Professor Margaret Byrne, PhD, GAICD, PSM
Director
Professor Margaret Byrne provides strategic leadership and direction for the Raine Study in its planning, partnerships, research program, and operations. She has a background in molecular and biological sciences and extensive experience in science leadership and governance, including managing and delivering outcomes from research infrastructure, data and biological collections. Margaret has held senior roles in government and served as non-executive director on boards and committees, providing strategic direction and scientific expertise for evidence based management and policy at state and federal level.
Margaret is an accomplished academic with over 300 scientific papers, and a strong track record of attracting research funding. She was awarded the Public Service Medal in 2023 for her outstanding science leadership, and the MJD White Medal for expertise in genetics by the Genetics Society of AustralAsia in 2025.
Associate Professor Phillip Melton, PhD, MA
Scientific Director
Associate Professor Phillip Melton, PhD, is Scientific Director of the Raine Study. He provides strategic leadership for research and brings expertise in statistical genetics, computational biology, longitudinal data analysis, DNA methylation, and explainable AI. Phil earned his PhD in Anthropological Genetics from the University of Kansas and has published over 100 papers, including more than 30 using Raine Study data. A long-standing contributor, he has co-led the Genetics Special Interest Group, served on the Scientific Review Committee, and advised on genetics and Pawsey-related activities. Phil also coordinates genomic analyses across major international consortia ensuring the Raine Study remains a leader in global research collaborations.
Aggie Bouckley, BCom, CPA
Operations Manager
Aggie has senior responsibility for finance and operational matters. Aggie’s portfolio includes all matters related to administration, human resources, cohort follow-ups, data and biosample management, corporate support, communications and participant engagement.
Alex D’Vauz, BSc (Hons), GradDipHlthProm, MHlthProm
Senior Data Manager
Alex D’Vauz is the Senior Data Manager at the Raine Study. The focus throughout Alex’s 20+ year career has been on child health research, accompanying her passion for information that informs the understanding of developmental origins of health and disease and the potential for health advancements. Alex’s knowledge across all aspects of the Raine Study data lifecycle is comprehensive and crucial in leading the data team in the longitudinal quality checking of all Raine Study data. She advises Raine Study leadership on strategic directions for data curation and also works closely with leadership to ensure continued secure storage and sharing of data in accordance with Raine Study governance and policies. With in-depth knowledge of research project study design including protocol development, Alex provides fundamental support to researchers from the planning stage through to project proposal and conduct stage. Alex assists researchers with identifying the data relevant to their project, and helps identify the exact variables needed for their data request, overall maximising the value of the Raine Study data.
Diane Wood, BAppSc, Dip Ed, GDipHumNutr
Overall Follow-up Manager
Diane Wood is the Raine Study Overall Follow-up Manger and joined the Raine Study in 2005 and currently manages the Follow up and Participant Engagement portfolios. Diane has been a research assistant, participant engagement co-ordinator, Follow-up manager and has extensive experience in coordinating full cohort and sub study follow-ups. Diane’s effective project management applied to creating budgets ,data collection, curation of hard copy data, good clinical practice, research methodology, application of occupational health and safety and managing risk. Diane has worked closely with researchers, the data collection team and the Raine Study cohort members to maximise ease and benefit during all phases of the follow-ups.
Blagica (Bee) Penova-Veselinovic, MScBiolSci
Scientific Manager
Blagica (Bee) Penova-Veselinovic is the Raine Study’s Scientific Manager. Blagica plays a key strategic role in shaping the scientific portfolio, working closely with the Directors to align research initiatives with the Raine Study’s mission to advance knowledge and improve lives. Blagica oversees scientific governance, policy, and biosamples management. She manages project applications via the Raine Online Submission System (ROSS), supports researchers in developing high-quality proposals, and ensures compliance with ethical standards. With extensive experience in clinical research and cohort studies, Blagica leads strategic projects from planning to execution. Her expertise spans study planning, protocol development, data and biosamples curation, data analysis, and scientific writing.
