Administration Team
Ms Madhu Prasad – Administrative Officer – Dip Telecom Engineering, Dip Travel & Tourism/Secretarial Studies
Ms Prasad joined SOuRCe in August 2009 as an administrative assistant, having held similar positions with the Registrar’s office at the University of the South Pacific and the Faculty of Medicine, the University of Sydney. Madhu has a detailed understanding of administrative policy and procedures relating to research, purchasing, finance and governance within both the SLHD and the University of Sydney which is invaluable to streamline SOuRCe’s operations across both organisations for staff and students.
Given the dispersed nature of most of SOuRCe’s affiliates and collaborators, Madhu’s skillful coordination and liaison is crucial for the group’s success. Madhu provides a central point of communication and liaison, co-ordinates meetings and conferences, manages the office and research resources, develops and maintains records and archive systems, and assists students, surgeons and other researchers with administration of research grants, ethics applications, manuscripts and dissertations. Madhu is integral to the success of SOuRCe as a research and education centre.
Tel: (02) 9515 3200
Email: [email protected]
Management Team
Dr Sascha Karunaratne – Acting Director – BHlthSci (Hons), MPhty, PhD
Sascha graduated as a Physiotherapist from the Western Sydney University and joined SOuRCe in January 2017. He was integral in the formation of the Orthopaedic Surgery Research Program, before transitioning to one of our SOuRCe Research Managers in 2021. He managed the unit’s numerous multi-disciplinary projects covering a wide range of surgeries including Pelvic Exenteration, Peritoneal Malignancy, Advanced Upper Gastrointestinal, Retroperitoneal Sarcoma, Vascular and Orthopaedic.
In 2025, Sascha completed his PhD through The University of Sydney in decision-making in total knee arthroplasty under the supervision of Professors Michael Solomon, Ian Harris, Lyndal Trevena and Mark Horsley. His thesis explored the process patients, in collaboration with their medical team, follow when considering whether knee arthroplasty is the best option for them. This work created the foundation of his current work engaging patients and clinicians in identifying the best process to assist patients in making informed decisions across surgical specialties.
Tel: (02) 9515 3464
Email: [email protected]
Ms Kate Alexander – Research Manager – BSc (MedSci), BAdvStudies (Hons)
Kate graduated with a Bachelor of Medical Science and Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Honours) from the University of Sydney in 2021. Kate first joined SOuRCe in November 2021 overseeing the co-ordination of research activity and management of projects within Orthopaedic Surgery Research Program.
In March 2023, Kate transitioned into the role of one of our SOuRCe Research Managers. Kate works closely with the Director in the management of a number of research staff and overseeing multi-disciplinary surgical research projects within the RPA Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma Unit, Orthopaedic Surgery and Robotic Surgery research programs. Kate has a strong passion for surgical research, with interests in patient reported outcomes and implementing evidence-based research into clinical practice to improve health outcomes.
Tel: (02) 9515 3205
Email: [email protected]
Ms Dhiya Suresh – Research Manager – BAdvSci (Hons)
Dhiya graduated with a Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) from the University of New South Wales in 2024. Dhiya first joined SOuRCe in May 2025 as the Surgical Robotics Research Officer overseeing multiple research databases and clinical trials within the multispecialty Surgical Robotics Research Program, encompassing urology, colorectal, cardiothoracic, gynaecology and upper gastrointestinal surgery. In this role, Dhiya managed data collection, coordinated post-operative follow-ups, and supported clinicians and researchers across a range of robotic-assisted surgery projects.
In March 2026, Dhiya transitioned into the role of one of our SOuRCe Research Managers. Dhiya works closely with the Director in the management of a number of research staff and overseeing multi-disciplinary surgical research projects within the RPA Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma Unit, Orthopaedic Surgery and Robotic Surgery research programs. Dhiya is passionate about contributing to the improvement of patients’ quality of life and overall health outcomes.
