SMHS Research Integrity Advisors

Dr Coral-Ann Almeida
PhD BSc (Hons)

Coral-Ann is a Clinical Trials Coordinator in the Haematology Clinical Trials Unit at Fiona Stanley Hospital.

She has extensive experience in both the medical and clinical research sectors, having worked as a research fellow from 2007 to 2017 and as a clinical trials coordinator since 2018.

She has particular knowledge and experience in the fields of immunology, transplantation, haematology and infectious diseases.

Coral-Ann sees the program as an exciting opportunity to contribute her research experience to support researchers on matters of research integrity.

Dr Oyekoya (Koya) Ayonrinde
PhD FRACP MBBS

Koya is a gastroenterologist/hepatologist at Fiona Stanley Hospital.

He is an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor with medical schools at Curtin University and the University of Western Australia, where he obtained his PhD.

He has extensive medical research experience, including clinical trials and observational studies, and over 60 peer review publications to his name.

Koya sees this program as an important step for SMHS research.

Over the past decade, Johnathan has dedicated himself to working in the field of mental health, gaining valuable experience in both metropolitan and regional settings.

During this time, he actively participated in various projects aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of individuals with mental illness.

As both a member of the SMHS Human Research Ethics Committee and in this advisory role, Johnathan contributes to research excellence at SMHS by enthusiastically using his knowledge and skills to provide unbiased and confidential support to fellow researchers.

Dr Roger Clarnette
MB BS PhD FRACP

Roger is a consultant physician in geriatric medicine at Fremantle Hospital.

He is a clinical associate professor in the Medical School at The University of Western Australia, and an Adjunct Professor in the Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute at Curtin University.

With over 30 years’ experience in research and clinical trials, Roger takes matters of research integrity seriously, having previously served as a member of the SMHS Human Research Ethics Committee from November 2006 to December 2018.

Dr Ivana Ferreira

PhD BSc (Hons) DPM

A senior podiatrist at Fiona Stanley and Fremantle hospitals, Ivana gained a PhD in immunology/parasitology from James Cook University with a thesis titled, ‘Investigating the immunomodulatory properties of hookworm excretory/secretory products’.

Since obtaining her PhD, Ivana has completed her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree at The University of Western Australia and was lead research podiatrist for the ‘Spray on skin trial for diabetes related foot ulcers’ at Fiona Stanley Hospital.

Ivana has a research interest in wound healing and advocates for open and transparent reporting of all clinical trials, regardless of outcome.

Dr Olivia Gallagher
PhD BN (Hons)

Olivia is the SMHS Nurse Director Research. She has been a registered nurse for 22 years, practising clinically in surgical, operating theatre, critical care and aged care settings. For the past 15 years she has been a nurse academic and nurse researcher, holding senior academic leadership roles. Olivia’s areas of research interest include older adult care, clinical deterioration, simulation, and health professional education. She holds an adjunct associate professor position with Curtin University.

She is also an editorial board member of the International Journal of Nursing Studies Advances and is Deputy Chair of the Aged Care Nursing Faculty of the Australian College of Nursing.

Olivia has served on institutional ethics committees and acted as peer reviewer across a number of journals, a grant funding reviewer, and a supervisor of higher degree by research students.

Kate Maslen
BSc (Hons)

Kate has a background in laboratory science and is a Clinical Trials Coordinator for the Fiona Stanley Hospital Haematology department. As part of her role, Kate assists the principal investigator and sub-investigators with all aspects of clinical trial conduct in accordance with the ICH Guidelines for Good Clinical Practice.

Kate started her clinical trials journey in 2005, with the Haemophilia and Thrombosis Clinical Trials team. Since then, she has remained in clinical trials and experienced the evolving challenges of the role with the introduction of research governance and the National Mutual Acceptance Scheme.

Kate’s research interests are mainly focussed in CAR-T therapy and bone marrow transplant pharmaceutical research. This area of research presents several ethical considerations to meet the requirements of the protocol with this unwell and vulnerable patient population, which furthered her interest in research integrity.

Dr Nethia Mohana Kumaran
PhD

Prior to moving to Perth, Nethia worked on research projects which focused on experimental therapies for cervical and nasopharynx cancers.

Her work involved combining gene editing and small molecule inhibitors to test drugs which activated cell death pathways in cancer cells.

Nethia decided to transition to clinical trials after moving to Perth and joining the Haematology Clinical Trials team at Fiona Stanley Hospital, where she primarily coordinates phase III myeloma trials.

Edwin Tan
BSc Grad Dip Ed

Spanning a career in trials of more than 14 year, the majority in public health oncology, Edwin learned the groundwork for trials at the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Medical Oncology unit. He went on to expand his knowledge and skills at the Royal Perth Hospital and Fiona Stanley Hospital medical oncology units under the mentorship of Fiona Stanley Hospital Clinical Trials Manager for Medical Oncology, Caroline Stone.

Edwin further honed his trials management skills as Trials Unit Manager at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Medical Oncology for three years, before returning to Fiona Stanley Hospital where he currently works as Medical Oncology Deputy Trials Manager.

Edwin is passionate about integrating research as a core business in public health to improve and expand research in WA Health. He is also passionate about raising the profile of non-clinical research professionals and recognising their contributions to research.