I am a Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Paediatrics (Melbourne Medical School), Research Fellow (Westpac Scholars Trust) and Honorary Research Fellow (Centre for Adolecent Health, Population Health Studies of Adolescents, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute).
My primary research focus is on youth homelessness. I investigate modifiable predictors of youth homelessness and associated problems and identify feasible targets for prevention, economic investment and policy reform.
More broadly, my research interests centre on promoting the health and wellbeing of adolescents and young people.
I have experience teaching in Victorian secondary schools, conducting life skills and mental health programs in the not-for-profit sector, and tutoring and lecturing in health promotion and public health in University settings. In the last decade, I have been conducting research, writing and consulting in the field of adolescent health, with a specialised focus on homelessness among young people, and its outcomes on health and social behaviour.
I have a strong passion for, and commitment to, leadership through my research and to improving the lives of young Australians and their families. I have a particular interest in the use of therapeutic dogs working in research with homeless young people. I am extremely committed to ensuring that my research is relevant to homeless youth and that my research findings are successfully disseminated and translated into practice and policy to benefit others. I am available to consult and collaborate on projects, and for media interview. I am available for RHD supervision.
Find out more about Jess Heerde's experience
Jess Heerde's highlights
FEATURED Journal article
Prevalence of homelessness and co-occurring problems: A comparison of young adults in Victoria, Australia and Washington State, United States
Read moreJess Heerde's selected work
Projects
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Project Types
2
Internal Research Grant
2
Research Contracts
1
Research Grant
Scholarly Works
Displaying the 82 most recent scholarly works by Jess Heerde.
News
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Honours, Awards and Fellowships
Credentials
Positions
Westpac Senior Research Fellow
Paediatrics Royal Children'S Hospital
Member
Council to Homeless Persons
Member, Australian Research Alliance For Children And Youth
Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth
Member, Westpac Bicentennial Foundation Advisory Group
Westpac Scholars Trust Advisory Group
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology)
Deakin University
Bachelor of Applied Science (Health Promotion)
Deakin University
Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement)
Deakin University
Bachelor of Teaching
Deakin University