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
Mr Sascha Karunaratne – Research Manager – BHlthSci (Hons), MPhty
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.
Sascha is concurrently pursuing his PhD in decision-making in total knee arthroplasty under the supervision of Professors Michael Solomon, Ian Harris, Lyndal Trevena and Dr Mark Horsley. His thesis is exploring the process patients, in collaboration with their medical team, follow when considering whether knee arthroplasty is the best option for them. Through interviewing and evaluating response from patients, Orthopaedic Surgeons, Rheumatologists, General Practitioners and Physiotherapists, his PhD hopes to identify the best process to assist patients in making informed decisions.
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 1977
Email: kate.alexander4@health.nsw.gov.au
Research Officers
Mr James Morkaya – Upper Gastrointestinal Research Officer – BMedSc (Hons)
James joined SOuRCe in April 2022 as the Upper Gastrointestinal Research Officer. Under the leadership of several Upper Gastrointestinal surgeons, James manages and looks after the HUGO database, as well as several studies and trials.
James completed an Honours in Medical Science at the University of Technology Sydney (2016-2020). His Honours project focused on mitochondrial function within developing mouse brains. This consisted of both wet lab work and bioinformatics/RNA-Sequencing. Prior to joining SOuRCe, James also worked within Special Health Accommodation (SHA), where he developed a keen interest in health, with a focus on patients and their quality of life.
Tel: (02) 9515 3209
Email: james.morkaya@health.nsw.gov.au
Ms Henna Solanki – Peritoneal Malignancy Research Officer – BMedSc (Hons)
Henna joined SOuRCe in July 2022 as the Peritoneal Malignancy Research Officer. As part of her role, Henna is involved in managing the peritoneal malignancy research database (PREMIER), which stores clinical and patient-reported outcomes for patients who have undergone Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) at RPAH
Henna completed a Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours) majoring in Physiology from The University of Sydney in 2021. Her honours project was focused on building an in vitro model of arterial vascular biology and testing the re-endothelialisation capacities of this model. Prior to SOuRCe, Henna fostered her interest in cancer research whilst working in major clinical trials at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead’s Cancer Centre. She now aims to develop this interest further through her current role.
Tel: (02) 9515 3205
Email: henna.solanki@health.nsw.gov.au
Mr Philip Hay – iCAD/Orthopaedic Research Officer – BEng (Mechanical), MIEAust
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 oversees the iCAD clinical trial which is investigating the safety and patient reported outcomes of patients with acute uncomplicated diverticulitis managed through rpavirtual. As part of 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 is currently pursuing 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 1979
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 Ruby Cole – PRIORITY Trial Research Officer – BSc
Ruby joined SOuRCe as the PRIORITY Trial Research Officer in March 2023. In this role, Ruby is responsible for the co-ordination of the PRIORITY Trial, which focuses on a preoperative exercise and education program for patients undergoing surgery for major advanced or recurrent gastrointestinal cancer.
Ruby has completed a Bachelor of Science (Applied Medical Science and History and Philosophy of Science) at the University of Sydney. Ruby is concurrently undertaking a Master of Public Health (Health Promotion and Advocacy) with the University of Sydney. Throughout her studies, Ruby has developed a passion for health research and has a particular interest in reducing inequities for marginalised populations through translational research.
Tel: (02) 9515 3211
Email: ruby.cole@health.nsw.gov.au
Mr Nicholas Hirst – Research Officer – BMedSc MPH
Nicholas first joined SOuRCe in 2021 overseeing research activity and management of trials within the Surgical Robotics Program. In 2023 Nicholas transitioned to support the Prehabilitation Program as a Research Officer. Nicholas graduated with a Bachelor of Medical Science (Immunobiology) and Master of Public Health (Communicable Disease Control) from the University of Sydney in 2018 and 2020 respectively.
Nicholas is concurrently pursuing a Master of Philosophy under the supervision of A/Prof Daniel Steffens, Prof Michael Solomon and Dr Kate McBride. Nicholas’ thesis aims to explore the evidence for psychological prehabilitation in patients undergoing surgery for cancer.
Tel: (02) 9515 3207
Email: nicholas.hirst1@health.nsw.gov.au
Mr Jacob Bird – Robotic Research Officer – BMedSc (Hons)
Jacob joined SOuRCe in March 2023 as the Robotics Research Officer. Under the leadership of several surgeons, Jacob oversees multiple surgical robotic research databases and trials across the many specialities including urology, colorectal, cardiothoracic, gynaecology and upper gastrointestinal.
Jacob completed a Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Hons) at the Australian Catholic University in 2022. Prior to joining SOuRCe, Jacob worked in paediatric cardiac and psychology research between the Westmead and Randwick children’s hospitals in the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network. From these experience Jacob has developed a keen interest for medical research and improving patient outcomes.
