Creating Impact, One Study at a Time

For Sarah, a passion for improving health outcomes through evidence-based research has shaped both her studies and career. Growing up in Newcastle, she completed her Bachelor of Biomedical Science and later her Master of Clinical Epidemiology at the University of Newcastle — a journey that has led her to a rewarding role as an Associate Project Manager at The George Institute for Global Health.

“I’ve always been drawn to the analytical and practical sides of health research,” Sarah says. “During my undergraduate degree, I loved learning about clinical protocol design, statistics and chronic disease — and that really set the foundation for where I am today.”

Like many graduates, Sarah’s post-university plans took an unexpected turn when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. “I had planned to travel and work part-time before starting full-time study or work, but COVID-19 had other ideas,” she laughs. “I ended up starting a research assistant job at the University of Newcastle, working on a surgical clinical trial. That experience really sparked my interest in population health, biostatistics and epidemiology.”

This early exposure inspired her to continue her studies in the Master of Clinical Epidemiology program — a decision that would open the door to advanced research opportunities and leadership roles in global health.

“The University of Newcastle was an easy choice,” Sarah explains. “It has a strong reputation in health and medical research, and the flexible online learning options meant I could balance full-time work with study. The in-person classes at the Hunter Medical Research Institute were also a big bonus, as that’s where I was working at the time.”

Balancing work, study and life wasn’t without its challenges. “I took on too much in my first semester,” she admits. “After losing motivation, I stepped back and found my rhythm with a half-time study schedule. Later, I moved to Sydney for a new job while finishing my final semester online, which was another adjustment. But finding that balance made all the difference.”

Now, in her role at The George Institute for Global Health, Sarah manages large-scale clinical trials and leads a team of clinical operations staff. “It’s a dynamic and rewarding role. I love that my work directly contributes to improving health outcomes and informing policy. Seeing how our research can positively impact communities and healthcare systems is incredibly fulfilling.”

Sarah credits her postgraduate studies with giving her the knowledge and confidence to thrive in her field. “The program’s practical focus really prepared me for my current role — I use my skills in study design, biostatistics and literature review every day,” she says. “The emphasis on critical thinking and real-world case studies helped me transition smoothly into project management.”

She also valued the opportunity to connect with industry professionals throughout her studies. “The program included webinars, discussion forums and collaborative assignments, which allowed me to engage with others in the field. I especially enjoyed working on in-depth assignments with the support of a mentor aligned with my topic area,” Sarah recalls.

Beyond the academic experience, Sarah found a strong sense of community through her studies. “I made valuable connections with peers and mentors who supported me along the way. One of the professors I met early on actually inspired me to study in this area — and being able to update her on my progress was really special.”

Reflecting on her journey, Sarah says she’s grateful for how much the University of Newcastle has helped shape her career. “Studying there expanded my knowledge, opened doors to new opportunities, and connected me with a community that continues to inspire me.”

Sarah Stanton

For Sarah, a passion for improving health outcomes through evidence-based research has shaped both her studies and career.

The program’s practical focus really prepared me for my current role — I use my skills in study design, biostatistics and literature review every day