Jessica Shulman
Brunswick East
Summary
Researcher and educator specialising in mental health, human rights, and digital innovation, with 15 years’ interdisciplinary experience across academia, government, NGOs, and international organisations. Passionate about user-centred design, ethical AI, and youth engagement, with a strong record of developing evidence-based interventions and digital tools that address complex health and social challenges. Recognised for driving equity-driven reform and integrating lived experience perspectives into policy, education, and technology.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Academic Publications Mentor
Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional (Indonesia)
01.2024 - Current
- Supported researchers in developing peer-reviewed outputs on justice, health, and technology applications.
- Mentored early-career academics in ethical and methodological research approaches.
Unit Chair & Lecturer
Victoria University, Monash University, Deakin University
01.2020 - Current
- Designed and taught interdisciplinary courses using cutting edge digital engagement.
- Supervised student research integrating mental health and social justice frameworks.
- Achieved 80–100% student satisfaction across units.
- Gender, Human Rights, Global Health; Gender & Health; Community Education Placement
Communications Manager & Senior Health Campaigns Adviser
Office for Women, Victorian Government
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Developed statewide campaigns (Victoria Against Violence) integrating digital platforms to drive behaviour change.
- Collaborated with clinicians, community groups, and policymakers to embed evidence-based approaches.
Strategic Advocacy Specialist | Asia Pacific Regional Engagement Coordinator
United Nations – Myanmar & Asia Pacific HQ
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Coordinated multi-country programs on health, equity, and governance, incorporating digital communication tools.
- Contributed to UN Women’s Asia Pacific Regional Gender Equality Strategy 2022–2025, foregrounding ethical use of data and lived experience.
Diversity & Inclusion Specialist | Communications Coordinator
Mind Australia (National Health NGO)
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Designed youth-focused inclusion initiatives within mental health services.
- Co-developed communication strategies that foregrounded lived experience in mental health care.
Education
Masters - Humanitarian Action and Community Development
Deakin University
Postgraduate Honours Thesis - Cultural Studies & Communications
The University of Melbourne
Postgraduate Certificate - Creative Writing
The University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Media & Communications - undefined
Swinburne University
Skills
- Digital health innovation: Co-created the Gender Gap App, a world-first crowdmapping tool for gender and health disparities, later adopted as best practice by the World Health Organization (WHO)
- Mental health expertise: Accredited in Mental Health First Aid (since 2018) and experienced in designing youth engagement and inclusion strategies through roles in Mind Australia and higher education
- AI & research: Led interdisciplinary collaborations in digital health and gender equity; mentored researchers on methodological rigour and academic publishing at Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional
- Youth-centred design: Extensive experience working with young people and at-risk communities in co-design processes (eg, UK National Youth Arts Council, Mind Australia, education sector placements)
- Global leadership: Strategic advisory roles at the United Nations, advancing health and rights agendas across Asia Pacific
- Education & teaching: University lecturer in Gender, Human Rights, and Global Health; pioneered curricula that integrate ethics, digital tools, and social change
Certification
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culturally-Sensitive Practice (Centre for Cultural Competence Australia)
- Emerging Leader Award (Leadership Victoria, 2020)
- Field Security & Safety, in International Deployment, UNDSS (United Nations, 2019, 2024)
- Mental Health First Aid (since 2018, current)
- Leading in Government (LinkedIn Learning, 2021)
Timeline
Academic Publications Mentor
Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional (Indonesia)
01.2024 - Current
Unit Chair & Lecturer
Victoria University, Monash University, Deakin University
01.2020 - Current
Strategic Advocacy Specialist | Asia Pacific Regional Engagement Coordinator
United Nations – Myanmar & Asia Pacific HQ
01.2019 - 01.2020
Communications Manager & Senior Health Campaigns Adviser
Office for Women, Victorian Government
01.2018 - 01.2021
Diversity & Inclusion Specialist | Communications Coordinator
Mind Australia (National Health NGO)
01.2015 - 01.2018
Postgraduate Honours Thesis - Cultural Studies & Communications
The University of Melbourne
Postgraduate Certificate - Creative Writing
The University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Media & Communications - undefined
Swinburne University
Masters - Humanitarian Action and Community Development
Deakin University
Awards
Global Citizenship Award – United Nations/Deakin University (2019)., Certificate of Appreciation – UN Women Asia Pacific (2018).
Publications
- Academic publications editor and mentor (BRIN, Indonesia; UN Women; Australian Red Cross).
- Presenter: 6th International Gender & Women’s Studies Conference, Malaysia (2019).
- Contributor: multiple UN reports on health, gender, and equity in Asia Pacific.