Posted 7 March 2025
Step forward in solidarity for International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 on March 8 to help #AccelerateAction.
Focusing on the need to Accelerate Action emphasises the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. It calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres.
SVI’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge eight important members of our workplace community.
IWD 2025
Karen Loh
SVI Professional Services – Finance Business Partner
Karen always impresses by her ability to be across so many project budgets – and spreadsheets! – not to mention her friendly manner in answering even the most obscure lab cost questions. Whether it be looking after systems, relaying financials, helping people outside her team, it is always done with a cheerful attitude.
Elissah Granger
DNA Repair & Recombination – Senior Research Assistant
Elissah, a dual-role individual, holds positions as a Research Assistant and a part-time Ph.D. candidate. Her contributions to the lab’s operational efficiency and safety are invaluable, while her research in breast cancer holds significant promise for advancements in the field.
Kristel Janssens
Heart, Exercise & Research Trials – Research Nurse Coordinator
Kristel has consistently established a positive and productive work environment within the team. She leads through her actions and is a role model for other members of her unit.
Saba Seifi
Heart, Exercise & Research Trials – Operations Manager
Always reliable, consistently capable, and consistently exceeding expectations. Saba is widely respected. Her progress in her profession has quickly seen her become a leader in a short period of time which inspires many.
Eleonora (Ele) Tresoldi
Human Immunology – Laboratory Technical Officer
Ele embodies the characteristics of an individual who makes a significant and valuable contribution to the organisation. Ele is an exceptionally experienced and capable research assistant. She diligently and effectively accomplishes her tasks, simultaneously supporting the endeavours of numerous colleagues within the group.
Blessing Crimeen-Irwin
Bone Cell Biology & Disease – Senior Research Assistant
During Blessing’s 18 years with SVI, she has not only trained numerous staff members but has also been instrumental in maintaining the laboratory’s microscopes. Blessing is always available to assist researchers and students with their inquiries or requests, prioritising their needs even if it requires interrupting her own tasks.
Lina Mariana
Immunology & Diabates – Islet Isolation Coordinator
Lina has been part of SVI for 21 years and has been instrumental in the success of the Islet Isolation program. No matter how big or small the task, Lina is dedicated and focused on achieving the best outcome. She is always on hand to assist, train, and support staff – curious to develop new knowledge and driven to try novel ideas, advancing the program in the process.
Khalood Amna
NRL Scientific – Laboratory Technician
Khalood is an all-round champion with an ability to morph into whichever role is required of her with a smile on her face and a kind word for everyone. She works with various teams including R&D, Logistics, Specimen Reception and Lab Operations, as well as completing a qualification in Biomedical Sciences through RMIT.