Our Team

The Global Centre for Research and Training in Radiation Oncology is driven by a proud team of radiation therapists and academics. With a passion for elevating cancer care, our all-female team is dedicated to delivering exceptional education, research and training in radiation oncology.

The team behind the Global Centre

Associate Professor Yolanda Surjan

Associate Professor Yolanda Surjan

  • Director of Global Centre for Research and Training in Radiation Oncology
  • Head of Discipline - Radiation Therapy
  • Doctor of Philosophy, University of Newcastle
  • Bachelor of Applied Science (Med Rad Tech), University of Newcastle
  • Graduate Certificate in Health Promotion, University of Newcastle
  • Master of Health Science (Education), University of Sydney

Associate Professor Yolanda Surjan, is the Head of Discipline (Radiation Therapy) at the University of Newcastle.

Yolanda’s program of research focuses on two distinct areas of study; evaluation of teaching and learning practice of undergraduate health professionals and research in the area of radiation therapy clinical applications in the context of translational research with the aim of elevating the standard of cancer care through advocacy for patients and improved services.

Yolanda has led the establishment of the Global Centre for Research and Training in Radiation Oncology, where as a result of collaborations with external industry partners, research and training operations will seek to deliver on the Centre’s vision: to be a world-leading Centre contributing to elevating the standard of cancer care globally through research, education and collaboration.

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Laura Feighan

Laura Feighan

Manager - Global Centre for Research and Training in Radiation Oncology
Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Radiation Therapy), University of Newcastle

After graduating from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Radiation Therapy), Laura has worked as a radiation therapist in a variety of radiation oncology departments across NSW and QLD.

With a passion for improving the patient experience, Laura embarked on a PhD candidature, researching exercise and nutrition as interventions for the compromised health-related quality of life of patients with breast cancer receiving radiation therapy treatment.

Laura has presented her research at the Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Conference in 2019 and 2022 and through the Icon Cancer Care Elevate platform across Australia in 2018.

As the Manager of the Global Centre, Laura engages with industry partners, guiding collaborations between the Global Centre and industry.

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Debra Lee

Debra Lee

  • Deputy Director of Global Centre for Research and Training in Radiation Oncology
  • Radiation Therapy Lecturer and Clinical Placement Coordinator
  • Bachelor of Applied Science (Med Rad Tech-Rad Ther), University of Sydney
  • Diploma in Therapeutic Radiography, Royal Australasian College of Radiologists

Debra has worked clinically as a radiation therapist since 1985 in public and private centres in Australia.

During this time Debra has been a part of great change and advancement in technology, treatment techniques and patient outcomes. Throughout Debra's clinical career she has conducted clinical research studies in Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), that have facilitated practice change.

Debra has also worked as a Clinical Applications Specialist for radiation therapy related products, she was involved in the VERT (Virtual Environment Radiation Therapy) implementation in Australian universities funded by a Department of Health & Aging Government grant.

As an academic, Debra has interest in the role of students and supervisors in the professional practice and the way students progress through this important field of study. Debra is interested in the ways we can assist students and their supervisors to ensure this is a practical, equitable & successful process.

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Leah Cramp

Leah Cramp

  • Outreach Program Manager
  • Radiation Therapy Associate Lecturer
Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Radiation Therapy), University of Newcastle

Leah graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Radiation Therapy) in 2008. She worked clinically as a Radiation Therapist for close to ten years before embarking on an academic career as an Associate Lecturer in Radiation Therapy at the University of Newcastle.

In 2019 Leah completed a Certificate in Teaching and Fundamentals in University Teaching Certificate through the University of Newcastle, expanding her passion for the growth and development of others through the creation of inclusive and encouraging learning environments. Leah's extensive clinical experience has made her a core member of the Global Centre as the Outreach Program Manager, focusing on engagement and opportunity for future students.

Leah is a devoted patient advocate and is currently undertaking a Higher Degree by Research with a focus on improving Radiation Therapy utilisation in Australia through the education of General Practitioners on Radiation Oncology.

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Lauren Andreou

Lauren Andreou

  • Manager of Teaching & Learning
  • Radiation Therapy Associate Lecturer
Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Distinction), University of Newcastle

Lauren Andreou is a Radiation Therapist and a University of Newcastle alumni.

Throughout her career as a Radiation Therapist, Lauren has worked in both the public and private sector, including both major metropolitan departments, and smaller rural treatment Centres.

Lauren’s experience working across varying radiotherapy departments has inspired her PhD research. Her PhD investigates the unique challenges rural cancer patients experience throughout their radiotherapy treatment journeys; and the impact of individualised nutritional interventions upon gastro-intestinal toxicities.

Laurens teaching of undergraduate students at the University of Newcastle is predominately in the area of radiotherapy treatment planning. Her industry experience allows her to bring modern planning practices and patient experiences into the classroom, preparing our students to be job-ready graduates.

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Jessica Cantwell

Jessica Cantwell

  • Global Training Relations Manager
  • Radiation Therapy Associate Lecturer
Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Radiation Therapy), University of Newcastle

Jessica is a proud alumni of the University of Newcastle Medical Radiation Program and has worked clinically as a Specialist Paediatric Radiation Therapist in both Australia and the United Kingdom.

Jessica brings experience in a Proton Beam Therapy after being employed at the University College London Hospital to lead the Paediatric Radiotherapy and Proton Beam Therapy Therapeutic Radiography Service.

Jessica's clinical expertise is in Paediatric Radiotherapy, and she has a sound clinical and practical knowledge & competence in a range of radiotherapy clinical techniques including competence in radiotherapy simulation, planning and treatment of all anatomical sites with varying techniques including IMRT, VMAT, DIBH, SBRT, SABR, 3DCRT, Craniospinal (CSI), TBI, and electron treatments.

Jessica has a strong passion for knowledge sharing in healthcare and is driven to advance training and education for the early career and student Radiation Therapists when working with children and young people.

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