Tel: (02) 9515 3211
Email: [email protected]
Ms Kaheesha Rai – Research Manager – BHlthSci (Hons)
Kaheesha completed a Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) from the Australian National University in 2024. Kaheesha first joined SOuRce in April 2025 as the Peritoneal Malignancy Research Officer, managing the Peritonectomy Surgical Research Program (PREMIER) Database, which included management of MDT data, clinical post-operative and patient follow-ups. She supported the coordination and delivery of research across this program.
In March 2026, Kaheesha transitioned into the role of one of our SOuRCe Research Managers. Kaheesha works closely with the Director in the management of the unit’s numerous multi-disciplinary projects covering a wide range of surgeries within the Advanced Gastrointestinal Program including Pelvic Exenteration, Peritoneal Malignancy, Advanced Upper Gastrointestinal and Retroperitoneal Sarcoma. Kaheesha is committed to patient-centred research and improving patient outcomes.
Tel: (02) 9515 3205
Email: [email protected]
Research Officers
Ms Claire Jeon – Prehabilitation Research Officer – BMedSc (Hons)
Claire joined SOuRCe in September 2024 as the Prehabilitation Research Officer. She oversees clinical trials investigating prehabilitation for patients suffering from cancer across multiple sites, focusing on evaluating the impact of preoperative exercise and educational interventions on patient well-being and postoperative outcomes.
Claire holds a Bachelor of Medical Science (Hons) with a major in Anatomy from The University of New South Wales. Before joining SOuRCe, she worked in paediatric emergency department research at Children’s Hospital Westmead within the PREDICT network. These experiences have deepened her interest in bridging the gap between research and clinical implementation, as she works to develop and promote strategies that positively impact patient care and surgical outcomes.
Tel: (02) 9515 3209
Email: [email protected]
Ms Melanie Carne – Pelvic Exenteration Research Officer – BClinSc
Melanie joined SOuRCe in March 2025 as the Pelvic Exenteration Research Officer. She is responsible for managing data for studies relating to surgical and quality of life outcomes for patients undergoing this complex procedure.
Melanie holds a Bachelor of Clinical Science from Macquarie University. Prior to joining SOuRCe, she worked in the medical device industry and conducted clinical research with the Neuro ICU team at Royal North Shore Hospital. These experiences have strengthened her commitment to improving patient outcomes through evidence-based research and meaningful surgical innovation.
Tel: (02) 9515 3193
Email: [email protected]
Mr Bryan Julcher – Upper Gastrointestinal Research Officer – BBiomedSci, BMedLabSci, MPH
Bryan joined SOuRCe in 2025 as the Upper Gastrointestinal Research Oicer. He supports data management and research coordination across a portfolio of projects within the Advanced GI Surgical Program, contributing to clinical quality improvement and outcomes-focused research.
Bryan holds a Master of Global Public Health, a Bachelor of Biomedical Science, and a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science from Griffith University. Prior to joining SOuRCe, he worked as a Research Assistant at the Athena Centre of Research Excellence, where he supported ethics submissions, stakeholder engagement, and project reporting. He also has experience in service delivery with Services Australia and in healthcare settings including optometry and pathology.
Tel: (02) 9515 6414
Email: [email protected]
Ms Anika Ahmed – Bone and Soft Tissue Tumour Research Officer – BPsych (Hons)
Anika joined SOuRCe in September 2025 as the Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma Research Program and Database Officer. In this role, she is responsible for managing ROBUST database, including MDT, clinical data and managing the quality of life recruitment and patient follow ups and assisting with sub-studies for the program arising from the database.
Anika has completed a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at the University of New South Wales. Prior to joining SOuRCe, she worked within the Centre of Molecular Oncology at UNSW where she assisted in connecting patients across Australia to biomarker-led clinical trials within national precision oncology programs such as MoST and CaSP ran by not-for-profit company Omico. Her experiences have led her to develop a strong passion for translational research and the use of innovative methods to improve patient-centred care.
