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: m.prasad@sydney.edu.au
Management Team
Dr Sascha Karunaratne – Research Manager – 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 his current role as our SOuRCe Research Manager. He now manages 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: sascha.karunaratne@health.nsw.gov.au
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: kate.alexander4@health.nsw.gov.au
Research Officers
Mr Philip Hay – iCAD/Orthopaedic Research Officer – BEng (Mechanical), MIEAust, MPH
Philip joined SOuRCe in October 2022 as the iCAD/Orthopaedic Research Officer. Under the leadership of the Department of Colorectal Surgery at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Philip oversaw the completion of the iCAD clinical trial which is investigating the safety and patient reported outcomes of patients with acute uncomplicated diverticulitis managed through rpavirtual. Philip has continued in his role with the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, he is involved in the management and collection of data for projects relating to clinical and quality of life outcomes for patients undergoing procedures within the department.
Philip has completed a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) at Dalhousie University in Canada and a Master of Public Health at The University of New South Wales. Prior to joining SOuRCe, Philip spent several years working as an engineering manager and product development engineer in medical technology companies. Philip developed an interest in medical research through his experience in industry and collaboration with surgeons, with particular interests in health equity and implementing evidence-based research into clinical practice.
Tel: (02) 9515 6416
Email: philip.hay@health.nsw.gov.au
Mr Lylee Ye – Retroperitoneal Sarcoma Research Officer – BSc (Adv) (Hons)
Lylee joined SOuRCe in October 2022 as the Retroperitoneal Sarcoma Research Officer. In this role, he is responsible for managing the Sarcoma of the Pelvis, Abdomen, or Retroperitoneum Collaboration (SPARC) Database, and supporting the establishment of a Sarcoma Biobank with the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse.
Lylee has completed a Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours), majoring in Anatomy & Histology and Immunobiology at the University of Sydney. Prior to joining SOuRCe, he has worked within the biobanks of two large medical research institutions, demonstrating proficiency in biospecimen processing and storage, database management, and project administration. His professional experiences thus far have fostered a keen interest in facilitating translational research and improving patient outcomes, which he hopes to further develop through this role.
Tel: (02) 9515 3206
Email: lylee.ye@health.nsw.gov.au
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: sewon.jeon@health.nsw.gov.au
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: melanie.carne@health.nsw.gov.au
Ms Róisín Murphy – Clinical Trials Research Officer – BSc (Hons)
Róisín joined SOuRCE in March 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.
Róisín holds a Bachelor of Public Health Science (Hons) from University College Cork. Prior to joining SOuRCE, she worked as a Research Officer for the National Care Experience Programme in Ireland. Róisín is passionate about patient experience, patient-centred care, and supporting health improvements through evidence-based research.
Tel: (02) 9515 3210
Email: roisin.murphy1@health.nsw.gov.au
Ms Kaheesha Rai – Peritoneal Malignancy Research Officer – BHlthSci (Hons)
Kaheesha joined SOuRce in April 2025 as the Peritoneal Malignancy Research Officer. In this role, she is responsible for managing the Peritonectomy Surgical Research Program (PREMIER) Database and supports the coordination and delivery of research across this program.
Kaheesha has completed a Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) majoring in in Health and Medicine from The Australian National University. Her Honours research focused on the bioethical implications and challenges of the use of human organoids in personalised medicine in an Australian context. Her previous academic and research experience has equipped her with a strong foundation in data interpretation, stakeholder communication, and ethical considerations in healthcare, which she now applies in her current role to support the delivery of patient-centred research.
Tel: (02) 9515 3204
Email: kaheesha.rai@health.nsw.gov.au
Ms Dhiya Suresh – Surgical Robotics Research Officer – BAdvSci (Hons)
Dhiya joined SOuRCe in May 2025 as the Surgical Robotics Research Officer. She oversees multiple research databases and clinical trials within the multispecialty Surgical Robotics Research Program, encompassing urology, colorectal, cardiothoracic, gynaecology and upper gastrointestinal surgery. In her role, Dhiya manages data collection, coordinates post-operative follow-ups, and supports clinicians and researchers across a range of robotic-assisted surgery projects.
Dhiya holds a Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours), with majors in Neuroscience and Physiology, and honours in Neuroscience from the University of New South Wales. Prior to joining SOuRCe, Dhiya spent her honours year conducting research on Parkinson’s disease at the St Vincent’s Centre for Applied Medical Research. She also brings experience from clinical administration roles at the Sydney Dental Hospital and the Royal Hospital for Women, which have strengthened her understanding of working in patient-facing environments and motivated her interest in clinical research. Dhiya is passionate about contributing to the improvement of patients’ quality of life and overall health outcomes.
Tel: (02) 9515 3211
Email: dhiya.suresh@health.nsw.gov.au
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: bryan.julcher@health.nsw.gov.au
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.