About Us

Laura joined KOALA as the National Coordinating Centre Manager in 2022. In this role, Laura works collaboratively with key stakeholders to advance the research being undertaken by the KOALA National Coordinating Centre.

Laura brings extensive experience in Australasian clinical and psychosocial research, having previously coordinated large Australian and New Zealand cardiology and respiratory studies. She brings a passion for improving the lives of children, young people, and their families when faced with a childhood cancer diagnosis.

Laura holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy)(Honours, Class I) from the University of Sydney. Laura worked clinically as a paediatric occupational therapist at Sydney Children’s Hospital, and as a community mental health clinician.

Lily has over 16 years of experience in clinical research, quality and regulatory affairs for pharmaceuticals and medical devices. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical) (First Class Honours), Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Finance) and a Master of Public Health.

Lily joined KOALA in 2018 and is passionate about improving health outcomes for children with cancer. Lily is currently the National Study Coordinator for LEVI’S CATCH, OPTIMISE, GALLANT and INFORM2 studies.

Emma began her career in clinical research in 2008 as a Clinical Trial Assistant and was soon promoted to the role of Clinical Trial Coordinator (CTC).

Emma has continued to expand her knowledge in clinical trials by undertaking numerous courses and has extensive experience as a CTC at multiple Medical Research Institutions. Emma brings a breadth of knowledge having worked in Phase I – IV clinical trials across a multitude of therapeutic areas including Healthy Volunteer Trials, Vaccines, Sleep and Respiratory Health, and Adult Oncology.

In 2018, Emma found her passion working in Paediatric Oncology Trials specifically focusing on Precision Medicine. She has continued to work and develop her career within the area ever since. She is currently the National Study Coordinator of the Precision Medicine for Children with Cancer (PRISM) study, The ASSET Study, and the Acute Leukaemia Registry.

Joanne is a Clinical Trials Officer at KOALA. She is responsible for the project management of multiple international and national trials for paediatric neuroblastoma and brain tumours. She has extensive knowledge and experience in the trial activities from research concept development to end of trial. She has contributed to the success of trials being conducted in accordance with the protocol, standard operating procedures, good clinical practice and other applicable regulations.

Joanne is currently the National Study Coordinator for the SIOPEN and DART studies.

Sarah originates from Cambridge, UK where she completed a BSc Biomedical Science (first class honours) and started her early career in biopharmaceutical Research and Development across a range of therapeutic areas.

After moving to Australia and spending time working in quality and operations within the corporate sector, Sarah’s passion for science and medicine saw her make the move to clinical trials in 2020, where she was delighted to return to the field of healthcare.

Initially working within the site research team at Sydney Children’s Hospital as a Clinical Trials Assistant and then a Clinical Research Coordinator, Sarah has experience in both leukaemia clinical trials, as well as the PRISM personalised medicine program. This experience from a site perspective was invaluable when joining the KOALA team in 2022.

Sarah feels immensely proud to be working in the field of paediatric cancer research and is driven by the desire to improve the lives of children with cancer.

Emma started at KOALA in May, 2023. She comes from a background of research administration, having previously worked as a Research and Awards Officer.

Emma has a Bachelor of Science with a major in Biomedical Science and enjoys working in a role that allows her to combine her science background with her administrative and organisational skills. She has a keen interest in the promotion of disease awareness and research funding, having lived with Crohn’s disease for over 20 years. Emma is a national study coordinator on the ZERO2 trial.

Outside of work Emma enjoys swing dancing, vintage fashion, and aerial lyra.

Susan joined the KOALA team in May of 2024 as a national clinical trials officer. She originates from Dublin, Ireland where she has completed a Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacology and a Master of Science degree in biotherapeutics.

Before moving to Australia, Susan has previously worked as a Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) managing multiple obstetric clinical trials across maternity hospitals in Dublin. In Australia, Susan has worked as a CRC coordinating phase II-IV trials across multiple therapeutic areas including HIV, dermatology, obesity, diabetes, and vaccine studies. More recently, Susan has worked as a Clinical Trials Governance Officer where she gained insight into research ethics and governance procedures.

Susan is excited to be part of the KOALA team and to be working within the paediatric oncology field.