Perth Biodesign 2025
Training the Next Generation of Biomedical Entrepreneurs
2025 Course Directors
Chloe Goodred
Course Director
Chloe is an innovative and effective healthcare leader who is passionate about improving the way we design and deliver care to improve outcomes for patients, staff and the broader community. Chloe began her career as a physiotherapist and worked across a range of clinical settings before pivoting into clinical service design and project management. Her curiosity and passions for problem solving, diverse collaborations and systems thinking led her into the innovation and entrepreneurship space, co-founding a digital health startup and acting as a boundary spanner to bring public and private sector innovators together. Most recently Chloe led the Kaartdijin Innovation Centre at South Metropolitan Health Service, including establishment in 2019 – the first innovation hub for WA public health services. She has engaged, connected and empowered clinicians, technicians, corporate staff and external partners to dream big and innovate to solve problems. Chloe also has a keen interest in Aboriginal health, wellbeing and justice including volunteer work for Enterprise Partnerships WA, a not-for-profit partnering with remote First Nations communities to facilitate entrepreneurship and activate community-led enterprises that foster health and well-being. In particular, Chloe is working with Oliver Bazzani to deliver the Perth Biodesign course and with Sandra Medic to deliver the Biodesign content for iPREP.
Oliver Bazzani
Course Director
Oliver is a Director of Biodesign Australia and Perth Biodesign, where he fosters the next generation of innovators to solve important problems in healthcare through technology. With broad experience across the Australian startup ecosystem, Oliver is recognised as a trusted advisor and investor to leading startups, accelerators, and venture funds. He also serves as a founding member of the WA State Government’s Innovation Advisory Board, judge at the INCITE Awards, and mentor to emerging founders, operators and investors. Previously, Oliver built businesses in the digital health and creative industries, designed the Australian Clinical Entrepreneur and Dream Venture Programs and led the Child and Adolescent Health Service's innovation function. His interest in healthcare was sparked during his participation in Perth Biodesign for Digital Health 2020, where he and his team sought to solve the problem of finding the psychologist that's right for you. Their solution, Charli, was recognised as the winner of the 2020 Perth Biodesign program and 2020 Freo Startup Fest. He also managed WA’s largest angel investor network, was Chair of Regional Arts WA, and was an ambassador for the West Tech Fest, which connects local startup founders and tech entrepreneurs with global thought leaders.
2025 Cohort
Kimia
Abdollahi
Kimia Abdollahi is a Biomedical Engineering student at UWA, originally from Iran. She has nearly three years of experience working in a medical device company in both the technical and product development teams, with a primary focus on defibrillators, patient monitoring systems, auto CPR devices, AEDs, and alternative air mattresses. She was responsible for troubleshooting and repairing devices, conducting training sessions for users and contributed ideas to improve and develop the products. Kimia has experience as a biomedical engineering intern in hospitals, where she was involved in the purchasing process of medical devices. This included comparing different devices to find the best options based on the hospital’s specific needs. Her main interest is learning about various medical devices—especially medical imaging technologies, dental instruments, and the application of 3D printing in biomedical engineering.
Vibhuti
Arya
Vibhuti Arya is an Indo-Canadian recently arrived in Australia to undertake the postgraduate Doctor of Medicine program at the University of Western Australia. She has a BSc. in Molecular Biology and MSc. in Physiology and Pathophysiology, from the University of Manitoba, in Winnipeg, Canada. Before starting medicine, Vibhuti worked as a Clinical Research Coordinator investigating the role of dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) in prevention of obesity and type-2 diabetes in indigenous youth. She brings clinical research experience in the fields of Cardiology, Oncology and Indigenous Health. As a future physician, she is passionate about leveraging patient experiences to bridge gaps in healthcare knowledge and innovation.
