Core Team

We have assembled a team of dedicated professionals consisting of Specialist Veterinary Pathologists and scientists in the fields of Animal Science, Molecular Biology and Microbiology. Backed up by experienced administrators and IT personnel, we are sure you will find your experience with us second to none.

Lorna Rasmussen

She has over 25 years’ experience in veterinary anatomical and clinical pathology incorporating companion, production, laboratory, African and Australian native animals and a multitude of non-mammalian species. She has been involved with participation in toxicological and clinical trials for several organisations in Victoria.

She qualified as a veterinary surgeon in 1988 (University of Pretoria), held the post of Senior Lecturer in Anatomical and Clinical Pathology at the Medical University of South Africa between 1992 and 1998, obtained MMedVet(Pathology) degree in 1998 and became a Diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists by examination in 2007.

She is based in Melbourne.

Chalette Brown

BSc DVM MANZCVS (Veterinary Behaviour; Veterinary Pathology) joined Cerberus Sciences in 2022 and has been a veterinarian since graduation in 2013 from the University of Adelaide. She has worked in general and referral veterinary practice, taught at University, been a post-graduate examiner, presented at national conferences and served as an Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) member. Her passion for pathology started at University where she was awarded the subject prize and her interest in the laboratory animal field grew further with her time on an AEC as well as co-authorship of a book chapter on laboratory animal pain assessment. Dr Chalette commenced her veterinary anatomical pathology training program under the mentorship of Dr Lorna Rasmussen in 2022 and has since passed her ANZCVS Veterinary Pathology Memberships examination in 2024. Chalette will be preparing for her ACVP specialist examinations in the next couple of years.

She is based in Adelaide.

Peony Fung

BSc(Hons) M.Phil (Biochem & Mol. Biol) M.Apps Sci (Biomed Sci) has had more than 15 years experience working in research laboratories in Hong Kong and Australia. She has also been involved in a collaborative research study with Leiden University, Netherlands which was published in Nature in 2008. She joined Cerberus in 2007 and has been instrumental in improving the molecular testing capabilities of the company with an emphasis on real time PCR formats.

She is based in Adelaide.

Nicole Fraser

Dip.Applied Science in Animal Technology, has over 20 years experience as an Animal Technician including 10 years as a Animal Facility Manager.

Extensive knowledge in Lab Animal Husbandry/Handling, Staff Management, Animal Ethics/welfare, various surgical techniques and collection methods.

Joined Cerberus Sciences in 2012 in the Pathology Department and also undertakes duties as Laboratory/Administration Manager.

She is based in Melbourne.

Ciska Hill

Completed year two of BSc (Veterinary Science) in 2009 at the University of Pretoria, South Africa.

Conferred a BScAgric degree in the field of Animal Science with Conservation Ecology in 2013 at the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa.

Two years of experience in livestock breeding, nutrition and management. Joined the Cerberus team in July 2017 and is primarily involved in pathology and microbiology (bacteriology and parasitology.)

She is based in Melbourne.

Dayna Kalikas

She graduated from Flinders University in 2016 completing a Bachelor of Science (Forensic and Analytical Science).

She joined Cerberus Sciences in 2018 and is primarily involved in Serology. She continues to extend her skills in cell culture and virus purification whilst gaining experience in other aspects of the laboratory.

She is based in Adelaide.

Nichola Smith

Holds a Diploma in Animal Technology, a Certificate 2 in Animal Care and Laboratory Techniques, and has over 20 years of experience in the care and use of animals for scientific purposes.

She Joined Cerberus Sciences in 2019 in the Pathology Department, while also assisting in other laboratory departments and has a special interest in Microbiology.

She is based in Adelaide.

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Core Team

Lorna Rasmussen

She is based in Melbourne.

​

Chalette Brown

Peony Fung

Nicole Fraser

Dip.Applied Science in Animal Technology, has over 20 years experience as an Animal Technician including 10 years as a Animal Facility Manager.

Extensive knowledge in Lab Animal Husbandry/Handling, Staff Management, Animal Ethics/welfare, various surgical techniques and collection methods.

Joined Cerberus Sciences in 2012 in the Pathology Department and also undertakes duties as Laboratory/Administration Manager.

She is based in Melbourne.

Ciska Hill

Completed year two of BSc (Veterinary Science) in 2009 at the University of Pretoria, South Africa.

Conferred a BScAgric degree in the field of Animal Science with Conservation Ecology in 2013 at the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa.

Two years of experience in livestock breeding, nutrition and management. Joined the Cerberus team in July 2017 and is primarily involved in pathology and microbiology (bacteriology and parasitology.)

​

She is based in Melbourne.

Dayna Kalikas

She graduated from Flinders University in 2016 completing a Bachelor of Science (Forensic and Analytical Science).

She joined Cerberus Sciences in 2018 and is primarily involved in Serology. She continues to extend her skills in cell culture and virus purification whilst gaining experience in other aspects of the laboratory.

​

She is based in Adelaide.

Nichola Smith

Holds a Diploma in Animal Technology, a Certificate 2 in Animal Care and Laboratory Techniques, and has over 20 years of experience in the care and use of animals for scientific purposes.

She Joined Cerberus Sciences in 2019 in the Pathology Department, while also assisting in other laboratory departments and has a special interest in Microbiology.

She is based in Adelaide.