Our people

Sam has over 15 years’ of experience in the personal injury sector, 13 of those specialising in research initiatives across government and industry. She has held a range of key management and leadership roles in the sector and is a recipient of the Monash University Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Exceptional Performance by Professional Staff.

Sam was a founding ISCRR employee and throughout the life of the Institute has played an integral role in shaping ISCRR’s strategic direction, research activities and maximising the use of research into practice through innovative collaboration and co-design approaches. She has led and conducted a range of applied research projects for ISCRR’s main funders, WorkSafe Victoria and the Transport Accident Commission, including the Institute’s Horizon Scanning program, which was the first of its kind in Australia to focus on compensation health.

Prior to joining ISCRR, Samantha worked in a number of roles at the TAC across the client services, claims and client research areas. She managed research and service improvement programs to develop and improve customer service and staff engagement and maximise outcomes for people injured on the road.

Samantha holds a Bachelor of Applied Science, Psychology (Hons.) from Deakin University, majoring in Human Resource Management.

Janine obtained her PhD from the University of Melbourne. Prior to joining ISCRR, she was in the Deakin University Metabolic Research Unit Management Team for eight years where her key role was to lead the Gene Discovery Group, identifying novel genes associated with obesity and Type 2 Diabetes, and selecting target proteins to move into a drug development pipeline. A number of genes were discovered and patented, attracting international drug company investment and forming the basis of several high impact publications. She was awarded the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Research.

Janine was also a Problem Based Learning (PBL) tutor at the School of Medicine, Deakin University, for seven years, and concurrently a Research Fellow conducting research into the effect of antidepressant and antipsychotic medication on bone cells, at the University Hospital Geelong and Deakin University for two years.

Janine enjoys hiking, camping and taking the dog for walks on the beach.

Jimmy has extensive experience in the research and communication fields spanning 18 years complemented with a diverse skill set which includes product development, web design, creative writing, event management, scientific editing and the development of database systems.

Prior to joining ISCRR, Jimmy held research translation roles with the Gastroenterological Society of Australia and headspace, coming from a postdoctoral research position at Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. There he carried out research in the fields of infectious disease and sexual health while being an Associate Editor for scientific journal BMC Infectious Diseases. Jimmy has a PhD in Microbiology from the University of Tasmania, and a Master of Communication degree from Deakin University.

In his spare time, Jimmy enjoys painting, creating comic book and animation content, and has written and illustrated two children’s books.

In her 15 years’ experience in the biomedical research management and 10 years collective experience in the not-for-profit and commercial sector, Kim has a diverse background in research program management and operations, educational program design and implementation, policy research and proposal development of high impact initiatives for large organisations.

Kim holds a Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours) from The University of Melbourne, a PhD in cellular immunology from Swinburne University of Technology and a postgraduate Certificate in Business Development from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research.

In Kim’s spare time, she likes bushwalking and making kimchi.

Petra holds a PhD and Honours degree in Neuroscience, a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Psychology, and post-graduate qualifications in Public Health and Public Policy from Flinders University in Adelaide.

Away from her desk, Petra spends her time hiking or riding in the hills around Adelaide.

Prior to ISCRR, Sarah was a lecturer at the Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University. Sarah obtained a PhD in Sociology from Victoria University, where she received the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research and Research Training (Research Degree Graduate). Her doctoral research contributed to new knowledge towards understanding how girls’ participation in sport disrupts gender relations. She has a Master of Arts from the University of Bradford (UK) and a Bachelor of Arts from Sewanee: The University of the South (USA). Sarah has published numerous high-quality scientific publications in refereed journals and books.

When not at work, Sarah can be found surfing, mountain biking or attempting to cook something with ingredients she cannot pronounce.

She has more than 15 years of experience in qualitative research and project management.

Amanda also has an interest in the art of language translation and interpreting, and finds the chemistry when two worlds collide fascinating.

Carmen has over 10 years of experience working with government, academic, not-for-profit and community organisations to evaluate and strengthen services, systems and policy. Motivated by social justice, Carmen has a keen interest in systems improvement and capacity building solutions. She has a Bachelor of Applied Science, Psychology (Hons.) from RMIT University.

In her spare time, Carmen enjoys pottering in her garden and playing boggle with her children.

Prior to joining ISCRR, she worked at Marnoo Primary School as a Classroom teacher. Prior to this, Kathryn was a clinical education administrator for Ambulance Victoria and has spent some time working in the tertiary sector at NMIT. She has a Bachelor of Business and a Graduate Diploma in Education.

In her spare time, Kathryn is a basketball fanatic, both as a player and fan. She’s also into the live band scene, enjoys socialising with friends, and relaxing at home with her husband, dogs, cat and baby.

Prior to joining ISCRR, Lucy worked as a Project Officer coordinating and securing funding for Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future (SAEF), Monash University. In addition, Lucy has worked as a Technical Officer and as a Research Officer supporting technical, research and safety needs for the School of Biological Sciences, Monash University. Lucy has a Bachelor of Science (Marine Biology) from The University of Adelaide and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from Deakin University.

In her spare time, Lucy enjoys gardening, long beach walks and karate, as well as relaxing at home with her family.

Peter has a diverse background within multiple industries, with 15 years of experience in business development, sales and marketing in the healthcare industry. He has experience working in the tertiary sector at Monash University and The University of Melbourne in research and communications roles. Peter has a Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree in Biological Science and a variety of certifications and postgraduate qualifications, including behavioural science application.

When not at work, Peter can be found testing the laws of physics using an assortment of wheeled devices or simply enjoying nature, music or being curious.

Previous to ISCRR, she has 10 years of diverse experience within the science communication and education industries, including writing and editing popular science articles, presenting science shows, producing movies, teaching maths and science in high schools, and working as a scientific research assistant. She has a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Zoology and Environmental Science, and two Masters Degrees in Science Communication and Teaching, respectively.

At home, Blaire enjoys propagating plants both indoors and out, and spending time with her dearly beloved partner, daughter and dogs.