Meet the Team

Leadership Team

Project Manager & Academic Lead
Associate Professor Susannah Soon

Project Manager & Academic Lead

Dr Susannah Soon is a Computer Scientist with over 20 years experience in academia and industry. She is an expert in human-centred computing and the application of AI in digital health. Susannah currently works with Pilbara communities in two large digital health projects. She has a strong passion for innovation and developing student teams working in software product development.

Health Lead
Prof Andrew Maiorana

Health Lead

Professor Andrew Maiorana brings expertise in optimising exercise testing, training for cardiovascular disease, and developing innovative approaches in clinical practice to improve patient health outcomes.

Project Governance

Project Sponsor
John Curtin Distinguished Prof Andrew Rohl

Project Sponsor

John Curtin Distinguished Professor Andrew Rohl provides executive leadership and strategic guidance for the Healthy Connections project.

Steering Committee Chair
Dr Judy Edwards AM

Steering Committee Chair

Dr Judy Edwards AM brings strong leadership, unwavering commitment, and exceptional service across government, not-for-profit, health, and community sectors.

Technical Sub-Committee

Networking Lead
Dr Himanshu Agrawal

Networking Lead

Dr Himanshu Agrawal’s expertise encompasses next-generation telecommunications, security, privacy, Digital Twins, IoT, and AI/ML.

AI Specialist
Dr Kit Yan Chan

AI Specialist

Dr Kit Yan Chan brings a wealth of expertise encompassing artificial intelligence, machine learning, data mining, and algorithm design.

IoT Lead
Dr Siavash Khaksar

IoT Lead

Dr Siavash Khaksar brings expertise in assistive and digital health technology, embedded systems, IoT, IIoT, digital systems, intelligent sensors, and applied machine learning.

AI Lead
Associate Prof Sonny Pham

AI Lead

A/Prof Sonny Pham brings his expertise in leveraging AI and computer vision to develop AI-powered technologies for low-bandwidth video communications in remote areas.

Headshot of Dr Yifei Ren
Dr Yifei Ren

IoT Specialist

Dr Yifei Ren’s expertise encompasses wireless communication, reinforcement learning, IoT, and embedded systems.

Cyber Security Lead
Associate Professor Reza Ryan

Cyber Security Lead

Dr Reza Ryan brings expertise in autonomous cybersecurity and is instrumental in developing a secure and reliable virtual healthcare system tailored for remote areas.

John Curtin Distinguished Professor Iain Murray AM

Professor Iain Murray AM, Deputy Head of EECMS, brings expertise in biomedical sensors, device connectivity and networks, industrial cybersecurity, and assistive technology and rehabilitation engineering.

John Distinguished Professor Tele Tan AM

Professor Tele Tan AM, Deputy Head of EECMS, possesses expertise in machine learning, electrophysiology, participatory research, and team leadership.

Program Manager, Cisco
James Stewart

Program Manager, Cisco

State Director, Optus
Paul Williams

State Director, Optus

Health Science Advisors

Clinical Nurse
Mr Ted Dowling

Clinical Nurse

Community Health Director
Prof Tim Carey

Community Health Director

Professor Tim Carey, an experienced remote clinician-researcher, brings expertise in rural evaluation and research methodologies. A leading figure in health inequality initiatives.

Allied Health & Community Engagement
Dr Margaret Gidgup

Allied Health & Community Engagement

Dr Margaret Gidgup, with 30+ years of experience, focuses on enhancing health and welfare outcomes for Indigenous communities. Her expertise in diverse Aboriginal collaboration is crucial for advancing regional E-Health initiatives.

Operations Staff

Marketing Specialist
Ms Lois Paffett

Marketing Specialist

Ms Lois Paffett is an experienced marketer with extensive software marketing and B2B experience. She thrives on creating engaging, results-driven content, developing innovative strategies and managing impactful events.

Research and Finance Lead
Ms Tamara Andersen

Research and Finance Lead

Tamara is a passionate and experienced operations professional who excels in enabling research centres to thrive within complex tertiary ecosystems. Tamara leads the operations functions to support the projects stakeholders and high-impact research activity.

Research Assistants and Students

Artificial Intelligence
Prasanna Asokan

Artificial Intelligence

Bachelor of Advanced Science, Computing (Honours) – 4th Year

Prasanna’s innate curiosity into the world of machine learning and data has him exploring innovative applications for cutting-edge AI technologies. He is eager to work with others to push the envelope and build a brighter future.

