Megan Coomer
Professional Staff
Stakeholder Engagement Manager
Megan Coomer is the Centre’s Stakeholder Engagement Manager and works with our industry stakeholders and partners to deliver translational outcomes. She holds an MSc in Theoretical Systems Biology from Imperial College, London and a PhD in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Melbourne.
During her PhD, Megan studied the effects of stochastic fluctuations on system dynamics, showing that there are profound limitations to employing reductionist approaches when modelling complex regulatory networks.
Prior to joining Professor Michael Stumpf’s research group in 2017, Megan worked in the pharmaceutical industry where she managed early-phase clinical trials across the UK, Europe, and Africa.
Ben Hess
Professional Staff
Centre Administrator
Ben Hess is the MACSYS Centre Co-ordinator. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science degree from RMIT and has completed further studies in physics and pure mathematics at the University of Melbourne.
Ben has a decade of experience in the higher education sector and has worked continuously for other ARC Centres of Excellence since 2016.
Emily Duane
Professional Staff
Chief Operating Officer
Dr Emily Duane is the Centre’s Chief Operating Officer. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Science (Honours) and a PhD in Operations Research, all from The University of Melbourne.
During her PhD she developed novel mathematical solution algorithms for automatic scheduling of cranes at seaport container terminals. Her work provided new insights into the creation of cost effective schedules for this operationally complex problem and will guide future algorithm development in this area.
Since 2003 Emily has worked in various university administrative roles, and was Chief Operating Officer of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Mathematical and Statistical Frontiers.
Emily appreciates and understands the fundamental importance of the mathematical sciences, and is passionate about supporting and promoting the mathematical sciences in Australia.