Our Team
Meet the team behind Dermatology Trials Australia. Led by Professor Dédée Murrell, our experienced doctors, researchers and clinical trial coordinators work together to deliver high-quality dermatology research with professionalism, care and attention to every participant.
Professor Dédée Murrell
Dermatologist / Principal Investigator
I have been very fortunate to study and work all over the world including at Oxford and Cambridge Medical Schools, Duke University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the Rockefeller University in New York before coming to St George Hospital, a teaching hospital of the University of New South Wales in Sydney. Subsequently, I also set up my own private dermatology practice and the first dedicated dermatology trial centre in Australia. This allowed me to combine my passion for medical research and interest in new therapies for common and rare skin conditions, in particular genetic and autoimmune blistering diseases.
In 2006 I started the Australasian Blistering Diseases Foundation (ABDF) with one of my research fellows at the time, Dr Linda Martin. Over the years the ABDF has funded numerous medical research projects to find better ways to diagnose and treat rare blistering diseases. Our trial centre is now internationally renowned with young dermatologists and trainees from all over the world coming to join our team. To help me achieve my goal of improving the quality of life for patients’ with skin conditions, I have assembled an outstanding team of qualified staff that are as passionate about research as I am and are ready to help patients in any way they can.
Dr Rhea Ahuja
Dermatologist (India) / Research Fellow / Sub-Investigator
Dr Rhea Ahuja is a dermatologist trained at the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, and is currently serving as an Adjunct Associate Lecturer at UNSW Sydney. With international training experience at the University of California, San Francisco, Taiwan and Dubai, and mentorship under leading global experts, her work spans complex medical dermatology, paediatric dermatology, dermatopathology and skin of colour. A recipient of multiple international awards, including the Imrich Sarkany Memorial Scholarship, Maria Duran Fellowship Award and Alexander Fisher Award.
Dr Ahuja has authored over 80 peer-reviewed publications and several book chapters in leading dermatology texts. Her work reflects a strong interest in clinicopathological correlation, rare dermatoses, autoimmune blistering diseases, contact dermatitis and procedural dermatology, with a commitment to advancing both patient care and dermatologic education worldwide.
Dr Nasim Niknezhad
Dermatologist (Iran) / Research Fellow
Dr Nasim Niknezhad is a board-certified dermatologist in Iran with extensive experience in clinical dermatology and medical research. She completed her medical degree at Hamedan University of Medical Sciences and her dermatology residency at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran.
Dr Niknezhad has extensive experience working in both private practice and hospital settings and has previously contributed to dermatology research including clinical trials alongside Professor Dedee Murrell at Dermatology Trials Australia.
She has presented at international conferences and authored multiple publications in dermatology. Her areas of expertise include psoriasis, autoimmune skin diseases, dermatologic surgery and laser therapy.
Dr Katrina Xiao
Research Fellow / Sub-Investigator
Dr Katrina Xiao completed her Doctor of Medicine at Bond University in 2023 before undertaking her internship and residency at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, including rotations in dermatology and immunology. She subsequently worked as a Principal House Officer in surgery at Queensland’s Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS), developing her experience in skin lesion excision and wound care.
Katrina is currently undertaking a Master of Medicine (Skin Cancer) at the University of Queensland. She has received Bond University’s Executive Dean’s List and Vice Chancellor’s List awards for academic excellence. She is pursuing a career in dermatology and currently works as a Clinical Research Fellow and Sub-Investigator at Premier Specialists / Dermatology Trials Australia under Professor Dédée Murrell. Her interests include procedural dermatology and skin cancer medicine, with a commitment to advancing treatment options through clinical research.
Annika Pedersen
Senior Clinical Research Coordinator
Annika Pedersen is the Senior Clinical Trial Coordinator at Dermatology Trials Australia, working alongside Professor Dedee Murrell to oversee the coordination and delivery of clinical trials across a broad range of dermatological conditions. Annika graduated from Macquarie University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Medical Sciences and was awarded the Highly Commended Judyth Sachs Student PACE Prize in recognition of her outstanding professional and community engagement.
Annika has contributed to dermatology clinical trials supporting FDA, EMA and TGA regulatory approvals for new treatments across multiple indications. With extensive experience in clinical trial coordination and a strong commitment to medical research, she is passionate about advancing treatment options while maintaining the highest standards of clinical trial conduct and patient care.
Sophie Preston
Clinical Research Coordinator
Sophie Preston is a Clinical Research Coordinator at Dermatology Trials Australia, working alongside Professor Dedee Murrell to coordinate and deliver clinical trials across a broad range of dermatological conditions. Sophie graduated from the University of Sydney in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Honours), achieving First Class Honours in RNA Therapeutics.
Sophie plays an integral role in clinical trial operations, including study management, patient recruitment, regulatory compliance and data management. She works closely with investigators, pharmaceutical sponsors and research teams to support the successful delivery of clinical trials from initiation through to completion. With a strong foundation in scientific research, Sophie is passionate about advancing dermatological research and contributing to the development of innovative treatments that improve patient outcomes.
Hayden Curtis
Clinical Research Assistant
Hayden Curtis is the Clinical Assistant at Dermatology Trials Australia, assisting the clinical team in delivering high-quality patient care. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Medical Science in 2025, providing a strong foundation in medical and biochemical sciences.
Hayden supports the day-to-day operations of the clinic, assists with a range of clinical procedures, addresses patient enquiries and helps to ensure the smooth and efficient coordination of patient care. His strong interest in clinical medicine and commitment to supporting both patients and the clinical team contribute to the highest standards of care across the practice.
Claire Greiss
Data Entry Assistant
Claire Greiss is Dermatology Trials Australia’s Clinical Data Entry Assistant supporting the accurate and timely collection, entry, review, and maintenance of clinical trial data in accordance with study protocols, data management procedures, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) principles.
Her background as a Pharmacy Assistant has provided her with a strong foundation in medication terminology, patient information, confidentiality, accurate record-keeping, and attention to detail. This experience enables her to effectively work with clinical and pharmaceutical data, identify discrepancies, maintain data integrity, and follow established clinical trial processes. Claire brings an organised, detail-oriented, and patient-focused approach to clinical research, with a strong commitment to data accuracy, quality, confidentiality, and supporting the successful delivery of high-quality dermatology clinical trials.