Cyber Security
Jaxson Brown

Cyber Security

Bachelor of Advanced Science, Computing (Honours) – 3rd Year

Jaxson passionately engages in programming, cyber security, and computer-related pursuits, applying his skills to real-world scenarios and seizing opportunities. He aspires to leverage his studies for a positive impact.

Artificial Intelligence
Tristan Carlisle

Artificial Intelligence

Master of Computing, Artificial Intelligence

Tristan is honed in on refining his skills for innovative AI-driven solutions, addressing real-world challenges. Driven by a keen analytical mind and a commitment to leaving a lasting impact, he navigates the ever-evolving landscape of AI.

Sensors
Stanley Chong

Sensors

Master of Philosophy – MPhil, Electronics & Computer Engineering

Stanley finds joy in acquiring and applying technology for meaningful purposes, drawing from 30 years of experience in industrial automation. He continues to pursue innovation, creating solutions to enhance well-being.

Front End Developer
Robin Fu

Front End Developer

Bachelor of Software Engineering – 3rd Year

Robin, driven by a keen interest in software development, leverages his studies and skills to create innovative solutions that serve meaningful purposes, addressing challenges and improving existing solutions.

Community Consultant
Cate Harris

Community Consultant

Bachelor of Chemical Engineering & Science, Extractive Metallurgy – 4th Year

Cate’s respect and dedication for her Indigenous heritage drives her commitment to closing the gap and improving equity in the regions.

UI/UX Researcher
Stefan Hofmann

UI/UX Researcher

Bachelor of Advanced Science, Computing (Honours) – 4th Year

Stefan is passionate about discovering, designing and developing user-centric interfaces and leveraging technology to serve people’s needs.

Front End Developer
Alin Ibrahim

Front End Developer

Bachelor of Computing, Computer Science – 4th Year

Alin’s fuelled passion for software development drives him to actively seek collaboration with like-minded individuals. With great drive, he is committed to crafting sustainable solutions to enhance well-being.

Alastair Kho headshot
Alastair Kho

Artificial Intelligence

Bachelor of Advanced Sciences, Computing (Honours) – 4th Year

Alastair is a technology and machine learning enthusiast with software engineering and research experience. Passionate about creating socially beneficial innovations to make a meaningful impact on communities.

Healthcare Researcher
Shale Moothen

Healthcare Researcher

Bachelor of Science – BS, Human Biology Preclinical

Shale combines his passion for health with a keen interest in leveraging technology to enhance healthcare services. He is dedicated to contributing positively to patient care through technology.

Mechatronics
Jay Nicholson

Mechatronics

Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering (Honours) – 3rd Year

Jay’s pursuit of innovation is driven by a commitment to efficiently harness today’s technology for practical, real-world challenges, particularly in the realm of digital healthcare.

Marketing
Xuelan Amy Shang

Marketing

Bachelor of Commerce, Marketing – 3rd Year

Xuelan is passionate about continual learning and gaining valuable industry experience. She aspires to contribute to collaborative projects for personal and professional growth, actively seeking meaningful experiences.

Full Stack Developer
Victor Tian

Full Stack Developer

Bachelor of Computing & Software Systems – 3rd Year

Victor, driven by a fervent passion for software development and a keen interest in problem-solving, strives to craft sustainable solutions that contribute to the project’s success and enhance user experiences.

Visiting Research Associate
Ellemijn Vernhout

Visiting Research Associate

Ellemijn’s passion for both healthcare and engineering is combined in her unique master of Technical Medicine. With her extensive knowledge of both engineering and medicine, she is dedicated to bringing both fields together on the Healthy Connections team.

Front End Developer
Jacob Arvino

Front End Developer

Bachelor of Software Engineering – 3rd Year

Jacob is enthusiastic about developing complex and innovative systems, with an emphasis on mobile and web applications. He strives to enhance his skills, both practical and interpersonal, to create technical solutions that have a lasting and positive impact on society and the environment.

Front End Developer
Jim Hie Ling

Front End Developer

Jim channels his passion for technology and healthcare into creating impactful solutions that improve patient outcomes. Driven by curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning, he strives to make meaningful contributions that positively impact communities.