Tel: (02) 9515 3204
Email: jacob.bird@health.nsw.gov.au
Ms Cherie Fischer – Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma Database Manager – BEd
The Orthopaedic Sarcoma unit at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital has been running for over 45 years. Cherie joined the Orthopaedic Department at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in 2019 and oversees the weekly Orthopaedic Sarcoma MDT and quarterly Bone School which runs in association with the Australian Orthopaedic Association. Cherie joined SOuRCe in May 2023 as the Orthopaedic Sarcoma Database Manager. As part of her role at SOuRCe, Cherie manages the Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma Database which collates clinical and patient reported outcomes. Cherie has a genuine interest in people and is passionate that data provides advances in cancer care.
Tel: (02) 9515 1978
Email: cherie.fischer@health.nsw.gov.au
Ms Darya Shapilsky – Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma Data Officer – BMedSci
Darya joined SOuRCe in May 2023 as the Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma Data officer. As part of her role, Darya is involved in managing and maintaining the Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma database, which stores clinical outcomes as well as patient reported quality of life data.
Darya has completed a Bachelor of Science at the University of Technology Sydney. Prior to joining SOuRCe, Darya worked in a variety of medical industries including dentistry, ENT, and neurology and has been a part of Royal Prince Alfred Hospital since 2016. Through these experiences, Darya has developed a passion for health research and her aspiration is to contribute to Orthopaedic sarcoma research and improve patient quality of life.
Tel: (02) 9515 1639
Email: darya.shapilsky@health.nsw.gov.au
Ms Mollie Pieniazek – Pelvic Exenteration Research Officer – BSc (ParamedSc), MNurs, (RP, RN)
Mollie joined SOuRCe in July 2023 as one of the Pelvic Exenteration Research Officers. Mollie’s main responsibility is the management of the Pelvic Exenteration Surgery Quality Improvement (PESQI) database and the coordination of a large longitudinal study investigating the quality of life of patients after their surgery. As part of her role at SOuRCe, Mollie also facilitates research projects within a multidisciplinary collaborative group, allowing for the continued improvement of Pelvic Exenteration surgical techniques and patient reported outcomes through published literature.
Mollie has completed a Bachelor of Science (Paramedical Science) and a Master of Nursing. She is a dual Registered Nurse Paramedic who developed a passion for health research throughout her studies. Prior to her commencement at SOuRCe, Mollie was working in Palliative Care at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, incorporating evidence-based research into her clinical practice to improve patient health outcomes.
Tel: (02) 9515 6416
Email: mollie.pieniazek@health.nsw.gov.au
Ms Yuna Chung – Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma Biobank and Research Officer – BSc (Adv) (Hons)
Yuna joined SOuRCe in September 2023 as a Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma Biobank and Research Officer. In this role, she is responsible for maintaining and updating the Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma research databases and the coordination of local, national, and international clinical research projects with the RPA Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma Unit and Chris O’Brien Lifehouse.
Yuna has completed a Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Hons), majoring in Immunology/Pathology and Infectious Diseases from The University of Sydney. Yuna has developed a passion for merging scientific inquiry with compassionate care, particularly in the realms of patient-centric decision-making and enhancing overall quality of life outcomes.
Tel: (02) 9515 1639
Email: yu.chung@health.nsw.gov.au
Dr Karen Irvine – Peritoneal Malignancy Research Officer – BSpSc (Hons) PhD
Karen joined SOuRCe in October 2023 as one of the Peritoneal Malignancy Research Officers and is involved in the co-ordination of the PREMIER Databases that centralises data regarding cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy at RPAH.
Karen has completed an undergraduate degree in sports science, a graduate certificate of statistics and a PhD in the area of biomechanics of gymnastics and overuse injury. Prior to starting at SOuRCe she has worked in biomechanical gait analysis, orthopaedic research, as a data analyst at a major private health fund and managed a research foundation focused on funding projects aimed at translating successful health research to practice.
Tel: (02) 9515 3210
Email: karen.irvine@health.nsw.gov.au
Ms Jessica El-Hayek – Pelvic Exenteration Research Officer – BAdvSci (Pre-Med) BSci (Hons)
Jessica joined SOuRCe in December 2023 as one of the Pelvic Exenteration Research Officer. One of Jessica’s main responsibilities is the management of the Pelvic Exenteration Surgery Quality Improvement (PESQI) database and coordinates a significant longitudinal study on post-surgery patient quality of life. Her role extends to facilitating collaborative research projects within a multidisciplinary teams at SOuRCe.
Jessica has completed a Bachelor of Advanced Science with a Pre-Medicine Major at The University of Technology Sydney in 2022, followed by the completion of Bachelor of Science (Hons) at the University of Sydney in 2023. Throughout her studies and working adminstratively in healthcare, Jessica has cultivated a particular interest in both translational research and improving patient outcomes.
Tel: (02) 9515 3193