FTSE, FAHMS, HonFIEAust, PhD, MSc, MA, BA(Hons)

Professor Karen Reynolds is Director of the Medical Device Research Institute (MDRI) and the Medical Device Partnering Program (MDPP)  at Flinders University.  Bridging the divide between research and industry, Karen is considered as one of Australia’s leading researchers in biomedical engineering and has been recognised for her outstanding contributions.  She became an Honorary Fellow of Engineers Australia in 2017, awarded Engineers Australia David Dewhurst award in 2016, South Australian Scientist of the Year 2012, elected Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences (2011), and awarded Australian Professional Engineer of the Year (2010).  Karen has held a number of external roles including Member, Australian Medical Research Advisory Board and Director, Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering Board.

Stephen Blakeney is the National Innovations Manager for the Medical Device Partnering Program, MedTech Venture Partner for the Target Translation Research Accelerator, co-lead for Research Translation at the Medical Device Research Institute, a Guest Lecturer and mentor for the Innovation in Medical Device course at Flinders University, his role is co-funded by the Australian National Fabrication Facility, and he is a member of the Bridgetech steering committee.

Stephen started his career as a mechanical engineer developing a system to help deliver electrodes to the brain for Deep Brain Stimulation to treat Parkinsons and he has since gone on to work on a wide variety of devices including a liver retractor for laparoscopic surgery, ophthalmic equipment, post-stroke rehabilitation equipment and more. Stephen moved into commercially-focussed roles around 6 years ago, including working for the Health and Medical team at the Department for Trade and Investment where he led a delegation of health and life sciences companies on a trade mission to China and helped to support inbound investment of companies into Adelaide.

In his current role he supports medical device companies around Australia, speaking to at least 50-100 medtech start-ups per year and providing advice and guidance on how to commercialise their medical devices.

BSc BEng (Biomed) (Hons)

Research and Development Manager Jodie Hobbs is a Biomedical Engineer with over 16 years’ experience in medical device design and prototyping.  Working with medical practitioners, researchers and allied health she has developed many technology solutions incorporating sensing, measurement, electronics, software, data analysis and wireless communications.  Jodie has been involved across all stages of the research and development process from literature review and project scoping to assembly and user trials.  She enjoys the challenge of problem solving with the aim to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Alex is currently on maternity leave.

PhD BSc BHlthSc (Hons)

Alex is the Innovations Manager within the Medical Device Partnering Program. As Innovations Manager she intends to build on the experience she obtained in her previous role as Innovations Officer. Alex has experience in understanding the commercialisation pathway for medical technologies and enjoys exploring new innovations and building relationships with stakeholders.

Before joining MDPP Alex previously worked as a Research Associate at the University of South Australia on an industry/CRC funded project to develop antimicrobial orthopaedic devices. She was responsible for developing and conducting preclinical models in addition to collaborating with industry partners and end-users. During this time, she undertook the BridgeTech Program where her desire in connecting industry with researchers to develop new innovations grew.

Angela is the current Innovations Manager, with a unique background in physiotherapy. With over 10 years of experience as a Physiotherapist in both Australia and the UK, she is well-versed in various healthcare systems and quickly developed a passion for integrating advanced technologies and innovative practices into patient care. Her clinical expertise and deep understanding of end-user requirements have enabled her to identify key areas where innovation can significantly improve outcomes. Angela enjoys building stakeholder relationships and connecting industry networks.

She has previously served on ASX-listed Products and Innovations Committees and has consulted on several medical technology devices. Angela is committed to advancing healthcare through innovation, continually exploring new ways to enhance patient experiences and outcomes by bridging the gap between clinical practice and cutting-edge solutions.

Debbie is the Research Support Officer with the Medical Device Research Institute and Medical Device Partnering Program at Flinders University. Debbie joined the team in 2012 and provides research, project and administrative support. Debbie’s role involves co-ordinating network functions and events, overseeing MDPP finances, assisting with grant submissions, responsible for website and social platform updates, and database management.

Debbie is also Personal Assistant to Professor Karen Reynolds, managing her diary and administrative needs.

BSc (Electrical Engineering), MSc (Medical Informatics), MTech (Software Engineering)

Denny joined the MDPP team in May 2021 as an Electronics Design Engineer, supporting medical device design and prototyping.

Denny previously worked for research institutions in Taiwan, where he was responsible for coordinating and advancing the process of innovative medical device design as well as developing technology solutions.

He has participated in all stages of the innovative medical device research and development process, from project initiation to technology transfer and patent application.

He has a strong interest in engineering craftsmanship in embedded hardware and software design, aiming to dedicate himself and constantly contribute to the field of medical devices. 

MDes (Industrial Design)

John joined the Medical Device Partnering Program in November 2021 as a Mechanical Design Engineer, bringing a background of knowledge from the field of Industrial Design to support medical device design and prototyping.

In the past John has worked as a freelance industrial designer and as a researcher, designing habitation spaces onboard submarines. Bringing 4 years of experience with human centred design processes at the Studio for Confined Human Environment Design (SCHED) at the university of South Australia, John looks to implement seamless interactions between users and medical device technology.

BEng (Mechanical) / BSc (Psychology)

Alex joined the Medical Device Partnering Program in July 2024 as a Mechanical Design Engineer, bringing experience in service engineering, topside engineering, electromagnetic and environmental effects, biomedical engineering, shock and vibration, and mechanical design, across both medical and defence sectors.

As a mechanical design engineer with a passion for biomedical engineering and innovation, Alex looks to apply his broad engineering expertise to design medical devices to improve people’s health and quality of life.

PhD BEng BSci (hons)

Angus is a biomedical engineer who specialises in all things data. He is interested in the design of robust and resilient systems to collect and organise data and from it inform decision-making processes, whether interactive or automatic. He has wide experience in data science, and has analysed/modelled systems from many sectors, including biomedical, power electric, agricultural, and genomic, and runs the gamut from linear models to machine learning.

Angus also has experience in the design and building of embedded systems and the software architectures that are needed to support them.