Clockwise, top left: Alice Gutowski, Christina Huynh, Marianne Jovanovic, Marianne Tomlin, Susie Anceschi, Sophie Page, and Seamus Heanue.
Monash Health is excited to announce the seven recipients of the 2025 Emerging Researcher Fellowships.
The coveted program invests in early-career research individuals with significant potential by supporting them to conduct a translational research project.
‘This fellowship is a unique opportunity that provides a health professional with an interest in research with the opportunity to pursue a project in their area,’ said Dr Jason Goh, Acting Director of Research at Monash Health.
‘Many people often go on to develop their research skills further and incorporate research into their careers at Monash Health. I would encourage anyone who is hesitant, yet curious, to read through the profiles of our Emerging Researchers and be inspired. This could be you.’
In the last decade, Monash Health supported 70 people and awarded $922,666 in funding for the Emerging Researcher Fellowships.
These fellowships provide vital resources, support, and mentorship, enabling recipients to conduct groundbreaking studies that tackle critical healthcare challenges and drive positive change.
The research often results in publications and presentations, enhancing visibility and credibility while addressing urgent healthcare issues and generating evidence-based solutions.
For the 2025 recipients, the fellowship offers a unique opportunity to influence healthcare delivery and outcomes.
Their diverse projects span fields such as dietetics, imaging, cardiology, podiatry, and pharmacy.
The 2025 fellows and their research projects
Susie Anceschi, Senior Paediatric Dietitian
Project: Exploring Combined Non-Pharmacological Therapies for Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
Susie is leading a study to address the burden of drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) in children. This condition affects approximately 30% of paediatric epilepsy patients who do not respond to anti-seizure medications. Her project at Monash Children’s Hospital will explore the combined use of ketogenic diet therapy (KDT) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS).
‘I hope that this research will provide a greater understanding of the use of combination non-pharmacological approaches for children with DRE.
‘By identifying patterns and evidence gaps, the study aims to optimise treatment pathways and support future research, ultimately aiming to improve patient care and reduce healthcare costs,’ she said.
Alice Gutowski, Senior Medical Physicist
Project: Development of a Quality Control Program for CT Scanners in Lung Cancer Screening
Alice is focusing on improving lung cancer screening through the creation of a quality control (QC) program for CT scanners. This project aims to develop testing standards to ensure low radiation dose and high image quality, ultimately enhancing early detection and patient outcomes.
‘Establishing these protocols will enhance patient outcomes not only at Monash Health but also on a broader national and potentially international scale,’ she said.
Seamus Heanue, Basic Physician Trainee
Project: Age and Sex Differences in the Circadian Distribution of Acute Coronary Syndrome
Seamus is investigating the circadian patterns of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and how they differ by age and sex. This study seeks to improve risk stratification and timely intervention for all patient cohorts.
‘ACS manifests differently in men and women, with women experiencing more “atypical” symptoms such as interscapular or neck pain. While some studies have linked the hours of symptom onset to clinical outcomes, findings remain inconclusive.
‘Recognising that the timing of ACS onset may affect prognosis differently across sexes and age groups, this study seeks to map the circadian onset patterns of ACS in males and females throughout life,’ he said.
Christina Huynh, Podiatrist
Project: Reducing Infection Control Risk in Wound Care
Christina is examining the use of antimicrobial and sporicidal curtains in wound care to reduce infection control risks during low-frequency ultrasonic debridement.
‘This project will assist in ensuring cleaning protocols and PPE requirements are appropriate to ensure the safety of patients, health care professionals and the clinical environment,’ she said.
Marianne Jovanovic, Pharmacist
Project: Validation of Entrustable Professional Activity Tools in Clinical Pharmacy Assessments
Marianne is leading a study to validate the Entrustable Professional Activity (EPA) tools used in clinical pharmacy assessments. This project aims to standardise clinical pharmacy training across Monash Health’s multi-site hospital network, by ensuring accurate, reliable, and consistent assessments.
‘My research interest is the validation of workplace-based assessment tools, specifically EPA tools, which are increasingly used across various disciplines. Despite their widespread adoption, there is limited evidence in the literature validating workplace-based EPA tools.
‘This is important because the assessment tools used should be standardised, reliable and valid, as they serve as a proxy for real-world clinical performance and ultimately patient care,’ she said.
Sophie Page, Dietitian
Project: LivR Well 2.0: Nourishing a Hungry Liver
Sophie is investigating the treatment and management of malnutrition, frailty, and sarcopenia (loss of skeletal muscle mass, function and strength) in adult patients with decompensated liver disease. The LivR Well 2.0 program, facilitated under the Hospital in The Home and Department of Gastroenterology at Monash Health, is a 28-day home-based multidisciplinary program.
‘Being awarded an Emerging Researcher Fellowship in 2025 is a very exciting opportunity for me. It means I can dedicate focused time to research an important area of nutrition and liver disease, and have an opportunity to translate this research into clinical practice.
‘This fellowship also connects me to a network of experienced and passionate researchers, whose mentorship will be invaluable in strengthening my own research skills,’ she said.
Marianne Tomlin, Paediatric Allergy Specialist Dietitian
Project: Unravelling Feeding Difficulties in Paediatric Food Allergic Patients
Marianne is exploring the complexities of feeding difficulties and quality of life in children with food allergies. This study will use validated screening tools to assess feeding behaviours and aims to improve early identification and management of these difficulties.
‘This study aims to provide much-needed evidence regarding the relationships between food allergy, feeding difficulties and quality of life.
‘The Monash Children’s Paediatric Allergy Service has a dedicated feeding clinic service. Through this research, we hope to advocate for similar services at other centres, support the early identification of children at higher risk of developing feeding difficulties, and ultimately improve outcomes through timely intervention,’ she said.
These pioneering projects underscore the commitment of the Emerging Researcher Fellowship program to advancing medical science and improving patient care. As these studies progress, they hold the potential to bring transformative changes to healthcare practices and outcomes.
For more information on the fellowship recipients and the application process, check out the Emerging Researcher Fellowships page.