Key Components of the Program

• Part 1: The Company Directors Course run by the Australian Institute of Company Directors – a five-day course covering areas such as governance, decision making, legal obligations, risk, strategy and finance;

• Part 2: Executive leadership retreat – training on topics such as negotiation, influence and executive communication, that can greatly assist women in obtaining and performing well in senior leadership roles; and

• Part 3: Board observership experience – each participant attends board meeting/s and a de-briefing session to consolidate their learning and help prepare them for working with boards and senior management.

“The WILD Program^® came along at the perfect time in my career. It was an intensely rewarding experience that gave me extra confidence in skills I’d already been exercising in my role leading a commercial laboratory. The added bonus has been the creation of a close-knit group of women that are wonderful at sharing their expertise and amazing skill sets”

Dr Catherine Osborne CEO, Crux Biolabs

Eligibility & Key Dates

The WILD Program^® is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful leadership program for women in STEM.

We welcome and encourage applications from women (and non-binary) leaders in STEM with diverse lived experiences including those living with disability and neurodiversity, those living in rural and regional locations, those of culturally diverse backgrounds and of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage.

Alma Fulurija – Head, Australian Strep A Vaccines, Telethon Kids Institute / Co-Founder – Biotome Pty Ltd

Alma is a life sciences professional with 20 years of experience across the Pharma/ Biotech/ MedTech sectors, who is passionate about translating evidence-based research into clinical outcomes and commercial opportunities to benefit global health.

She is currently Program Director of the Australian Strep A Vaccine Initiative and co-founder and Director of Biotome Pty. Ltd, a Perth-based diagnostic start up. Prior, Alma led five R&D projects in Australia and Switzerland, developing vaccines and immunotherapies for the prevention of infections and inflammatory diseases. She is a strong, passionate advocate for women in STEM.

Hannah Brown – Science Strategy and Operations Manager – Victorian Heart Institute, Monash University

Hannah is an Adelaide born and educated, internationally trained, researcher-turned-leader and communicator who leads Science Strategy and Operations at the Victorian Heart Institute (VHI), in Melbourne, Australia. Having trained and worked as an academic, she now sits at the interface between science and the public, helping to turn ideas into impact through storytelling. She believes that creating clear and consistent narrative, engaging broadly with consumers, authenticity, integrity and humour are the keys to effective communication.

Hannah also consults on a range of projects in the communications, science and business strategy and diversity, equity and inclusion fields.

Chanel Egan – Manager, Technical Program Management – Mastercard

Chanel has 13 years of experience in Technology, having worked in government, consulting, education and finance sectors. Her career started in IT operations and transitioned to Project Management and people leadership. As a Technical Program Manager at a multinational organisation, she leads teams of engineers and developers to create products facilitating electronic payments.

With a Bachelor of Science, Master of Information Technology and Graduate Certificate in Project Management, Chanel is an avid learner. She volunteers for two organisations; Pint of Science and HunterNet. As Co-CEO of Pint of Science Australia, Chanel leads the organisation in science communication and D&I initiatives.

Deborah Pascoe – Head of Early Stage and Preclinical R&D – Vaxxas Pty Ltd

Deborah is Head of Early Stage and Preclinical R&D at Vaxxas, commercialising novel technology that enhances the performance of existing and next-generation vaccines. Deborah focuses on solving complex cross-disciplinary problems and developing people and ideas.

Before joining Vaxxas, she worked in the US in technical and business leadership roles at start-ups including Culture Biosciences and Zymergen, and she has company-founding experience along with earlier work at 23andMe and Genentech. She has also served in multiple non-profit board leadership roles. Deborah has a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University and a BE(Chem Hons) from the University of Queensland.

Denise Goldman – VP, Biosciences & Hearing Drug Solutions – Cochlear Ltd

Denise Goldman leads a global team as the Vice President, Biosciences and Hearing Drug Solutions at Cochlear Ltd and is a recognized leader in the hearing research field, working with varied stakeholders to drive the development of new interventions for hearing loss. She has over 15 years of experience across the biotech industry in research and business management. Denise is both personally and professionally committed to the delivery of accessible healthcare interventions and, to this end, has served on the Board of Directors for patient-centred Not-for-Profits (recently President of the Deafness Foundation).

