The Engagement and Learning Committee will:
Dr Allison Mo is a clinical and laboratory haematologist with an interest in transfusion medicine, patient blood management, anaemia, haemostasis and thrombosis. She currently works at Monash Health and Austin Health in Melbourne. She is also completing a PhD and is a research fellow with the Transfusion Research University at Monash University. Her PhD thesis aims to optimise transfusion practices in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes. She is passionate about transfusion research and education. She joined the ANZSBT ELC in 2020 and became chair in 2025. She also leads education initiatives with the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) including the ISBT Transfusion Evidence Round-Up program and co-chairing the ISBT “Talking Transfusion” podcast.
Sarah Kowalski is a Senior Transfusion Scientist at Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, where she works within the Clinical Education team. With over 16 years of experience in transfusion medicine, her role focuses on developing educational resources and programs for healthcare professionals nationwide. Sarah also works at Adelaide University as a course coordinator and lecturer in Transfusion and Haemostasis within the Laboratory Medicine program, where she mentors further transfusion scientists.
Varsha Seoraj is currently a Medical Scientist at the New Zealand Blood Service Reference Lab.
She is formally from South Africa where she worked for the South African National Blood Service. She holds a degree in Microbial Biotechnology and Biomedical Technology as well as a Masters in Medical Science.
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, VIC
Natasha Budgeon is a Medical Scientist in the Haematology and Blood Transfusion Laboratory at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne. Natasha has over a decade of experience in blood transfusion laboratories across public and private pathology, including the investigation and resolution of advanced serological cases. She completed a Master of Public Health in July 2024 and has strong interests in sustainable healthcare and health equity. As a committed educator with experience teaching university practical classes, she strives to create learning environments that are engaging, inclusive, relevant, and accessible.
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, NSW
Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology, QLD
Maria Roussakis is a Lecturer in Transfusion Science and Haematology within the Medical Laboratory Science program at the University of Southern Queensland, with previous work experience in Transfusion Science laboratories in Canada and Australia. Having graduated with a Bachelor of Health Science in Medical Laboratory Science from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, and a Master of Science in Health Science Education from McMaster University, Maria is passionate about learning, mentorship, and contributing to high‑quality educational initiatives within the ANZSBT community. Her main role within the ELC is managing ANZSBT Mentorship Program.
Transfusion Nurse Specialist, NZ
Blood Management, NSW