Our Story
Our History
NSW Regional Biospecimen and Research Services, previously known as Hunter Cancer Biobank has been supporting researchers in regional NSW since 2012. A fundamental asset to the cancer research community the service has rapidly expanded due to the generous foundational support of NSW Health Pathology, Hunter Cancer Research Alliance/Cancer Institute of NSW, the University of Newcastle and Hunter Medical Research Institute.
Evolving in response to the needs of the research community, NSW Regional Biospecimen and Research Services now partners with local, national and international researchers in cancer, respiratory disease, dietetics, endocrinology, reproductive science, gastrointestinal disease, mental health and neurological disease as well as environmental science. Our service continues to expand rapidly and has a complimentary dual focus providing discovery driven biomedical research services including the provision of biobanked tissues, as well as translational research and clinical trial support.
NSW Regional Biospecimen and Research Services recognises the unique needs and opportunities of the regional research community and is actively working to strengthen ties between metropolitan and regional research communities. Partnering with patients, health services and researchers across the state and nationwide, we aim to ensure a sustainable provision of research support that sees the region recognised for research excellence and remaining competitive for future funding schemes on a global scale.
Our People
At the heart of the HCB is its team of dedicated professionals, including technical, administrative and research personnel who ensure the delivery of quality specimens for research. Visit our team page to learn more about their roles and skills.
Management
The operations team is responsible for the management and running of the biobank. Each have special sets of skills making them well suited to providing excellent biospecimens and services for research.
To contact the HCB team please email hcra-biobank@newcastle.edu.au.
L/Prof Rodney Scott
Co-Director
Laureate Professor Rodney Scott is an internationally recognised leader in genetics who has been instrumental in bringing the Hunter to the forefront of personalised medicine. His first appointment in the Hunter was as Professor and Head of the Discipline of Medical Genetics at the University of Newcastle and as Director of Molecular Medicine in the Hunter Area Pathology Service, positions he still holds. His research focuses on the identification of genes associated with inherited forms of colorectal cancer and breast cancer. In 2005 Professor Scott was appointed the inaugural HMRI NBN Telethon Chair of Childhood Cancer in recognition of his outstanding research track record in genetic predispositions to cancer. The work involved looking at the genetics of leukaemia and brain tumours in children which is ongoing.
- 02 4921 4974
- rodney.scott@newcastle.edu.au
Jude Weidenhofer
Co-Director
Jude Weidenhofer is a senior lecturer in the School of Biomedical Sciences & Pharmacy within the College of Health, Medicine & Wellbeing at the University of Newcastle Australia. She has a research focus in the discovery and development of biomarkers for prostate cancer and expertise in cell and molecular biology including immunohistochemistry and genomic analyses of tissue samples and liquid biopsies. Jude has a B.App.Sci in Medical & Applied Biotechnology Hons (CSU Wagga) and a PhD in Medical Biochemistry (Uni Newcastle).
- 02 4921 8706
- judith.weidenhofer@newcastle.edu.au
Ricardo Vilain
Co-Director and Biobank Pathologist
Ricardo is an Anatomical Pathology fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and the current Hunter Cancer Biobank pathologist. He has bachelor degrees in Science and Medicine from Melbourne University and the University of Queensland and completed his anatomical pathology specialist training at the John Hunter Hospital in 2013. That same year Ricardo completed postgraduate studies (PhD) for research work into melanoma kinase mutations. Ricardo’s specialty interests are in breast pathology, tumour neuropathology and melanoma pathology, as well as molecular testing and cytopathology.
Cassandra Griffin
Biobanking and Clinical Research Manager
As the Biobanking and Clinical Research Manager, Cassandra leads the biobanking team working across the Hunter Cancer Biobank, Sequential Blood Biobank and MHF Brain Biobank. Cass and the Biobank team coordinate investigator driven collections, assist with the scoping of new collection protocols for local research, provide high quality IHC and bespoke TMA services and work closely with the national and international biobanking community to ensure that we have the best possible resources and services available for our local researchers. Cassandra has an eclectic background with experience in both clinical and laboratory research, as well as international experience in health communications and performing arts. She holds a BA (University of Newcastle) B BiomedSci (University of Newcastle) and MPH (University of Sydney).