Carlos
Aya-Bonilla
Dr Carlos Aya-Bonilla is a scientist with nearly two decades of experience merging creativity and cutting-edge tools (e.g., cell biology, multi-omics and data analyses) to drive the discovery of clinically-relevant drugs and biomarkers, through innovative and translational research. His goal is to improve patient outcomes by advancing safer and more effective therapies and diagnostic tools that can change current paradigms in the clinical management of patients with inherited and acquired (cancer) genetic diseases. His research has focused on treatment resistance and metastasis in high-mortality cancers (lymphoma, melanoma, and leukemia). Recently, he led the Inflammation Program at a pharmaceutical company, advancing an RNA therapeutic for rare genetic diseases. Carlos has secured over $1.1 million AUD in competitive research funding and has led inter-disciplinary collaborations with academic and industry partners. Alongside his scientific background and acumen, Carlos brings leadership, a patient-centred mindset and a deep commitment to innovation, adaptability and teamwork.
Alexandra
Ayton
Alexandra Ayton is a creator, innovator and project manager with a proven track record of delivering value, improving quality and inclusion, and driving change. Following degrees in biomedical science and public health, she has worked in areas of health service delivery project management, clinical and health system innovation, and science and technology strategy development and delivery. This experience spans across multiple government departments and areas, from site-based projects to multiple statewide initiatives. Alexandra has a passion for advocating and actioning inclusion, equity and access for all, in both her personal and professional life.
Jessica
Bennett-Hullin
Jessica Bennett-Hullin is a proactive organisational leader with experience in health, disability services and the arts. Currently a Senior Project Officer at the WA Country Health Service (Outpatient reform), Jessica has a proven track record of leading multidisciplinary teams, coordinating programs, reforming health services, as well as developing and facilitating workshops. Beyond her health sector experience, Jessica has a rich background in the arts, having worked as a set and costume designer. She continues to volunteer her creative talents to various community organisations and events. She holds a Bachelor of Humanities, Master of Public Health, Certificate IV in training and assessing, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration and Leadership, underscoring her dedication to continuous professional growth. Passionate about health equity, Jessica believes in leveraging innovation to enhance health outcomes for vulnerable and marginalised populations.
Jessie
Channel
Dr Jessie Channell is a medical doctor with a unique background in both medicine and geoscience. She holds a Doctor of Medicine from The University of Western Australia and a Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmic Science from The University of Sydney. Jessie has worked across a wide range of clinical settings—from metropolitan hospitals to some of the most remote regions of Australia—developing particular expertise in internal medicine and ophthalmology. She has led outreach initiatives with Lions Outback Vision and has played a key role in medical education, including curriculum development and tutoring. A published first author on several peer-reviewed papers, Jessie also secured a $50,000 grant to co-develop Eyeballs Made Easy, a gamified ophthalmology learning platform. Currently a General Medicine Registrar in Perth, she remains actively involved in clinical practice, research, and education, with a strong commitment to equitable, patient-centred care.
Sheena
Chohan
Sheena Chohan is a medical doctor and research student with a strong passion for advancing healthcare through evidence-based practice and innovation. With clinical experience and a growing academic background, she is particularly interested in bridging the gap between medicine and research to improve patient outcomes and shape the future of healthcare. She is currently pursuing research in Molecular Metabolites, and has a scientific curiosity with a deep commitment to compassionate, patient-centred care. She has been involved in innovative projects in Medicine through data analysis, and thrives in collaborative environments that foster critical thinking and meaningful impact. Sheena is excited to engage with mentors, peers, and thought leaders, contributing her ideas and experiences while learning from others.
Alexandra
Cowan
Dr Alexandra Cowan is a medical doctor currently working with Royal Perth Bentley Group. She graduated from The University of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Biomedical Science in 2020, a Doctor of Medicine with Distinction in 2023, and is currently completing a Masters of Health Professions Education. Alexandra is passionate about medical education, healthcare innovation, and service improvement. She holds representative roles on the Postgraduate Medical Council of Western Australia and the Royal Perth Hospital Junior Medical Officer committees, where she advocates for initiatives that support the education and development of junior doctors.