Denise was awarded a PhD in Molecular Biology from Monash University and has held senior roles in the UK and Australia. She regularly mentors in the STEM sector and is involved in forums that promote gender and First Nations inclusivity.

Dharmica Mistry – Director – Diagnostics Industry Engagement – MTPConnect

Dharmica is the Director- Diagnostics Industry Engagement leading MTPConnect’s Australian Diagnostics Action Plan for sovereign capability. Dharmica is an impact driven scientist and entrepreneur. She’s co-founder and ex-Chief Scientist of BCAL Diagnostics where she spent over a decade taking research discovery through to commercialisation, developing a blood test for breast cancer detection.

She was also Head of Medtech and Biotech at Cicada Innovations, a deep tech incubator where she supported researchers and entrepreneurs through programs and coaching to commercialise their innovations. Dharmica holds a B.Sc. (Honours) from University of Sydney and a PhD in Medicine from Macquarie University.

Helen Williams – Executive General Manager Transport ANZ – SYSTRA

Helen is the Executive General Manager for Transport in ANZ. Her career spans over 30 years of engineering management and leadership. She leads a broad range of interrelated technical, systems and human-centred disciplines blending local expertise with extensive global reach back.

Helen is passionate about building integrated, engaged teams to deliver optimal, safe and resilient solutions to complex challenges for the communities in which we all live and work. She is an advocate for creating safe and inclusive workplaces where everyone has a sense of purpose and belonging.

Janet Fox – Digital Health Business Development Lead – CSIRO

Janet looks after Digital Health Business Development and Commercialisation for CSIRO. A seasoned professional with over 20 years of business development and commercialisation experience, she excels in building strong relationships with key customers and developing and implementing new business models for digital health technologies. She especially enjoys working at the interface of discovery, implementation, and business strategy to translate digital health research technologies into sustainable commercial products.

Prior to joining CSIRO Janet held senior positions at QUT, QIMR, and PanBio Ltd, a medical diagnostics company. Janet holds a PhD from University College Dublin and an MBA from QUT.

Jenny Loveday – National Industry Lead – Maritime / Principal Maritime Engineer – Kellogg Brown & Root (KBR)

Jenny has over 20 years’ experience as a Ports and Maritime Engineer, working predominantly on Defence and Navy infrastructure, bulk material, containerised cargo and liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects.

In her current role as National Industry Lead – Maritime, she is the Client Relationship Manger for KBR’s key port and local government Clients, Principal Ports and Maritime Engineer and Maritime Lead across the Navy Capability Infrastructure Sub-program.

Joy Francisco – Chief Commercial Officer – Sydney Local Health District

Joy is the inaugural Chief Commercial Officer at Sydney Local Health District. She is a champion for catalysing the translation of STEM research and clinical insights to improve health outcomes and value-based care.

Joy has extensive technology transfer expertise (MIT, NIH, NCI, UNSW, UOM). Her interests encompasses the spectrum of health innovation and includes experience in venture capital (Uniseed, Brandon Capital), medical product development (Ventracor’s award-winning VentrAssist device), and health precinct and ecosystem development (Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, Randwick Health and Innovation Precinct).

Her qualifications include RTTP, PhD(Medicine), MBA, MBiomedE, BE(Materials), GradCert(Research Management and Commercialisation).

Louise Moore – Co-Founder and Director – Beyond Drug Development Pty Ltd

Louise has over 25 years experience in the Pharmaceutical Industry working in all aspects of Product Development, most recently providing consultancy advice on clinical, non-clinical, CMC, and Regulatory aspects to Biotechnology Companies throughout the drug development process, from pre-clinical to product licencing.

Louise has extensive experience in US, European and Australian Regulatory Affairs accompanied by excellence in Medical Writing, and has worked across global Pharmaceuticals Companies, local Biotechnology Companies and Clinical Research Organisations. Louise has extensive management experience, and in October 2020 founded of Beyond Drug Development an Australian based product development consultancy and CRO.

