Jessica has a PhD in health psychology from the University of Wollongong, and has a research background in the psychological aspects of prevention of chronic conditions. Jessica joined the ACBRD in January 2011. She leads a varied program of research that primarily focuses on type 2 diabetes, and works alongside numerous national and international collaborators from different health-related disciplines. Jessica has a particular interest in understanding the unique challenges faced by special groups with type 2 diabetes (e.g. young adults), and in the social impact of living with type 2 diabetes. Jessica regularly works with consumer and health professional groups to contribute to training and information dissemination, and to utilise her research findings to inform policy and practice to help improve the lives of people affected by diabetes.