Jess brings valuable experience from the health, disability and education sectors.
She is passionate about empowering people from disadvantaged backgrounds to reach their full potential. Jess has a comprehensive understanding of research, critical evaluation and the importance of providing evidence-based solutions.
Influential work
- Conducted the first research project to investigate lung cancer stigma in New Zealand, with the research published in the Journal of Oncology
- Developed a strategy to improve the wellbeing of residents in the largest hall of residence at the University of Otago
- Led an academic research project investigating facilitative mirror movements in a child with severe cerebral palsy
- Analysed qualitative data and provided recommendations on psychology exam styles at the University of Otago.
Outside of Nous
Jess has previously worked as a disability support worker, research assistance, teacher of university-level psychology students, and Montessori preschool teacher. She enjoys giving back to her community. She has led camps for siblings of child cancer patients, spoken on Radio New Zealand about the importance of community support during the initial stages of COVID-19, and presented motivational speeches to first-year university students.
Jess holds an honours degree in psychology from the University of Otago. She has been awarded both leadership and academic scholarships, as well as won awards in university papers.
In her spare time...
Jess loves learning about different places, people and cultures. She has backpacked through more than 30 countries, swum with pink dolphins in the Amazon River and hiked active volcanoes in Guatemala.
