Jessica Muller

Jessica Muller has expertise in psychology, public health, cultural responsiveness and applied research. Jessica’s doctoral research at James Cook University (JCU) was conducted in partnership with Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) to develop standards for culturally responsive healthcare practice. She is currently a Research Fellow with the Psychology of Active, Healthy Living (PAHL) group at JCU, leading a funded tender project with Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) to evaluate their mental health stepped care model. Jessica has skills and experience in translating research into practical and sustainable change by bridging cultural responsiveness principles with psychology and systems approaches to transform health systems and strengthen community health outcomes.

Through her role in supporting the development of the Indigenous Education and Research Centre’s Indigenous Research Support Network (IRSN) at JCU, Jessica is committed to improving the cultural responsiveness of professionals and enhancing the capability of researchers and students to undertake First Nations research that benefits communities. Her leadership in mentoring and building student learning capabilities and experiences is exemplified through her teaching roles in JCU’s Psychology Department and as co-producer of the department’s Professionally Psyched Podcast.

Jessica has published scholarly articles in field-leading journals including BMJ Global Health, presented at national and international conferences and has been invited to speak on culturally responsive healthcare practices at various institutions and organisations across North Queensland. She has worked with academic and industry partners in implementing, developing and evaluating community health initiatives in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, child mental health, perinatal mental health, mental health systems, clinical psychology, and public health action in rural and remote settings. Through her integrated approach to research, teaching and community engagement, Jessica focuses on creating meaningful, evidence-based change that improves health outcomes across diverse populations while honouring cultural contexts and knowledge systems.