Madhavi Maddugoda – Strategic advisor – Research training – Institute for Molecular Bioscience – the University of Queensland

Madhavi is the strategic advisor for research training at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland. She is re-designing how we train life science researchers in Australia to impact the next generation of our STEM workforce. She trained as a scientist in the fight against antibiotic resistance and continues to influence this space through PhD programs.

Madhavi cares about enabling mid-career women in STEM to overcome barriers to leadership. She knows the powerful importance of having diversity in decision-making and is a champion for giving younger women a voice at the table.

Natalie Rickers – Business Development Manager, APAC – Invitae

Natalie is currently leading Business Development for the Asia Pacific region for global clinical genetic testing company, Invitae. With 17+ years in the genomics industry, Natalie has had the opportunity to commercialise products onto the market, bringing quality and scale, in research, clinical and consumer markets and lead global marketing efforts for Invitae.

Natalie has had the privilege to work with global companies with incredible missions and strategy, creating business and marketing plans leading to strong success. Natalie holds a PhD (Molecular Biology) from Manchester University and a BSc in Biochemistry from Liverpool University.

Natalie Thorne – Lead, Genomic Information Management – Melbourne Genomics Health Alliance

Natalie works on systems that enable complex data to inform clinical practice.

Her career began in research bioinformatics, before she joined the Melbourne Genomics team to develop GenoVic, a clinical-grade system for genomic testing. She has worked on bioinformatics pipelines and multiple software applications, as well as the conceptual design for the entire system.

She currently leads a team to mature and expand GenoVic as a sustained shared genomic information management system for Victoria, one that can enable better care for thousands of Victorians and open the door to precision medicine.

Pearl Ng – Lead Consultant – Aurecon

Pearl is a Lead Consultant at Aurecon, an engineering design and advisory company. Her solid knowledge base in STEM has enhanced her ability to think critically, connect the dots and drive innovation. Adopting those skills allow her to help her clients in their technology transformation journey.

Pearl was awarded the IBM Manager’s Choice Award and was also the recipient of the IBM Global Service Excellence Award. She is also named as the STA Superstar of STEM and ARN Women in Tech Finalist. Pearl hopes to inspire the next generation of female STEM leaders, especially those in underprivileged communities.

Surya Bala – Engineering Project Manager – Kellogg Brown & Root (KBR)

Surya is an Engineering Project Manager and during her career stint of 11+ years, she has managed and transformed a portfolio of infrastructure projects worth $ 16+ Billion across India, Africa, the Middle East and Australia from concept to commissioning.

She brings her international engineering experience in Energy, Water, social and mining Infrastructure projects to transform the lives of Australian communities.

Her work in the international engineering and infrastructure sector has been recognised through multiple accolades including Prime Minister (Indian) Scholarship, Build India Scholarship, outstanding employee award in the leading infrastructure organisations and holds a Guinness world record.

Tolu Okitika – Senior Program Manager – Telethon Kids Institute

Tolu is a senior program manager providing program management and operational oversight of the Malaria Atlas Project – a global, multidisciplinary group at the forefront of utilizing innovative geospatial modelling tools to support the global malaria eradication efforts.

She holds a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Washington Seattle and is a certified Project Management Professional. Her career experience spans 13 years of consistently demonstrated success in leading the delivery of medium to large-scale public health initiatives in academic and not-for-profit organizations.

She is passionate about people development and strongly advocates for diversity and inclusion in leadership positions.

Tracey Wilkinson – Director Stakeholder Engagement WA – MTPConnect

Tracey has over 14 years’ experience in the Medtech, Biotech, Pharma and Digital Health (MTP) sector across research, start-up and tech transfer roles.

Currently Director Stakeholder Engagement WA at the MTPConnect WA Life Sciences Innovation Hub, she works to accelerate growth of the MTP sector in WA and Australia. Operating as an interface between government, industry and the research sector, Tracey loves to build connected communities and support innovators to translate their innovations into real-world outcomes.

A scientific entrepreneur, Tracey co-founded an award-winning bioinformatics analysis start-up prior to completing a PhD in bioinformatics at the University of Melbourne.

