Mark Fear - Senior Scientist

Dr Mark Fear graduated from Oxford University in 1996, with a Masters degree in Biochemistry. He subsequently spent two years researching haematopoiesis in Dr. Engels’ group at Northwestern University, USA before returning to the UK. He completed his PhD in 2002, working in molecular biology and dermatology at the Royal London Hospital.

Since coming to Australia, Dr Fear has worked in drug discovery, recently leading the scientific team at Phylogica, a biotech spin-off from the Institute for Child Health Research.

Dr Fear is currently using this background to establish basic scientific research for The McComb Foundation, combining his knowledge of drug discovery, dermatology and molecular biology to enhance wound healing and tissue repair, and to lead research into complete tissue regeneration.

Suzanne Rea - Burns Consultant

Dr Suzanne Rea graduated from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 1995. She completed her higher surgical training in plastic and reconstructive surgery in Ireland before moving to Perth in Western Australia to gain further experience in the field of Burns as an area of special interest.

Since her arrival in Perth, Dr Rea has been involved in a number of clinical projects, including studies related to burns first aid and also the use of cultured epithelial autograft in the reconstructive phase of wound healing.

Dr Rea developed a model of burn injury in the rodent, and is currently conducting research into the roles of different cell types in the healing process and the application of stem cells to burns, as well as continuing clinical practice and research.

Natalie Giles - Postdoctoral Researcher

Dr Natalie Giles recently completed her PhD at Murdoch University, Western Australia on the mechanism of action of anti-parasitic drugs.

Since joining The McComb Foundation, Dr Giles has been working on the analysis of burn wounds using FACS and histology, investigating cell types involved in the wound repair process and novel treatments to reduce scarring and long-term damage associated with burn injury.

Fiona Wood - Director

Fiona Wood has been a burns surgeon for the past 20 years, and is currently the Director of Burn Service of Western Australia. During the past 10 years, Dr Wood co-founded an ASX listed company, Clinical Cell Culture that currently develops new technologies for burn treatment and markets a burn treatment developed by Dr Wood.

Dr Wood also founded the McComb Foundation, a charity that conducts both clinical and scientific research into wound healing, tissue repair and regeneration.

In recognition of her achievements, Dr Wood has received numerous business, humanitarian and medical awards, including Australian of the year 2005 and the Order of Australia medal (AM) for work with Bali bombing victims. She has been voted the most trusted Australian in the Annual Readers Digest survey every year since 2005 and has attained international recognition and a reputation for pioneering work in burn treatment, and is widely respected in the medical and wider community.