Heather Amos, BA (ECE)
Executive Assistant
Heather provides essential support services to the UJV Board and Board Chair, the Raine Study Director and the Operations and Science Portfolios. She also takes care of the day-to-day running of the Raine Study office ensuring efficient support for recruitment, procurement, and research activities, as well as assisting with the Raine Study’s Annual Research Symposium and other key events.
Donnelle Curnow, BCom
Finance Officer
Donnelle is the Finance Officer at the Raine Study, providing essential support to the Operations Manager across both financial and operational activities. She works closely with various portfolios to ensure smooth, efficient, and well‑coordinated processes across the organisation.
A qualified accountant with more than 15 years of experience, Donnelle has worked across a diverse range of industries including not‑for‑profit, venue and stadia management, mining, and government. Her breadth of expertise makes her a valuable contributor to the Raine Study team.
Heather Eaton, BSc
Communications Officer
Heather has responsibility for all external and internal communications on behalf of the Raine Study. She works to ensure that participants and researchers stay engaged and connected with the Raine Study through the website, social media, digital communications, media and events, and that external stakeholders and partners continue to understand the unique value of the Raine Study and are committed to securing its future.
Rachel Lloyd, BSc (Hons), BMedSci (Hons), PhD
Senior Research Officer
Rachel provides support for the scientific aspects of the Raine Study, in particular providing support to the Scientific Manager. She has been involved in every aspect of health-related research, from study planning, protocol development, experiment design, grant and ethics applications and the development of research deliveries such as peer-reviewed papers and presentations.
Slaine O'Halloran, MA (Hons)
Administration Officer - Scientific Support
Slaine provides much needed administrative support to the Raine Study science team including assisting with internal and external scientific committees, as well as our Special Interest Groups which is composed of researchers utilising Raine Study data. Additionally, Slaine supports the preparation of scientific reports, conducts literature searches and tracks the impact of our research.
Elisa Robey, PhD
Follow-up Coordinator
As Follow-up Coordinator for Gen1 & Gen2, Elisa is responsible for the daily running and management of the Generations Follow-up. She collaborates closely with the participants, team and the wider community. Elisa has broad experience within clinical trials, both paediatric and adult. She has her PhD in exercise physiology and sleep science and started her career working with athletes.
Isabelle, BSc Psych, Grad Dip Psych
Follow-up Coordinator
In her role as the Generation 3 Follow-up Coordinator, Isabelle assumes responsibility for the day-to-day operations and management of the Gen 3 Follow-up, placing a current emphasis on the physical assessment appointments and data collection. Additionally, Isabelle serves as a Follow-up Coordinator for the Generations Follow-up. Her responsibilities encompass the overall daily coordination and administration of ongoing Raine Study follow-ups, requiring close collaboration with participants, the team, and the broader community. With a wealth of experience in applied research settings, Isabelle brings valuable insights from her prior roles.
Saniya Abdul, BSc Psych & Neuro
Participant Engagement Assistant
Saniya, as Participant Engagement Assistant, provides support to the Participant Engagement Manager. She communicates with Raine Study’s lifelong volunteer participants ensuring we have effective participant representation and consultation across the Raine Studies portfolios. Saniya assists the Communication Team in creating communications and content for our multi-generational cohort. Saniya also provides administrative support to the Raine Study Community Advisory Committee (RSCAC).
Natalie Bride
Research Administrative Assistant
Natalie, as Research Administrative Assistant, provides administrative support to the Follow-up Manager. She is contact tracing the Raine Study’s lifelong volunteer participants, ensuring we have the latest up-to-date contact details for our current follow-up. She books appointments for our Generation 1 and 2 participants for the follow-up assessments.
Jacqui Leonard
Research Administrative Assistant
Jacqui, as Research Administrative Assistant, provides administrative support to the Follow-up Manager. She is contact tracing the Raine Study’s lifelong volunteer participants, ensuring we have the latest up-to-date contact details for our current follow-up. She books appointments for our Generation 1 and 2 participants for the follow-up assessments.
