Leading MTPConnect’s Diagnostic Testing Sovereign Capability and Supply Chain Resilience project, in collaboration with Pathology Technology Australia (PTA) to develop a National Action Plan for building end-to-end sovereign manufacturing capability for diagnostic tests.Delivered to the federal government, the Action Plan makes a range of practical recommendations to achieve the goal of a flourishing sovereign diagnostics manufacturing ecosystem and is the culmination of extensive consultation with more than 140 stakeholders across the country and direct contributions from those at the frontline.It outlines a framework for enhancing the diagnostic infrastructure, supporting commercialisation of new innovations, improving access to testing, and strengthening the regulatory framework for diagnostic products and services.With the implementation of these practical initiatives to build a resilient domestic diagnostics sector, we can not only help to protect the health of Australians but also foster the growth of dynamic, globally significant companies, create new high-paying jobs and spur economic growth in a field where Australia has already shown its competitiveness.

Cicada Innovations is the home of deep tech in Australia - a Sydney-based incubator with a twenty year track record of developing deep tech ventures tackling some of the world’s most pressing problems across medtech, biotech, space, agrifoodtech, robotics and energy.As Head of Medtech and Biotech, I:- Own the strategic and operational delivery of the life sciences vertical for the Company- Coach and mentor startups and those developing deep technology solution- Create, manage and deliver high quality, high impact programs and workshops across the country- Develop content and connections under the health banner with the focus on research commercialisation and pathway to market for devices, diagnostics, software as a medical device and therapeutics- Collaborate, engage and develop relationships with partners and stakeholders globallyProgram partners include:- NSW Office for Health and Medical Research/ NSW Health- MTPConnect- Liverpool Innovation PrecinctI have written, developed, taught into, and executed on Cicada Innovations first online education series “Medtech Foundations” which has had over 300 registrations since launching. In 2021, I supported the training of over 600 researchers, clinicians and innovators across the country.https://www.cicadainnovations.com

Superstars of STEM aims to smash society’s gender assumptions about scientists and increase the public visibility of women in STEM. STA started Superstars of STEM to create a critical mass of celebrity Australian women who work as scientists and technologists - role models for young women and girls – and to work towards equal representation in the media of women and men working in all fields in STEM.

"Pitching your idea" Postgraduate degree in Pharmaceutical and Medical Device DevelopmentSydney Medical School

Master of Medicine (Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Development) course

“In vitro diagnostics (IVDs)” Master of Medicine Degree

The Industry Mentoring Network in STEM (IMNIS) is an award-winning industry-led initiative of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE). IMNIS connects motivated PhD students and postdoctoral fellows in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) with outstanding high-level industry leaders in a one-year mentoring and professional development program.With IMNIS, Australia’s future STEM leaders engage with industry, extend their professional network, strengthen their interpersonal skills and business acumen, and gain professional skills and attributes to lead and excel. Mentees learn what it takes to succeed in any part of the STEM ecosystem, gain a better understanding of how industry works and learn about career opportunities in other professional sectors.IMNIS breaks down barriers, fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration between industry and academia.Officially launched in 2015, IMNIS has demonstrated success in providing industry mentoring to PhD students in Universities around Australia and was recognised with a prestigious B/HERT Best Higher Education and Training Collaboration Award in 2016.

Research Enrichment Program for Higher Degree Research Students

“Pitch Masterclass” (Pitching an idea for investment) for the Biodesign Sydney which took multidisciplinary groups from various Universities and Sydney Local Health District and helped them to form teams around an innovative medical idea that they have identified in a clinical setting.

Heads Over Heels supports ambitious women entrepreneurs by opening up influential business networks.https://www.headsoverheels.com.au/The organisation was founded as a not-for-profit in 2010 with a mission to take practical steps to help eliminate gender discrimination and give female leaders the tools they need to grow their companies more quickly.

Co-founder of the technology behind a novel blood test for breast cancer detection. Tenaciously took a small idea and made it the foundation of a start up and worked to bring my vision and research to commercial reality over the last decade.My vision and mission was to develop a highly accurate blood test for breast cancer which was more accessible and could be used for women of all ages. This type of blood test could be used in prevention, screening, diagnosis and monitoring of the disease. There was early evidence which indicated that this technology could be applied to other types of cancers and my ultimate vision was to expand into this space. - Identified the link between breast cancer and lipid biomarkers in hair and blood and patented this concept- Carried out the initial proof of concept studies and initial clinical studies in collaboration with Metabolomics Australia at the Bio21 Institute and the clinical partners in NSW- Carried out early stage research translation and pioneered the commercialisation of the technology through further clinical studies- Developed and fostered international and local collaborations with the University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, Sevident Technologies, IZON, The Charles Perkins Centre, Melanoma Institute, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Sydney Breast Clinic and Sydney Local Health DistrictBreast cancer screening for every woman, everywherewww.bcaldiagnostics.com

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Wired for Wonder is a two-day experience designed to open doors of understanding in the areas of business, technology, life, awe, science and the arts. Wired for Wonder challenges your thinking and perceptions with the aim of opening up pathways to creativity and innovation via world-class speakers, participation sessions and networking.

Fermiscan was developing a novel test for breast cancer using (synchrotron generated) x-ray diffraction and scalp hair as the sample source. I was responsible for R&D including hiring, training and supervising new scientific staff, overseeing scientific research and operations but I was also carrying out the x-ray diffraction projects using the SAXS beam line at the Australian Synchrotron (Melbourne).During my time there, I worked to elucidate the biological mechanism underlying the technology and together, with my colleague, we identified the potential markers which changed the trajectory of this technology.Awards:- Anthill Magazine's inaugural Smart 100 Award 2009: Winner- Innovic International Next Big Thing Awards: Winner

Research into using synchrotron x-ray diffraction of scalp hair as a diagnostic test for breast cancer.Sample collection, handling, screening and quality controlPrototype development

Laboratory educator for practical microbiology classesFacilitated the learning process of undergraduate microbiology and pharmacy studentsDemonstration of techniques and presenting the theory and principlesTeaching, assessing and coaching undergraduate students.