ND, RT, NU, Fellow of ANTA

Tom van Wunnik

Technical Director, Max Biocare Group

Tom has been involved in Research and Development of natural formulations since Max Biocare began in 2000. Tom is also a qualified Naturopath with over 50 years’ experience in the natural health industry and is one of the first members of the Australian Natural Therapist Association (ANTA), since 1968. Tom combines traditional medicine with evidence-based, scientific research, providing comprehensive patient education during his consultations, and has actively contributed to clinical trials of many of Max Biocare’s products.

BSc, MRepSc, PhD

George A. Thouas

Head of Research & Innovation, Max Biocare Group

George Thouas is an experienced biomedical senior scientist, with nearly two decades of experience in academic research. He heads the Research and Development team, overseeing new product development projects for different health conditions at Max Biocare.

George completed his Bachelor of Biochemistry and Human Anatomy degree at Monash University. Having found his passion for scientific research, he furthered his education with a Doctoral degree specialising in cellular physiology and development. In his career as a research scientist, George has worked on research projects that include clinical IVF, reproductive and developmental biology, stem cell biology, molecular immunology, tissue engineering and biotechnology. He has authored and co-authored over 50 publications including a text book, book chapters, over 30 peer reviewed papers and several conference proceedings.

With his extensive background in scientific research, George has a special interest in developing formulations for male and female reproductive health, general health conditions that include musculoskeletal function, metabolic balance and immunity.

BSc (Hons), PhD

Christopher Halkias

Research Officer, Max Biocare Group

A biomedical scientist who has worked as researcher and lecturer at RMIT University since 2018, with interests in pharmacology, pathology, immunology and the use of natural products for therapeutic benefit. Christopher has published multiple peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts, led scientific research within significant commercial projects and is an award-winning academic teacher. Chris currently has oversight and organizational management of Max Biocare Research Park’s projects, contributes a variety of R&D projects and makes regular contributions to the Institute’s educational activities.

BBiomedSci, BSc (Hons), PhD

Mark T. Waddingham

Research Fellow

Mark Waddingham is an experienced research scientist who is working on understanding the mechanisms that drive the evolution of heart failure. After completion of his PhD at the University of Melbourne in 2016, Mark has held international research positions in Europe and Japan. Throughout his research career, Mark has attracted competitive research funding (totaling ~$150,000) and has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications in international journals. Mark continues his work as an active researcher as well as making contributions to Max Biocare Group’s product development activities and educational activities.

BNut&Diet (Hons)

Ben H. Parmenter

Natural Products Researcher

Benjamin is a nutrition scientist, who has worked exclusively in research and development across Industry and Academic settings within the medical and health sciences. He has expertise in translational projects and specializes in natural products and lifestyle medicine. Ben is currently completing a PhD in Perth, investigating the roles of plant polyphenols in human health and is an author of several peer-reviewed publications and conference proceedings. Ben is passionate about all aspects of the research process and has been instrumental in Max Biocare Group’s product research and publications.

BHSc (Nutr. Med), MNutr

Diana Newman

Nutritionist

Diana is a registered nutritionist with close to 10 years’ experience as a clinical nutritionist. She completed her undergraduate and post-graduate qualifications through Deakin University, is a member of the Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA) and the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA). Diana’s areas of expertise include digestive disorders, cardio-metabolic conditions, fertility, pregnancy and infant nutrition. As well as being a Max Biocare Clinic practitioner, Diana regularly contributes to the Max Biocare Group’s educational resources, including seminars, articles and health blogs.

BHSc, MDiet

Justine Gal

Consulting Dietitian

Justine holds qualifications in health sciences and dietetics. She has an intrinsic and evidence-based understanding of the positive impact that good nutrition can have on health and wellbeing, from infancy to adulthood. Justine applies her specialized background in nutrition and functional foods, working closely with the research & development and marketing teams at Max Biocare Group to provide technical marketing and educational support.

BSc (Agr)

Leilani Paller

Quality Manager

Leilani Paller has close to 20 years of experience in Science and Quality Assurance. At Max Biocare, Leilani specialises in preparing technical dossiers, ensuring product compliance with the TGA’s regulatory standards, and checking manufacturing and packaging specifications.

She completed her Bachelor of Science degree at University of the Philippines, with a major in Agriculture (Animal Nutrition) in 1997. In 2000, Leilani furthered her education by completing postgraduate studies in Animal Nutrition. She commenced her career as an Animal Nutritionist at a manufacturing company in the Philippines. From 2007 to 2015, Leilani worked as a Quality Assurance Officer and Associate at Probiotec Pharma Pty Ltd. Her responsibilities included quality assurance and control, auditing batch documentation for product release and preparation of master formulation for products.

Leilani is passionate about her work at Max Biocare because she is able to use her extensive experience in Regulatory and Quality compliance.

BPharm, MBA

Chidkamon Tonkan

Regulatory Affairs Associate

Chidkamon Tonkan has a background in pharmaceutical science, with more than 10 years of industry experience. In her role as a Regulatory Affairs Associate at Max Biocare, she is involved in new product development and documentation for product registration in different countries.

Chidkamon completed her Bachelor of Pharmacy in 2004 at Chiang Mai University in Thailand, with a major in Pharmaceutical Science. In 2016, she completed her Master of Business Administration at Central Queensland University. Chidkamon has transferred her knowledge from theory to practice through two internships in the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation and Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital, Thailand’s best known domestic brand of herbal medicine. She commenced her career as a Pharmacist, working in community and hospital pharmacies in Thailand, including Queen Sikirit National Institute of Child Health. In 2007, Chidkamon joined Boehringer Ingelheim as a Medical Representative, specialising in cardiovascular disease, where she collaborated with healthcare organisations, presented clinical research and answered enquiries from healthcare professionals.

Having found her passion for health and wellbeing, Chidkamon enjoys applying her pharmaceutical knowledge and experience to complementary medicine, a class of therapeutic goods. She is dedicated to her work at Max Biocare because it allows her to use evidence-based approach and further develop an in-depth scientific and technical knowledge of healthcare products.

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