Zoe Keon-Cohen – Deputy Director of Department of Anaesthesia – Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital Melbourne

Zoe is the Deputy Director, Anaesthesia at The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, and is a passionate researcher and innovator in the MedTech space. She has over 12 years of experience across a broad range of experience across academia, medicine, and emergency management.

Zoe completed her PhD in the Public Health and General Preventive Medicine Residency Program from Monash University, and also holds a MBBS and Master of Public Health.

Alison Thistlethwaite – Operations Manager, MecRx Pty Ltd

Alison is the Operations Manager at MycRx, where she has worked since 2020. Prior to joining MycRx Alison held both project and scientific management roles at the Centre for Drug Candidate Optimisation (CDCO, Monash University), where she developed project management expertise and over 15 years of experience in lead optimisation of small molecule therapeutics to treat cancer and neglected diseases.

Early in her career Alison worked as an industrial chemist for Caltex Australia and also for a start-up biotech working on synthetic scale-up of small molecule APIs. Alison holds a PhD (organic chemistry) from QUT and also a Masters of Medical Science (Drug Development) from UNSW.

Allira Hudson-Gofers – Practice Group Leader – Engineering and ICT Patents – Spruson & Ferguson

Allira Hudson-Gofers is a Principal of Spruson &Ferguson and heads up the Engineering and ICT Patents Practice. She has extensive experience and a keen interest in medical devices, providing intellectual property and regulatory advice to her clients in this space. Her qualifications and expertise also span robotics and control systems, engineering, sport and health technologies, transportation, consumer products, building construction, mining, agriculture, and manufacturing.

Allira supports her clients to achieve sustainable competitive advantage by aligning intellectual property strategy to commercial objectives. Allira also has substantial experience in sport through state and national representation and involvement in club and state committees.

Amanda Buttery – National Manager Clinical Evidence, National Heart Foundation of Australia

Amanda leads the National Heart Foundation’s strategic clinical evidence agenda. She manages the development of evidenced-based clinical guidelines, position statements, policies and their implementation to improve heart health for all Australians. She has 25 years of international health care experience and has a PhD in Gerontology from King’s College London. She has held previous roles as an Innovation Fellow in the Academic Health Science Network in London and Cambridge.

She has served as a panel reviewer on the Innovate UK led Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) to select the most promising ideas in healthcare for acceleration and implementation at scale.

Anne Conlon – Senior Development Manager, Sita Aerospace

Anne Conlon – Senior Development Manager at Sita Aerospace, holds a BSc in Computer Applications (Hons). A seasoned software engineering leader with many years experience in building  award-winning teams and delivering successful solutions in border management, banking, publishing and telecommunications.

As a lifelong learner, she is committed to a culture of continuous improvement and as part of the Sita Sydney graduate programme which she developed, now in its third year, she focused on inclusion, diversity and developing new talent. She promotes women in software engineering, and has tutored with girls programming network (GPN) and is a mentor with Project F.

Branwen Morgan – Mission lead, CSIRO

Associate Professor Branwen Morgan is currently leading the Antimicrobial Resistance Mission for CSIRO. Previously, she was based at the University of Technology Sydney where she was the managing director and co-founder of the OUTBREAK project. Branwen is best known as a science strategy and corporate affairs consultant and has worked for a wide variety of not-for-profit and industry organisations in the UK and Australia– including the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and AstraZeneca.

Her strong interest in research translation saw her being employed as a journalist and communications professional by Springer Nature, the ABC, and Innovation Science Australia.

Claire Rosenberg – Senior Manager, Global Supply Chain & Digital Transformation, The LEGO Group

Claire Rosenberg has over ten years of experience in Supply Chain and Technology in Australia, Asia, and Europe. She holds a Master’s degree in engineering from the University of Cambridge and a Bachelors’ degree in commerce from the University of Melbourne. Based in Melbourne, she is the Global Senior Manager of Supply Chain and Digital Transformation at The LEGO Group, leading a team of information technology engineers to build digital products to enable future business growth, across manufacturing and supply chain.

