Jess Gillies

Biography

Jess (she/her) is a proud Aboriginal (Gomeroi) woman, first-in-family, and postdoctoral research fellow with SISTASCREEN. Her work is grounded in positive, social psychology approaches to women’s health and wellbeing, with a commitment to advancing evidence-based approaches to flourishing. She has presented papers throughout the Asia Pacific Region, Europe, and Oceania.

Research

Jess’s research expertise gravitates around the nexus of intersectionality, agency, and positive social psychology. Her PhD was motivated by a drive to overcome intersectional and structural disadvantage and understand the complexities of women’s social mobility. Her program of research seeks co- determination of collective mobility towards Blak Flourishing. Other projects include Cultural Regeneration and Indigenous Thriving.

Community engagement

Jess is one of two Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Psychology educator representatives on the national Psychology Academic Reference Group. She is the Early Career Researcher representative within the Faculty of Health Research Committee and holds membership with the Faculty of Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion committee, and the Australian Indigenous Psychology Education Project Community of Practice.

Supervision

Jess supervises Psychology Honours students within The Pleasure Project. Jess is currently available to co-supervise PhD candidates and will be available as a primary supervisor in future. Prospective students are encouraged to contact her regarding supervision opportunities and research proposals aligned with her broader program of research.

Teaching

Jess is an undergraduate psychology lecturer and the Unit Assessor for Culture and Psychology and Fundamentals of Career Success. She also teaches in the Graduate Certificate in Neurodiversity and supports discipline-level curriculum reform and honours supervision. She is committed to inclusive, culturally safe and trauma-informed teaching practices.