Christophe
Duigou
Dr Christophe Duigou has been a clinician for 20 years, currently working as a specialist orthodontist, with experience throughout the government, private and academic sectors. He has a deep-rooted passion for medtech and digital health and through his experience aims to bridge clinical insight with practical innovation to create scalable, impactful solutions in healthcare. Currently pursuing an MBA (Technology stream) at UNSW, he has also completed a Graduate Certificate in Digital Innovation, equipping him with the tools to navigate complex systems and lead digital transformation initiatives. With a strong interest in artificial intelligence and machine learning, he is exploring how emerging technologies can transform diagnostics, treatment planning, and service delivery in dental and medical care.
Rebekah
Hinton
Rebekah Hinton is the Engagement and Communications Manager at the WA Life Sciences innovation Hub. Working for MTPConnect in partnership with the WA State Government and UWA, her role is key in developing and delivering events, assisting the vision and goals of the national MTPConnect team, and working across all areas of WA industry to increase participation, engagement, and innovation within the life sciences. Rebekah has worked at Curtin University and Innovation Central Perth on various Industry 4.0 projects. She graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Arts from Curtin University, majoring in marketing and creative writing.
Rob
House
With a degree in Electronic Engineering and Computer Science and a deep interest in healthcare innovation, Rob House brings a multidisciplinary mindset to the Biodesign program. His experience spans medical imaging, software-hardware integration, and mechanical systems. He currently works on the design of an equine cone-beam CT scanner integrated with a nuclear SPECT detector—aimed at detecting micro-fractures in racehorses before they become catastrophic. He was also part of the team that commissioned Perth’s first private cyclotron, navigating engineering, radiation safety, and regulatory compliance in a high-stakes medical environment. These experiences have honed his ability to develop practical solutions, communicate across technical and clinical domains, and thrive under pressure. Time spent working in healthcare settings and engaging closely with medical professionals has deepened his appreciation for clinical challenges. He is excited to collaborate with a diverse team to tackle unmet clinical needs and develop impactful solutions.
Mahika
Jain
Mahika Jain is a first-year medical student at the University of Western Australia, with a background in neuroscience and data science from the University of Toronto (spreadsheets and synapses had more in common than she thought!). Having lived and studied in India, Canada, and now Australia, she is especially interested in how diverse, global perspectives can inform sustainable tech-enabled solutions in medicine. Mahika hopes to tackle challenges at the intersection of medicine, public health, and technology—especially how we can use data and design to improve access and outcomes for underserved communities. She has worked on projects ranging from AI health tools to global health education, and is always excited to learn from others. Outside of her studies, she enjoys teaching, the occasional community project, and pretending to understand Perth’s public transport system while chasing sunsets along the coast. She is looking forward to learning together and creating impactful change!
Hina
Khan
Hina Khan is a Senior User Experience (UX) Design Researcher with ten years of experience in workshop facilitation, design systems, and user research. She enjoys translating complex requirements into intuitive user flows and designs. She has led cross-functional collaboration to ensure alignment and provide solutions that integrate user needs with business objectives.
Lena
Kranold
Dr. Lena Kranold joined the School of Engineering at the University of Western Australia and Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research as Lecturer for Biomedical Engineering in September 2023. Her current research interests are in the fields of applied and computational electromagnetics, focused on biomedical applications, medical device development and MR implant safety and compatibility. Lena has an Engineering degree and Masters in Science, she earned her PhD in Electrical Engineering from McGill University, Canada, in 2021. Lena’s PhD research included the design of a wearable breast health monitoring system, RF radar, developing a prototype system, and conducting clinical trials. From 2021 to 2023, Lena joined ETH Zurich and the IT’IS Foundation as postdoctoral researcher studying the interaction and safety of medical implants exposed to electromagnetic fields and waves. She worked with industry partners and implant manufacturers on studies for regulatory submissions in the field of MR implant safety.
Pey Yen
Lee
Pey Yen Lee is a graduate from the University of Western Australia with a degree in Doctor of Optometry and Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Physiology major). She is passionate about embracing new challenges to improve healthcare outcomes and committed to ongoing learning. .