In parallel to this, Claire is a member of The LEGO Group’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee for Global Operations.

Emily Harris – Senior Civil Engineer, Aurecon

Emily Harris is a highly motivated chartered senior civil engineer with engineering company Aurecon. Emily’s strong interpersonal and communication skills have enabled her to successfully deliver some of Victoria’s key infrastructure projects. She is also passionate about sustainability and is involved in initiatives to embed this within the transport sector. Emily is a strong advocate for her industry evidence by her involvement in mentoring programs and volunteering on the Civil College Board at Engineers Australia.

Outside of engineering, Emily is captain of her local footy club where she helps grow the skills and nurture a diverse group of women.

Emma Lucia – Deputy Director Development (STEM), Monash University

Emma is a passionate climate advocate working at the nexus between technology and people. She leads the development of partnerships with academia enabling the creation of novel solutions to the challenges of the age. An Arts(Italian)/Mechanical Engineering graduate with a Master in Sustainability, Emma forged a career in sustainability focusing on the built environment and renewable energy. Trilingual with an entrepreneurial spirit, Emma is mission-driven and impact oriented.

Emma is keen to demonstrate that non-traditional career pathways result in well rounded leaders able to tackle the ambiguity of our changing world with confidence.

Hannah Crowther – Deputy Transport Manager, Kellogg Brown and Root

Chartered Engineer and Manager, former Army officer, and National Sporting Organisation committee member; experienced operations leader within engineering, construction, resources, management consultancy and learning and development sectors. Experienced in program, project and risk management to deliver and implement large scale capital projects. Excellent communication, organisational and analytical skills combined with a desire to build deep relationships and drive improvements; tested under exacting complex operational conditions which required adaptability and flexibility in all dimensions.

Strong natural leadership and key team player working with local, national and international teams. Thrives on using coaching and mentoring skills to develop others and manage performance.

Kathryn Jowett – Senior Business Performance Manager, AusNet Services – Mondo

Currently working for AusNet Mondo, Kathryn is part of the Infrastructure team that builds new high-voltage electricity transmission connections for renewable generation sources and grid-scale energy storage. Part of the management team, she is responsible for improvement, governance, reporting and supporting the team in the development of growth strategies. Kathryn has had roles in medical research before moving into client facing roles in R&D Advisory at KPMG and independent consulting, within industries ranging from biotechnology to engineering to IT.

Kathryn is passionate about education and mentoring, and contributes as a career mentor with the Industry Mentoring Network in STEM Program.

Krystel Boland – Practice Lead, Senior Experience Designer, and Managing Consultant, Pragma Partners

Krystel Boland is a Human-Centered Designer with strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills. Her design solutions to date have included digital platforms, services, physical spaces, virtual reality tools, strategic models, and learning frameworks. With 13 years of professional experience, Krystel is an experienced Design Leader and lifelong learner, committed to mentoring early-career designers and contributing to the broader design community.

She is incredibly passionate about hackathons, and has organised, facilitated, and participated in several over the last decade as one means of delivering on the promises of technology for a more sustainable future.

Liz Dallimore – CEO, Argenica Therapeutics Limited

Liz has over 20 years’ experience in medical research, innovation, and technology commercialisation, with a strong track record working with technology companies to commercialise novel products. Liz is currently the CEO of Argenica Therapeutics Ltd, a listed biotechnology developing novel neuroprotective therapeutics. She is also Co-Founder and Director of medical device startup Inspiring Holdings Pty Ltd. Prior to this, Liz was the National Director of KPMG Australia’s Research Engagement and Commercialisation Team.

Liz generously gives her time to advise not-for-profits and government on advancing the life sciences industry in WA. She holds a PhD in Neuroscience and an MBA.

Dr. Marguerite Evans-Galea – IMNIS Executive Director, Australian Academy of Technology & Engineering

Dr Marguerite Evans-Galea AM is IMNIS Executive Director at the Australian Academy of Technology & Engineering, co-founder and co-chair of Women in STEMM Australia, and Australian Sickle Cell Advocacy chair. Evans-Galea led gene therapy research in the US and Australia, and her leadership has been internationally recognised. She is Australasia editor with Springer-Nature’s Gene Therapy. Evans-Galea represented Australia through APEC, served on SAGE’s Expert Advisory and Victoria’s Ministerial Council for Women, and now serves on the Policy Committee with Science & Technology Australia.

