Having graduated from Frankston High School in 1987, Sarah completed her PhD at Monash University in 1999 where she studied male reproduction; Sarah is the author of more than 80 publications and has engaged in numerous leadership and advocacy roles in the broader Australian health sector. Significant roles include the President of the peak advocacy for the Australian Society for Medical Research (ASMR), the Associate Director of the Children Cancer Institute Australia and a Senior Leader at the National Health and Medical Research Council Australia. Sarah is currently a Director and Co-chair of the Australian Institute of Policy and Science, Executive of Reproductive Health Australia and serves on the Advisory Group to the Board of the ASMR. She was awarded the Australian Leadership award for her vision for the Australian health sector and is a fortunate recipient of the Victorian Tall Poppy Award for research and communication excellence. Five years ago, Sarah also founded her ‘heart’ project, and created a sanctuary for abused agricultural animals and wildlife, her reason for semi-retirement. Sarah has a special interest in planetary health, conservation and animal rights and welfare.

Sarah came back to school to address an assembly in 2015 and again in 2024 to speak with Year 11 students interested in careers in health, science and research.