Beverley Hodgson, BSc
Biological Samples Coordinator
Bev manages the day-to-day running of the Raine Study laboratory, coordinates the laboratory staff, oversees biosample processing, data entry and storage for the current Generations follow-up.
She develops policies and protocols for the processing, data information management and storage of all Raine Study biological samples. She also audits and curates the Raine Study’s existing biological samples.
Sue Green, BSc Retired July 2025
Phlebotomist and Research Assistant
Sue is our blood-taking extraordinaire and is much loved by our participants. She works across our follow-ups as a research assistant and phlebotomist. Sue retired in July 2025 after 20 years of incredible service to the Raine Study and its participants.
Dr Hangfei He, PhD Stats, MSc Stats, BEc
Statistician & Data Officer
Hangfei is one of the Raine Study’s data officers who handles data requests and works to clean and manage Raine Study data.
Hala
Data Officer
Hala is one of the Raine Study’s data officers who handles data requests and works to clean and manage Raine Study data.
Jacqui Whale BA, GradDipCompSt, GradDipAcc
Statistician and Data Officer
Jacqui is one of our team of data officers who handle data requests, work to clean our data and manage the data.
Danielle Bartlett, PhD
Research Officer (Laboratory)
Danielle is a member of the Raine Study laboratory team, where she manages and processes biological samples collected during participant appointments. Her role includes handling, storing, and maintaining the integrity of these samples
Deb, BMLS
Research Assistant (Laboratory)
Deb is a member of the Raine Study laboratory team, where she manages and processes biological samples collected during participant appointments. Her role includes handling, storing, and maintaining the integrity of these samples
Ashley, BSc (Biomedical Science, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine)
Research Assistant (Laboratory)
Ashley is a member of the Raine Study laboratory team, where she manages and processes biological samples collected during participant appointments. Her role includes handling, storing, and maintaining the integrity of these samples. Currently, she is also assisting in the audit of historical samples to ensure accurate records and long-term preservation.
Kira, BBiomedSc
Senior Research Assistant
Kira conducts face-to-face assessments, collects study data, ensures consent and protocols are followed, and manages accurate data entry and handover to research and lab teams.
Sarah, BSc (Hons)
Senior Research Assistant
Sarah conducts face-to-face assessments, collects study data, ensures consent and protocols are followed, and manages accurate data entry and handover to research and lab teams.
Stephanie, BSc
Senior Research Assistant
Steph conducts face-to-face assessments, collects study data, ensures consent and protocols are followed, and manages accurate data entry and handover to research and lab teams.
Annelise
Research Assistant
Annelise conducts face-to-face assessments, collects study data, ensures consent and protocols are followed, and manages accurate data entry and handover to research and lab teams.
Crystal
Research Assistant
Crystal conducts face-to-face assessments, collects study data, ensures consent and protocols are followed, and manages accurate data entry and handover to research and lab teams.
Liesbeth Van Kerckhoven, BSC, MSc, PhD
Research Assistant
Liesbeth supports the management of backend systems for our SENS and WITHINGS devices, ensuring participant data is accurately processed and handled with care.
Helen
Phlebotomist and Research Assistant
As a phlebotomist for the Raine Study, Helen collects blood samples – with the utmost care! She is in awe of the generosity of our volunteer participants and tries to be as gentle as she can be. She also undertakes other administrative duties and laboratory work as required.
Nicole, BSc (Nursing)
Phlebotomist and Research Assistant
Nicole is a phlebotomist who collects blood samples – with the utmost care! She tries to be as gentle as she can be. She also undertakes other administrative duties and laboratory work as required.
Lily, BSc Human Bio & MSc Bioinformatics
Lily conducts face-to-face assessments, collects study data, ensures consent and protocols are followed, and manages accurate data entry and handover to research and lab teams.
Hayley, BBiomedSc
Hayley conducts face-to-face assessments, collects study data, ensures consent and protocols are followed, and manages accurate data entry and handover to research and lab teams.
Ray Smith
Scientific Programmer
Ray works on the ongoing development of the Research Online Management System (ROSS), and the development of a relational database to facilitate efficient data input and extraction of data sets for researchers.