Our People

Dr Debra Turner

General Manager, WAHTN

Dr Debbie Turner is the General Manager of the Western Australian Health Translation Network (WAHTN), a role formed from the merger of her previous positions as WAHTN Chief Operating Officer (2018–2024) and WAHTN Acting Executive Director (2023). She leads the WAHTN on behalf of the Board and the Partner Organisations, which are comprised of 21 diverse organisations across the WA health research sector, including state government, universities, medical research institutes and health service providers.

Debbie brings over three decades of experience in medical research and public sector leadership. Prior to WAHTN, she held senior roles within the WA Department of Health, including Director of the Offices of the Chief Medical Officer and Assistant Director General of Clinical Services and Research, and the Disability sector. Her research career of 20+years focused on respiratory health, particularly asthma, inflammatory lung disease, viral respiratory infections, and the effects of environmental irritants on lung growth and development. Debbie has a BSc(Hons) and PhD from The University of Western Australia and undertook 4 years of postdoctoral studies at McGill University, Montreal, Canada. She has published widely, led successful research teams, and secured competitive grant funding.

In addition to her research experience, Debbie is recognised for her expertise in health policy, strategic planning, and executive management. She works with an array of stakeholders across the health and medical research sector, represents WAHTN on the Australian Health Research Alliance Council, and contributes to the sector through numerous board, committee, and advisory roles at local and national levels.

Dr Jason Lenzo

Operations Manager, WAHTN

Dr Jason Lenzo is the Operations Manager at the Western Australian Health Translation Network (WAHTN), where he manages strategic initiatives, major projects, and collaborative activities across WAHTN’s 21 Partner Organisations. With over 20 years of experience in medical research and project management, Jason combines scientific expertise with operational leadership to advance health and medical research outcomes.

Jason holds a BSc(Hons) and PhD from The University of Western Australia. His research career included postdoctoral roles at the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research and The University of Melbourne, where he contributed to the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Chronic Inflammatory Diseases and the CRC for Oral Health. His scientific work spanned viral immunology, inflammation, and vaccine development, with a focus on translating research into practical health solutions that improve patient outcomes.

Since joining WAHTN in 2021, Jason has leveraged his research background and project management skills to strengthen collaboration among clinicians, academics, universities, health services, and consumers, driving initiatives that support innovation and impact in the health sector.

Ms Lauren White

Business Support Manager, WAHTN

Lauren is the Business Support Manager at WAHTN and is responsible for the business operations and day to day management of the WAHTN office. This includes coordinating the strategic planning process and managing the implementation of activities across WAHTN’s partners and stakeholders.

Lauren’s broad experience has been gained from previous roles across a range of organisations in which she provided high level executive support.

This included not-for-profit organisations in Sydney, at the University of Sydney Law School and within a number of divisions at The University of Western Australia.

Siobhon Eacott

Communications and Engagement Coordinator, WAHTN

Siobhon brings experience in science communication, stakeholder engagement, and digital media to her role as Communications and Engagement Coordinator at the Western Australian Health Translation Network. The position involves coordinating strategic communications and engagement initiatives that support collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and community stakeholders.

Siobhon has previously lead communications for WeedSmart and the Australian Herbicide Resistance Initiative (AHRI), with capabilities spanning content strategy, podcast production, event coordination, and digital platform management. Contributions in this space supported national outreach on sustainable farming practices and research translation.

Siobhon has broad experience across departments in The University of Western Australia, including Communications Officer and Admin Assistant in Digital Engagement. These roles involved managing strategic projects for the Development and Alumni Relations office, overseeing website architecture, and producing donor and alumni content.

Siobhon has an undergraduate degree in Conservation Biology and Science Communication, and a Graduate Diploma in Science Communication.

Emma Boucher

Project Officer, WAHTN

Emma Boucher is a Project Officer at the Western Australian Health Translation Network (WAHTN), where she supports the delivery of strategic initiatives and projects. She holds a project management certification, along with a Bachelor of Science and a postgraduate Master’s degree from Curtin University. Emma brings broad professional experience across healthcare, tertiary education, and business.

She has managed small business operations with a focus on streamlining systems, improving efficiency, and delivering outcomes on schedule. Emma also has extensive clinical experience as a senior physiotherapist in both public and private sectors. At Curtin University’s School of Physiotherapy, she coordinated units, lectured, and provided clinical supervision at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Her experience across academic and healthcare settings has given her direct insight into the full lifecycle of research translation and strengthened her commitment to advancing healthcare delivery and improving patient outcomes.