Meet the International Centre for Point-of-Care Testing NT POCT team
Karen Thompson
Program Lead/Scientific Manager
Originally from Adelaide, and growing up in Whyalla, Karen has worked in NHS hospitals across London for the past 20 years, as well as a 3-year term in Liberia, West Africa. She has held roles as a Laboratory Manager, a Quality Manager and Senior Scientist in diagnostic Haematology and Blood Transfusion. For 4 years she managed a satellite POCT laboratory in Operating Theatres specialising in perioperative Haemostasis. Karen is enthusiastic about the benefits that POCT provides to communities in the NT.
Ellen Kambanaros
Senior Scientific Officer
Ellen grew up in Adelaide and completed a Bachelor of Medical Science (Hons) at Flinders University in 2018. She then worked in a private pathology laboratory before joining the International Centre for Point-of-Care Testing in 2021. Ellen is passionate about the benefits of POCT and is always happy to provide support in any way she can.
Blake Lovett
Scientific Assistant
Blake grew up south of Adelaide and completed a Bachelor of Medical Science at Flinders University in 2023. After working in a research and development laboratory, he joined the International Centre for Point-of-Care Testing in 2025. Blake became passionate about POCT and the benefits it provides during his studies at Flinders and is committed to helping support the clinics with their POC testing.
Kirsty Emery
Scientific Officer
Kirsty grew up in rural and regional locations in South Australia. After a career in the mining industry and a stint overseas Kirsty completed her Bachelor of Medical Science degree at Flinders University in 2022. She has previously been involved in teaching at Flinders University, and is currently completing her honours degree at Flinders University. Kirsty has worked in various roles within POCT, and is passionate about rural and remote health.
Cathy Waymark
Administration Assistant
Cathy has a background in administration and finance and has worked in many industries. Cathy enjoys assisting with the provision of POCT services, which align with her interest in contributing to the improved health and wellbeing of other persons. Cathy currently works with the NT POCT i-STAT and WBC DIFF programs.