The Human Studies Unit

The Human Studies Unit (HSU) is based at the Institute of Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland. At HSU, we combine laboratory and computing expertise to generate high quality genomic data, and provide innovative data management solutions, to advance understanding of common complex diseases and benefit those affected by them. HSU comprises highly skilled laboratory, project management and research IT staff working together to deliver a complete solution for the receipt, processing, sequencing, storage and dissemination of biological samples and genomic data.

Our Team

Leadership Team

Anjali Henders

Human Studies Manager

Anjali Henders

Anjali Henders is responsible for the daily operation of PCTG which involves the coordination of research activities and strategies, research governance and supervision of the PCTG high-through put genomics laboratory, the Human Studies Unit. Anjali has over 15 years of experience managing complex, large-scale research programmes and specialises in facilitating and managing interdisciplinary collaborations and consortia. Her significant contribution to these projects has been recognised by her inclusion in publications and commentaries.

Leanne Wallace

Laboratory Manager

Leanne Wallace

Leanne joined the group in February 2016 to assist with establishing a wet lab for the group to begin biological sample collection for various studies of interest. She brought with her 17 years experience in working with and managing human biological collections for large-scale population-based recruitment projects. Her expertise lays in genomics applications and sample management. Leanne studied at Griffith University obtaining a Bachelors degree in Biomedical Science and Masters in Genetic Counselling.

Laboratory Team

Venessa Tsui

Senior Research Assistant

Venessa

Vanessa joined the Human Studies Unit in 2025, where her research focuses on understanding why some patients respond better to certain antidepressant medications than others. A key part of her role involves generating cell lines from patient-derived PBMCs, enabling drug perturbation studies to investigate mechanisms of action. Vanessa completed her PhD at the University of Melbourne and undertook a postdoctoral position at Monash University. She has a research background in cancer biology and brings expertise in molecular biology, cell culture, and high-throughput CRISPR and drug screening. Outside the lab, Vanessa enjoys spending time with her puppy and going for walks.

Research Support

Lorelle Nunn

Project Support Assistant

Lorelle Nunn

Lorelle is a research project officer within UQ’s Human Studies Unit. She has extensive experience working on large scale population health and human genetics studies in the areas of participant recruitment, phenotype data collection, data QC and biological sample retrieval. Lorelle will take the lead in participant liaison for the BRIDGE study.

Deborah Gilroy

Project Support Assistant

Deborah Gilroy

Deborah joined the group in September 2019 bringing with her over 30 years’ experience in coordinating and managing investigator and industry based clinical trials in University, Hospital, Community and Regulatory settings. She has worked in the areas of mental health, hypertension, endocrine, cardiac and diabetes. Deborah obtained her general and psychiatric nurse training before completing Bachelor of Science – Nursing. Her interests are consent in the research environment. As a member of the HSU she brings valuable experience from the clinical research setting to the University setting to work collaboratively. Her role is to assist the Human Studies Manager in research and governance activities.

Gemyka English

Research Assistant

Gemyka English

Gemyka joined the Human Studies Unit in 2018, beginning in the laboratory where she led sample coordination, quality compliance, and multi-site logistics across national and international research studies. With extensive experience in laboratory techniques and downstream DNA processes, she developed a strong foundation in data integrity, and risk management within regulated research environments. In late 2025, she transitioned into the Projects team, where she now focuses on participant liaison to support high-quality, participant-centred research delivery.

Research Computing

Madhura Bhadravathi Lokeshappa

Systems Developer

Madhura Bhadravathi Lokeshappa

Madhura joined the group in June 2017 and leads the development of the group’s Information Systems. She obtained her Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science from Visvesvaraya Technological University, India. Prior to joining HSU, she worked as a Software Engineer in one of the leading Bioinformatics company in India, developing and maintaining company’s CRM portals and websites.

Laura Ziser

Research Assistant

Laura Ziser

Laura joined the HSU team in early 2019 following the completion of a Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical and Electrical) (Hons) at The University of Queensland. Laura assists with sample receipt and processing in the laboratory, and preliminary data analysis.

Tae-Jun Lee

Senior Technical Officer

Tae-Jun Lee

TJ is a member of the Human Studies Unit's Information Systems team, involved in systems development and data analytics. He has a background in psychology, having experiences in both practicing as a psychologist and as a research analyst (in neuropsychological and neurodevelopmental settings). He has completed his Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) and is currently completing a Master of Data Science (specialising in Artificial Intelligence Analytics).