Associate Professor Jacqueline Stephens is an epidemiologist who conducts research focused on identifying and eliminating healthcare inequity, particularly for people living in rural and remote locations. Her research uses data linkage and ‘big data’ in a mixed methods approach by contextualising the epidemiological findings with community narratives to better understand the context of the epidemiological data.

Her research program covers a range of heath issues, including childhood ear health, maternal healthcare, communicable diseases, kidney disease, climate change, and healthcare access during disasters. In her research program, she uses the evidence to support the co-creation of Community-informed and led strategies to eliminate the inequitable impact of these conditions on priority populations. 

In addition, Associate Professor Stephens is interested in data linkage ethics and is currently a member of the SA Health HREC and the International Science Council's Committee on Data (CODATA) ECR Network. She is an ex-officio member of the Australasian Epidemiological Association Executive Council and the Public Health Association (SA Branch) committee. She is a member of the International Network of Epidemiology in Policy council.

As an avid supporter of science communication and encouraging STEM careers for young people, she is the Chair of the South Australian National Science Week committee and a member of the Australian Science Communicators council. She engages regularly with the community via radio, newspapers, and at events.

Her research has contributed to addressing the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:

• Patient decision making: Surgery (1)

Master (MPH/MSc) Supervisions:

• Machine Learning (1)
• Maternal Health (2)
• Tobacco Control (1)

• Principal PhD supervisor: Epidemiology: Kidney health (1), Health Systems: Maternal health (2), Health Systems: Ear Health (1)
• Associate PhD supervisor: Epidemiology: STI screening (1), Health Systems: Kidney health (1), Consumer experience: Maternal health (1)

Dr Jacqueline Stephens is a member of:

• Public Health Association of Australia
• Australasian Epidemiological Association
• International Epidemiological Association

Dr Jacqueline Stephens was an invited health data expert at the 4th International Workshop on Participatory Surveillance in Cambodia, November 2022.

• Dr Eleonora Dal Grande, Biostatistician & Research Fellow
• Dr Amanda Machell, Research Fellow
• Dr Syeda Fatima, Research Officer
• Laura Nolan, Research Assistant
• Dale Coghlan, Patient Engagement Officer