Meet Our Team
​Our multi-disciplinary team from Macquarie University, brings together a wide range of skills and knowledge. With specialists in chemistry, analytical science, medical anthropology, social and cognitive science, communication, and media.
At the heart of our work are leading researchers from The Training Centre for Facilitated Advancement of Australia's Bioactives (FAAB), funded by the Australian Research Council. This program aims to transform Australia's rapidly growing bioactive ingredients sector, helping to unlock new possibilities for health and wellness.
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In addition, our experts in social sciences work to bridge the gap between science and people, helping to communicate complex information in ways that resonate with diverse communities. From crafting clear messages to choosing the right language, we ensure our findings are accessible and meaningful to everyone.
Professor Anwar Sunna
Field of Expertise:
Over 15 years of multidisciplinary research experience, leading transformative projects that leverage expertise in biotechnology, synthetic biology, and peptide biomedical applications to enhance our understanding of bioactive compounds in fresh produce.
Favourite Fresh Produce:
Cauliflower, and not just the floret, because the whole plant is rich in nutrients and offers a range of health benefits.
Developing innovative methods for bioactive peptide production and characterisation from natural sources, aimed at applications in biotechnology and biomedicine. Bioconversion of renewable organic wastes into valuable bio-based chemicals.
What I Bring to the Project:
Paul H. Mason
Field of Expertise:
Extensive experience in qualitative research methods, including ethnography, interviews, and surveys, to explore the impact of bioactive compounds in fresh produce on consumer behaviour.
Favourite Fresh Produce:
Feijoas—rich in flavonoids and bursting with a delightful tangy flavour.
Cultural anthropologist with a focus on how beliefs and practices influence health outcomes and environmental interactions.
What I Bring to the Project:
Dr Alf Garcia-Bennett
Field of Expertise:
Over 20 years of multidisciplinary research experience at the interface between material development, life science applications and analytical methods. Hands on experience in technology transfer having founded and actively lead R&D programs within several successful technology startups.
Favourite Fresh Produce:
Ginger, as one of the most versatile ingredients there is with a wide range of positive health effects to go with it. Great for nausea, due to the properties of gingerol, a phenolic compound that activates heat receptors in your mouth.
Formulation of active ingredients in a variety of matrices for a range of administration routes. Separation, material science, colloidal chemistry and pharmacology, specially that associated with nanochemistry.
What I Bring to the Project:
Professor Alison Rodger
Field of Expertise:
Expertise in developing analytical methodologies for assessing structural characterisation and bioactive content in plant-based foods, ensuring scientific rigour and methodological innovation in the study of bioactives' health benefits.
What I Bring to the Project:
Biophysical Chemistry and Analytical Science, focusing on biomolecule interactions in biological environments.
Professor Lisa Wynn
Field of Expertise:
Guidance on research methodologies and design, overseeing the development and evaluation of health communication tools, and translating complex information about bioactives into accessible educational resources for diverse audiences.
Favourite Fresh Produce:
Both sweet and sour cherries, full of antioxidants and flavonols.
Medical Anthropology and Health Communication, specialising in interdisciplinary research methodologies.
What I Bring to the Project:
Professor Andrew McGregor
Field of Expertise:
Development of a theoretical framework for understanding the role of bioactives in promoting healthy and sustainable food systems, assistance with interdisciplinary research design, and contribution to research methods and data analysis. Additionally, mentoring and supervision of students as needed.
Favourite Fresh Produce:
Papaya – nothing beats the bright complex flavours of really good melt in your mouth red papaya.
Design and synthesis of engineered compounds for biomedical applications, including drug delivery and bioactive formulation.
What I Bring to the Project:
Professor Joanne Jamie
Field of Expertise:
Contributions to the fresh produce bioactives database, insights into the characterisation and therapeutic applications of bioactive compounds, and expertise in designing educational resources for outreach initiatives.
What I Bring to the Project:
Natural Product Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry, specialising in identifying novel bioactive compounds from medicinal plants.
Dr Rimante Ronto
Field of Expertise:
Expertise in designing health promotion strategies to enhance the intake of bioactives from fresh produce, guiding the development and testing of promotional materials, and contributing to the creation of a labelling system based on key factors such as cooking stability, bioavailability, health benefits, and concentration in plant-based products.
Favourite Fresh Produce:
Favourite Fresh Produce: Mango – nothing rivals the rich, juicy sweetness and tropical fragrance of this golden fruit, packed with antioxidants, Vitamin C, and essential fibre.
Public Health Nutrition and Sustainable Food Systems, focusing on health promotion strategies for diverse populations.
What I Bring to the Project:
Professor Cathy Sherry
Field of Expertise:
Leading research on the legal aspects of urban agriculture and new residential development to investigate regulatory frameworks that impact the cultivation and distribution of bioactive-rich plant foods. My experience in advising governments on property laws and advocating for sustainable food systems will support the project's goals. My experience teaching young people Food Law will assist communication research finding to the public.
What I Bring to the Project:
Garlic, because it is such a trouble-free and satisfying crop to grow. With good soil preparation, it will produce a bountiful crop 9 months later, which can be cured and stored for a year’s worth of meals, as well as next year’s crop. Australian garlic is free of chemical treatments that affect all imported garlic.
Land Law and Urban Agriculture, with a focus on high-density development and multi-owned properties.
Favourite Fresh Produce:
Dr Diana Tang
Field of Expertise:
Leading research on the intersection of nutrition and health outcomes, particularly how bioactive-rich plant foods can enhance psychosocial and physical health. My role includes establishing recommendations for nutrient reference values, conducting ethnographic research to tailor communication resources for various age groups, and developing guidelines for health practitioners.
Favourite Fresh Produce:
Dark green leafy vegetables – rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, which are important antioxidants for eye health. In my Vietnamese culture we love using leafy greens as a wrap!
