A bit about me
As a PhD candidate at the University of Queensland, my research focuses on optimising the integration of genetic testing within paediatric care by considering the needs of children, families, healthcare providers, and health services. My research is informed by my clinical experience as a genetic counsellor, where I support families navigating genetic testing, provide genetic risk assessments, and assist families to understand, cope with, and adjust to complex genetic information. I grew up in regional Queensland before moving to Brisbane to complete a Bachelor of Science from the University of Queensland and later earned a Master of Genetic Counselling from the University of Technology Sydney.
Awards and Recognition
2025 UQ Joan Allsop Scholarship
2025 FI Immunology and Vaccine Development Travel Award
2024 UQ Baillieu Research Scholarship
2024 UQ Higher Degree by Research Travel Award
2024 TRI Foundation Travel Sponsorship Award
2023 HGSA Queensland branch ICG scholarship
2023 Trackgene Australia Education Scholarship Award
Grants and Funding
Health Practitioner Research Scheme, Associate Investigator
University of Queensland, Research Project Scholarship
Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering, ELEVATE post-graduate program
University of Queensland, Consumer and Community Involvement Scheme
Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre, Rural and Regional Enterprise Scholarship
Current Projects
Recent Publications
For a full list of publications, see https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9284-9110
Clark, A.,* DeBortoli, E.,* Blancoe, M., Sgro, C., Clinch, T., Melo, M., Pinzon-Charry, A., Sullivan, A., McInerney-Leo, A., Peake, J., McNaughton, P., Yanes, T. (2025) “It’s a Godsend”: Parental Experiences of Genomic Testing for Paediatric Inborn Errors of Immunity. European Journal of Human Genetics. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41431-025-01917-7
DeBortoli, E., McInerney-Leo, A., Macintosh, R., Zelnick, M., Gray, P., McNaughton, P., Yanes, T. (2025) Genetic counselling in paediatric inborn errors of immunity: Perspective piece on current practice and considerations. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice. DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2025.03.052
DeBortoli, E., McGahan, E,. Yanes, T., Berkman, J., Fuentes-Bolanos, N., Milch, V., Steinberg, J., McInerney-Leo, A. (2024) Utility of genomic testing in children, adolescents, and young adults: A scoping review. Journal of National Cancer Institute. https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/djae233
Berkman, J., DeBortoli, E., Steinberg, J., McInerney-Leo, A. (2024). Mainstreaming Cancer Genomic Testing: A scoping review of the acceptability, efficacy, and impact. Clinical Genetics https:/doi:10.1111/cge.14660
Dane, A., Berkman, J., DeBortoli, E., Wallingford, C., Yanes, T., McInerney-Leo, A. (2024) Narrative Therapy and Family Therapy in Genetic Counselling: A Systematic Review. The Journal of Genetic Counselling ttps://doi.org/10.1002/jgc4.1938