Tel: (02) 9515 6411
Email: [email protected]
Mr Anthony Zammit – Bone and Soft Tissue Tumour Research Officer – BHlthSci
Anthony joined SOuRCe in August 2025 as the Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma Research Officer, supporting research across Chris O’Brien Lifehouse and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. In this role, he manages the RPA Outcomes in Bone and Soft Tissue Tumours (ROBUST) Databases and contributes to a range of sarcoma research initiatives. His responsibilities include maintaining accurate clinical records, overseeing database activity, and coordinating local, national, and international research projects.
Anthony holds a Bachelor of Health Science from Western Sydney University (WSU). Prior to this role, he worked in melanoma biobanking and clinical trials, coordinating biospecimen logistics, supporting clinical trial submissions, and performing pre-analytical processing and storage. Earlier in his career at RPAH Anatomical Pathology, he was involved in all aspects of histological testing, including macro-dissection. These experiences have fostered a strong commitment to improving patient outcomes and overall quality of life.
Tel: (02) 9515 6416
Email: [email protected]
Ms Revati Raja – Enhancing Clinical Trials Research Officer – BHlthSci (Hons)
Revati joined SOuRCe in November 2025 as the Research Officer for Enhancing Clinical Trial Recruitment. In her role, she oversees the Sydney Cancer Partners project, which focuses on enhancing the recruitment of Aboriginal peoples in cancer surgical trials. Revati holds a Bachelor of Health Science (Hons) from The University of Sydney, where her qualitative research explored social isolation among individuals with chronic health conditions.
Prior to joining SOuRCe, she worked as a supervisor in academic services and in the medical sales industry as an Osteoporosis Educator, gaining experience in patient education and stakeholder engagement. She is passionate about supporting evidence-based research to drive meaningful improvements in patient care and health outcomes.
Tel: (02) 9515 3210
Email: [email protected]
Ms Isabella Middleton – Orthopaedic Research Officer – BMedSci
Isabella joined the Orthopaedic Department as a Research Officer, supporting the delivery of investigator-initiated and collaborative clinical research studies within a hospital setting. She is involved across the ethics and governance submissions, patient recruitment, clinical and functional assessments, and the management of high-quality, de-identified study data in accordance with national privacy and research guidelines.
Isabella brings a strong background in multidisciplinary clinical trial coordination, with experience coordinating studies across pharmaceutical, oncology, and allied health settings. Her work includes stakeholder liaison, coordinating logistics, documentation and study timelines in line with regulatory requirements. She is committed to advancing evidence-based orthopaedic care and supporting the vision and goals of the Surgical Outcomes Research Centre.
Tel: (02) 9515 3202
Email: [email protected]
Trial Clinicians
Ms Kim Bostock – Dietitian (PRIORITY-CONNECT 2 Trial) – BSc (Nutrition), BHSc (Nutrition & Dietetics)
Kim joined SOuRCe in August 2024 as the dietitian working on the PRIORITY-CONNECT 2 (PC2) Trial at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. In her role, Kim provides nutritional interventions within the virtual multimodal prehabilitation hub for surgical cancer patients.
Kim holds a Bachelor of Science (Nutrition) from Wollongong University and Bachelor Health Science (Nutrition Dietetics) from Charles Sturt University. Prior to joining SOuRCe, she has worked as a senior clinical dietitian at RPAH. Her clinical experience has led to her developing an interest in nutrition outcomes for surgical oncology patients.
Email: [email protected]
Ms Cheryl Tobler – Psychologist (PRIORITY-CONNECT 2 Trial) – BPsych (Hons), MPsych (Clinical)
Cheryl joined SOuRCe in October 2025 as the psychologist on the PRIORITY-CONNECT 2 (PC2) Trial at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. In her role, Cheryl delivers psychological interventions within the virtual multimodal prehabilitation hub for surgical cancer patients.
Cheryl holds a Master of Clinical Psychology from the University of Sydney and a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from the University of New South Wales. Prior to joining SOuRCe she has worked across private practice, university, clinical research and outpatient hospital settings. Her clinical experience has led to a developing interest in adjustment, mood and anxiety presentations.
Email: [email protected]