Our people
Professor Frances Kay
Professor
School of Medicine and Public Health
Co-Director
Professor Kay is a psychologist and researcher known for her work in digital health and personalised treatments for people with mental health and substance use issues. Her research has helped create online tools that make care more accessible, especially for people dealing with both mental health and alcohol or drug use problems. She’s passionate about making sure the right support reaches the right person at the right time, and she’s also a strong mentor for early-career researchers.
- Frances.Kay@newcastle.edu.au
- 0249216024
Professor Chris Dayas
Interim Head of School
School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy
Co-Director
Professor Dayas is a neuroscientist whose work focuses on understanding how the brain controls behaviour, especially in relation to stress, addiction, and decision-making. His research helps uncover how changes in brain function can affect alcohol use and recovery. By combining lab-based science with real-world applications, Professor Dayas brings a unique perspective to the Hub’s work.
- Christopher.Dayas@newcastle.edu.au
- 0249215618
Dr Louise Thornton
Senior Research Fellow
School of Medicine and Public Health
Program Director
Dr Louise Thornton is a Senior Research Fellow and Program Director at the Leggett Precision Hub. She leads research that uses digital tools to improve mental health and reduce chronic disease risk, especially for young people. Louise is passionate about making health support more accessible through technology, and her work helps guide the Hub’s focus on digital innovation and personalised care.
- Louise.Thornton@newcastle.edu.au
- 0403744089
Dr Erin Campbell
DECRA Fellow
School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy
Program Manager
Dr Erin Campbell is a behavioural neuroscientist and Australian Research Council DECRA Fellow. She has been examining the brain circuits of alcohol use disorder since 2015 and is internationally ranked in the top 2% of researchers in her field (Expertscape). Erin's research is currently aimed at preventing relapse by focusing on maladaptive brain circuits that form memories between alcohol and environmental cues.
Dr Jane Rich
Research Academic
School of Medicine and Public Health
Program Manager
Dr Jane Rich is a public health researcher with a background in human geography. She explores how people’s environments and experiences affect their health and wellbeing. Jane has worked on projects in mental health, addiction, and rural health, and brings deep knowledge of qualitative research to the Hub. Her focus on lived experience helps ensure the Hub’s work is grounded in real-world impact.
- Jane.Rich@newcastle.edu.au
- 0240420622
Dr Dara Sampson
Senior Research Fellow
School of Medicine and Public Health
Program Manager
Dr Dara Sampson has over 30 years of experience in social work, leadership, and research. She’s worked in frontline services, policy, and teaching, and now leads research at the Hunter Medical Research Institute. Dara’s work focuses on mental health and social support, and she plays a key role in shaping the Hub’s community-focused approach to alcohol treatment.
- Dara.Sampson@newcastle.edu.au
- 0240553209
Ms Caitlin Blackstone
Research Assistant
School of Medicine and Public Health
Program Co-ordinator
Caitlin Blackstone is the Program Co-ordinator for the Leggett Precision Hub. With a background in research and project support, Caitlin helps keep everything running smoothly—from coordinating studies to supporting communications and outreach. Her work ensures the Hub stays connected, organised, and focused on its goals.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.