited diagnostic testing to improve outcomes for patients with blood cancer. The centre also has a broad research program which includes targeted therapy resistance and genomic interrogation of inherited bone marrow failure and involves multiple national and international collaborators.

Associate Professor Blombery has completed a PhD from the University of Melbourne and has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles, as well as four book chapters. He is regularly invited to speak at national and international forums on genomics and molecular medicine as chief/associate investigator on over $15 million of research funding over the past five years.

Peter Gambell

Director of Pathology Operations | Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

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Peter Gambell

Director of Pathology Operations | Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Peter Gambell is the Director of Operations of Pathology at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, Australia. With over 20 years of experience in senior management roles within Victorian pathology laboratories, Peter is an expert in Haematology, Flow Cytometry, and Blood Banking.

Peter holds a Master's in Health Services Management from Monash University and a Bachelor of Science from RMIT. His career has focused on managing high-complexity laboratory operations, including a 24/7 Core Laboratory, while ensuring compliance with NATA and TGA quality standards.

A dedicated scientist with a strong research background, Peter has authored and co-authored over 60 publications. He is an active member of the International Council for Standardisation in Haematology (ISCH) and has held leadership positions in professional organisations like the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS) and the Australasian Cytometry Society (ACS).

Cathy Carolan

Pathology Regulatory and Information Services Manager | Deputy to the Director Of Pathology Operations | Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

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Cathy Carolan

Pathology Regulatory and Information Services Manager | Deputy to the Director Of Pathology Operations | Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Driving Quality, Compliance, and Regulatory Excellence in Pathology and Clinical Trials

Cathy is the Pathology Regulatory and Information Services Manager at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, overseeing all aspects of the quality management system across the pathology service, including clinical trial operations. With a strong foundation in regulatory compliance and laboratory standards, Cathy plays a critical role in ensuring that Peter Mac’s pathology services maintain the highest levels of accreditation and operational excellence.

Her expertise supports the development and implementation of robust systems that underpin routine diagnostics, research activities, and clinical trial testing. Cathy works closely with internal teams and external collaborators to drive continuous quality improvement and regulatory readiness across the department.

Cathy’s longstanding relationship with the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) reflects her commitment to laboratory excellence. She currently serves as a NATA Technical Assessor, contributing her insights and experience to support national accreditation programs.

Andrew Fellowes

Head of Developmental Pathology | Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

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Andrew Fellowes

Head of Developmental Pathology | Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Andrew is the Lead Scientist for Molecular Diagnostic development. He began his career in diagnostic genetics in the Molecular Pathology Section at Canterbury Health Laboratories in 1989 and headed the section from 2002 until 2011, when he joined the Pathology Dept of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. He completed a PhD at Otago University, is a fellow of the Human Genetics Society of Australia and a founding fellow of the Faculty of Science of the RCPA.

He sits on a number of national and international committees including the Diagnostic Advisory Group of the Melbourne Genomics Health Alliance, the Australian Genomics Health Alliance Diagnostic Steering Committee, the RCPA QAP Molecular Genetics Advisory Committee, and the International Affairs Committee of AMP. Dr Fellowes focuses on implementing personalised medicine by translating genomic technologies and laboratory automation to the diagnostic labs.

Anthony Bell

Head of Molecular Pathology | Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

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Anthony Bell

Head of Molecular Pathology | Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Anthony brings over twenty six years’ experience working as a medical scientist and 20 years’ experience working in the field of molecular pathology to the position of Principal Scientist for the Molecular Pathology laboratory at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre , the largest laboratories specialising in molecular testing for cancer in the Australasian region. He leads an experienced multidiscipline team dedicated to the implementation of the latest technology and bioinformatics for the molecular characterisation of disease.

Since joining the Peter Mac team in 2011 he has made a significant and outstanding contribution to the facility including overseeing the design, build and relocation to the new laboratory at the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre. Anthony is committed to the ongoing development of the clinical diagnostic laboratory service with a particular focus on laboratory quality and improved outcomes for patients.

Vuong Nguyen

Principal Scientist Haematopathology | Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

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Vuong Nguyen

Principal Scientist Haematopathology | Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Vuong Nguyen is the Principal Scientist of Haematopathology at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre managing the Core Laboratory (Haematology, Blood Bank and Flow Cytometry). In 2012 he obtained the International Cytometry Certification Examination (ASCP BOC). He is on the Australasian Cytometry Society’s Clinical Guidelines Taskforce focusing on Leukaemia and Lymphoma, CD34 Enumeration and Measurable Residual Disease. He is an Honorary Lecturer for the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia on Clinical Flow Cytometry. He is a NATA assessor, auditing clinical flow cytometry laboratories. He is also part of the International Live Education Taskforce teaching faculty, which holds flow workshops in the ASEAN region. He is also a working party member on the International Council for Standardisation in Haematology.  He has been on the organising committee of past Australasian Cytometry Society Conferences. In 2017 he was co-chair of the inaugural CYTOAsia conference held in Singapore.