Laurence
Malloch
"Laurence Malloch is a high-performing professional with a B.Sc. in Human Biology and Anatomy and a strong passion for healthcare innovation. Her career spans early-stage R&D in aerosol drug delivery, patient-facing roles in orthopedic medical device sales, and SME private equity investments across the mining, industrial, and logistics sectors, building a unique blend of scientific, clinical, and commercial acumen. Having lived and worked across Australia, France, and Ireland, she brings a global perspective to multidisciplinary collaboration. While contributing to next-generation aerosol research at Aerogen, Laurence developed a lasting passion for supporting the translation and commercialisation of breakthrough technologies. She is excited to contribute valuable insight, energy, and a fresh perspective to Australia’s growing innovation sector through initiatives like the Perth Biodesign program. "
Shreeya
Naroth
Shreeya is a UWA student and Fogarty Scholar studying a Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours), double majoring in Microbiology & Immunology and Public Health. She is passionate about health equity and holistic healthcare and interested in the transformative role of technology and artificial intelligence in health surveillance and modelling. Her commitment to equitable and holistic healthcare stems from her belief that health is shaped by a wide range of social determinants, particularly education. Through her volunteer work with Teach Learn Grow (a not-for-profit organisation that provides in-person tutoring to primary school students in rural and remote communities), Shreeya understands that education is a powerful tool that can enable positive health outcomes. Her experiences have significantly influenced her goal of becoming a well-rounded health professional and leader in the field. She is driven by curiosity and a sense of purpose, and aspires to contribute meaningfully to a more equitable healthcare system.
Joel
Peiris
Joel Peiris is a Fogarty Scholar studying Medicine at UWA. He has a fascination with the human anatomy, and strong drive for innovation in AI/robotics. His future specialisation will combine medical engineering and nanotechnology on the journey to becoming a surgeon. Inspired by the work of Australians like Mark Kendall and Paul Anderson and Cytophenix in WA, he sees the Perth Biodesign Flagship Program as a vehicle to develop entrepreneurial skills, consolidating all his STEM knowledge to focus on innovation and enterprise.
Aditya
Vashi
Aditya Vashi is an engineer with a passion for research and innovation in science and technology. During his bachelor's and master's degrees, he gained in-depth technical expertise in programming, automation, sensors, instrumentation, and microtechnology by leading and collaborating on various projects. Driven by his interest in STEM, he is currently pursuing a PhD in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. His research aims to study the manipulation of microdroplets in acoustic levitation, advancing the field of digital microfluidics for outerspace research. Through his doctoral studies, Aditya has further developed his problem-solving, analytical thinking, communication, and project management skills. With his expertise, he aims to contribute to high-impact projects and research initiatives, promoting innovative and sustainable solutions that drive positive societal change.
Thomas
Walsh
Thomas Walsh is a Biomedical engineer with experience in medical device development across in-vitro diagnostics, surgical tools, and cardiovascular devices. He is skilled in multiple stages of the product lifecycle, from early concept development and prototyping through to manufacturing. He has experience in program design and project management, with a focus on translating user and technical requirements into manufacturable products.
Emily
Woodward
Emily Woodward is a second-year PhD student in the Mitochondrial Medicine & Biology Group at the The Kids Research Institute, where she is developing base editing technologies for the treatment of mitochondrial disease. Before starting her PhD, Emily spent three years working at PYC Therapeutics, a Perth-based biotech company developing RNA-based therapies for genetic diseases. Her role involved early-stage drug discovery, identifying unmet clinical needs, and contributing to the development of therapeutic programs, including work that led to FDA IND approval. Emily holds a Master’s in Natural Sciences from University College London, during which she also completed a research exchange at UWA. She is passionate about precision medicine, translational research, and scientific innovation. Through the Perth Biodesign Program, she hopes to build on her industry experience, expand her interdisciplinary network, and develop the entrepreneurial skill set needed to bring meaningful therapies to patients.
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