- 02 4921 7460
- cassandra.griffin@newcastle.edu.au
Operational Team
We have a group of highly trained and experienced group of laboratory technicians and pathologists who are responsible for processing tissue and blood samples for storage in the Hunter Cancer Biobank.
Trish Collinson
Laboratory Manager
Trish is responsible for the receipt, processing and storage of blood samples collected as part of the Sequential Blood Collection Feasibility Project. She has over 30 years experience in the medical laboratory field, including diagnostic pathology, medical research and with the Australian Red Cross Blood Service providing medical and support services. Trish uses her experience in laboratory techniques and administration, quality systems knowledge and organisational ability to ensure all blood samples are handled appropriately to enhance long term integrity.
Melissa Tooney
Biobank Co-ordinator
Melissa is the Biobank Co-ordinator for the Hunter Cancer Biobank. Her role is to provide high quality annotated specimens and clinical data to scientists to support their research projects. Melissa has worked for nearly 30 years in pathology in a range of different settings, both research and diagnostic. Melissa is excited to be working in cancer research, bringing with her an impressive array of laboratory and people skills.
Samara Bray
Biobanking Laboratory Technician
Samara has been a member of the Hunter Cancer Biobank team for a number of years as one of our key laboratory technicians. Graduating from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Biotechnology, Samara has diverse laboratory experience and has worked for a number of research teams. Outside of her processing and laboratory duties, her primary role with Hunter Cancer Biobank is in the coordination of patient sample collection, distribution and cataloguing of received specimens.
Kaylee O'Brien
Biobanking Laboratory Technician
Kaylee is a graduate of the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor in Biomedical Science and brings a fresh perspective to the team. Kaylee has a range of interests in the areas of immunohistochemistry, cancer and pathology and works closely with our laboratory team optimising immunohistochemistry protocols and supporting with the delivery of research requests. Kaylee has a key role in assisting clinical trial coordinators and researchers with sample retrieval to facilitate patient screening and enrolment. She is also primarily responsible for curating internal collections of samples; receipting new samples, updating storage and distribution records and maintaining clinical data collections.
Jenna Bowen
Business Coordinator – Blood Biobanking
Jenna’s role includes managing operations pertaining to blood biobanking, including but not limited to customer relations, data collection and management, configuration of collection protocols and development of Standard Operation Procedures. Jenna has a Bachelor of Forensic Science (Molecular Biology) from Griffith University and over 10 years experience in quality assurance and diagnostic pathology.
Megan Clarke
IHC & TMA Specialist
Megan is a technician for the Hunter Cancer Biobank. Her main role is to run the automated Immunohistochemistry using the Ventana Discovery machine to optimize crisp, clear and antibody specific immunohistochemistry slides. She is also involved in the tissue processing, embedding, sectioning and staining at the biobank. Megan has been working in the diagnostic anatomical Pathology Laboratory for over 25 years. Her experience and knowledge in all areas are valuable and she is more than willing to help on any project that is necessary. Megan completed her Diploma in pathology Techniques in 1992 and attends regular conferences and workshops to ensure she is up to date with all laboratory and immunohistochemistry techniques.
Belinda Van Zyl
Biobanking Laboratory Technician
Belinda is a graduate of the Bachelor of Science from the University of Newcastle and has two years’ experience at PhD level in reproductive biochemistry along with 7 years’ experience in pharmaceutical sales specialising in cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and diabetes. Following her industry experience, Belinda changed focus to Oncology and returned to her research roots focusing on Ovarian Cancer with Dr Nikola Bowden before transitioning to a role with Hunter Cancer Biobank for which she is one of the primary processing and logistical officers.
Our Processes
NSW Regional Biospecimen and Research Services is governed by a Management Committee and supported by a scientific advisory committee. The role of these committees is to ensure the development and ongoing function of a comprehensive, innovative, sustainable service that meets the needs of our partners and ensures research excellence.
Our service operates to the highest ethical standards with a focus on excellence in research governance. All biobanking activities are conducted with ethical approval from the Hunter New England Human Research Ethics Committee to ensure all procedures are in line with best practice standards. Strict compliance to ethical and legal processes is required for all of our collaborators and evidence of compliance is requested prior to any collaboration or partnerships.