Dr Evans-Galea is a member of the Victorian Honour Roll of Women and the Order of Australia.

Megan Astle – Associate Director, MRFF & Major Initiatives, University of Melbourne

Megan is an experienced higher education and research professional with a background in biomedical research and a demonstrated history of developing and delivering major impact-focused research ventures at the interface of industry, research and education.

She is currently employed at the University of Melbourne in Research and Enterprise Development, supporting new major interdisciplinary research initiatives and Medical Research Future Fund applicants.

Pandora Patterson – General Manager, Research, Policy, & Patient Programs, CanTeen

Pandora is General Manager of Research, Policy & Patient Programs, and part of the executive team at Canteen a national not-for-profit for young people impacted by cancer. Pandora leads Canteen’s Research and Policy teams, having built a globally recognised program of research and translational work in youth cancer.

She also leads the national implementation of Canteen’s clinical trials initiative for young cancer patients and the hospital-based Youth Cancer Service which has transformed the response of Australia’s health care system to adolescent and young adult cancer patients with the provision of nationally coordinated, age-appropriate medical and psychosocial care.

Patricia Vietheer – Director, R&D Strategy & Planning, Biointelect Pty Ltd

Dr-Patricia Vietheer has >18 years of experience in the Life Sciences industry. A specialist in infectious diseases, molecular biology and viral immunology, Patricia’s career began in the research laboratory working on the preclinical evaluation of vaccines collaborating with industry. She has since held a range of roles in business development, project/program management and consulting where she has helped translate scientific ideas into public health solutions.

She holds a Science degree from University of Queensland, PhD in Microbiology at Monash University, an MBA in Strategy & Planning at Deakin University and completed the Molecules to Medicine Internship on Commercialization.

Susan Lloyd – Design Coordinator, Kellogg, Brown and Root

Susan is Civil and Environmental Engineer, who leads level crossing removal design delivery. Commencing as a design engineer she has worked across various infrastructure sectors from securing environmental flows for the Coorong and Adelaide’s water supply to delivering innovative transport and health care solutions. Taking her 14-year design delivery experience, she now finds purpose in creating and managing diverse design teams, able to bring their authentic selves to deliver tangible change for the community.

Her vision is for her nonnegotiable, diversity to become standard practice. Susan holds a Bachelor of Civil and Environmental Engineering (Hons) from the University of Adelaide.

Tamsin Terry – Director, Commercialisation – Life Sciences, UniQuest Pty Ltd

Tamsin Terry is Director, Commercial Engagement – Life Sciences at UniQuest with a particular focus on oncology and infectious disease. Tamsin has an extensive background in Australian and UK research commercialisation and biotech encompassing small molecule drug and biologic development and medical devices with additional experience in vaccine development and gene expression-based diagnostic assays/biomarkers.

Prior to joining UniQuest in July 2018, Tamsin was R&D Director for the Wound Management Innovation CRC, responsible for directing research and development strategy across the CRC’s portfolio of innovative wound-focused research and had previous Research Director roles in small molecule and antibody therapeutics and expression-based diagnostics.

Vanessa Waddell – Head Commercial Operations and Business Development, PolyActiva Pty Ltd

Vanessa is an executive manager with 20 years’ experience in commercialization of pharmaceuticals, biological products, and medical devices. Vanessa is the Head of Commercial Operations and Business Development at PolyActiva, responsible for operational management, finance, HR, and business development. Vanessa has held senior management roles in private and publicly listed biotechnology companies across business competencies including general management, business development, IP management, project management (preclinical and clinical), and finance.

Prior to joining PolyActiva Vanessa held positions with Starpharma Pty. Ltd., PrimaBiomed Ltd., Velacor Therapeutics, & Pathway Therapeutics. Vanessa has a BSc. (Hons) University of Sydney and MBA (Brookes Scholar) Deakin University.