Nutrition and Dietetics, with a focus on health outcomes and bioactive-rich plant foods.
What I Bring to the Project:
Professor Greg Downey
Field of Expertise:
Leveraging his multidisciplinary background, Greg will collaborate with team members to integrate anthropological insights with nutritional science and public health, contributing to educational activities and media productions that disseminate findings on the benefits of bioactive-rich foods.
What I Bring to the Project:
Greg Downey is an expert in neuroanthropology and cultural anthropology, focusing on how cultural practices influence health outcomes related to bioactive compounds in fresh produce.
Favourite Fresh Produce:
Mushrooms, green beans, blood oranges. and grapes. So many to choose from! Especially since my wife has introduced me to Sichuanese food, I eat even more vegetables than I did before.
Dr Iqbal Barkat
Field of Expertise:
Leading initiatives within the project, Iqbal will leverage his filmmaking experience, particularly from his independent feature film "Mortars," to create impactful visual narratives that enhance public awareness of bioactives in fresh produce. His interdisciplinary approach will blend cinematic artistry with nutritional science advocacy, enriching public discourse on the nutritional benefits of plant-based diets.
What I Bring to the Project:
Iqbal Barkat is an expert in independent cinema and community filmmaking, with a focus on narrative techniques that resonate with diverse audiences.
Dr Helen Wolfenden
Field of Expertise:
Helen leads the School of Communication, Society and Culture team to produce diverse media outputs that promote awareness of the nutritional benefits of bioactives in plant foods. Her extensive experience in radio broadcasting and focus on innovative communication strategies ensure effective outreach to various audiences.
What I Bring to the Project:
Media Production and Communication
Favourite Fresh Produce:
I LOVE a legume! I especially like fresh garden peas but these can be difficult to get hold of unless you’re growing them yourself. As a substitute, I can knock off a serious quantity of edamame beans. I like them boiled and drained with just some chili flakes and maybe a tiny bit of salt. Delicious!
Dr Lauren Gorfinkel
Field of Expertise:
Dr. Gorfinkel brings a strategic and critical eye to the promotion of nutrition, drawing on analyses of previous public health and nutrition awareness campaigns, media coverage of bioactives, cultural critiques of health and nutrition in the media, and a healthy dose of personal studies in nutrition. She will support the project's outreach and engagement strategies, including the Bioactive Bites podcast.
Favourite Fresh Produce:
Can’t go past the daily dose of frozen blueberries, rich with antioxidants, for that whoosh of brain activation.
Dr. Lauren Gorfinkel is an expert in public relations, strategic communication, critical analysis of the media, and the intersections between media and cultural identity.
What I Bring to the Project:
Dr Harsha Suresh
Field of Expertise:
​Dr. Suresh will lead the development of ‘Bioactive Master Files’ (BMF) for major bioactives found in fresh produce available in the Australian market. These BMFs will provide essential information on Recommended Dietary Intakes (RDI), Nutrient Reference Values (NRV), bioavailability, and stability of these bioactives, ensuring accurate and useful data for consumers and health professionals alike.
Favourite Fresh Produce:
Mung beans, which are rich in polyphenols, polysaccharides essential nutrients, and dietary fibre. Soaked and cooked mung beans in combination with adzuki beans, lentils, and green peas make for an excellent mixed sprout portion in my lunch meal. Bioactives in mung beans are known to have hypoglycaemic, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective and anti-cancer properties.
Dr. Harsha Suresh specialises in the chemical analysis of bioactives in plants, foods, and nutritional supplements, with a focus on rheological characterization and translational clinical science research.
What I Bring to the Project:
Maxine Edwards
Field of Expertise:
As well as assisting the team to coordinate the project at an administration level, Maxine is an avid home produce gardener and cook.
Favourite Fresh Produce:
Garlic. When I’m cooking, I’ll add twice the quantity of garlic than the recipe. Garlic contains an array of bioactive compounds and is known to be an antioxidant, an anti-inflammatory, and immune boosting. It also makes a meal small and taste delicious!
Maxine Edwards has a varied career background including graphic design, business and project administration, across an array of industries.
What I Bring to the Project:
Dr Carla Lopes
Field of Expertise:
Dr. Lopes brings a wealth of experience in translating complex nutritional science into accessible messages. She develops communication strategies that effectively convey the health benefits of plant bioactives in fresh produce, aiming to enhance public understanding and promote healthier dietary choices.
Favourite Fresh Produce:
Cherries – these vibrant fruits are rich in anthocyanins, potent antioxidants that give cherries their deep red colour. I love to have them with my breakfast—they're a delicious and healthful way to start the day.
Carla Lopes specialises in Nutrition and Public Health, focusing on sustainable food systems, health promotion, and community engagement.
What I Bring to the Project:
Sadaf Zahra
Field of Expertise:
Sadaf brings a solid foundation in teaching and a passion for social science, with extensive experience in qualitative and quantitative research, including interviews and surveys. Recently commenced a PhD as part of the project, combining expertise in sociology and anthropology to examine how scientific knowledge about bioactives can be communicated effectively across cultural contexts.
Favourite Fresh Produce:
Turmeric and mandarins – both rich in bioactive compounds. Drawing from a Pakistani heritage, turmeric is valued for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties, often consumed in turmeric milk as a traditional remedy for fatigue or injury. Mandarins are also a cultural staple, celebrated for their refreshing taste and considered a valuable source of calcium and vitality.
Sadaf Zahra is a sociologist and anthropologist with a strong background in teaching, with academic interests centered on how beliefs and practices are shaped by migration and environmental interactions. Exploring the impact of migration on changing patterns of cooking and traditional food habits and how these shifts influence health and well-being.
What I Bring to the Project: