Dr Jacqueline Stephens is an epidemiologist who conducts research focused on access to healthcare and eliminating healthcare inequity, particularly for those 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.

In 25 words or less, tell us what your research is about?

My research uses a mix of methods – both quantitative and qualitative – to understand inequity in healthcare access and how consumers navigate the healthcare system.

What do you enjoy most about being a researcher?

My career started in clinical research, and I have always enjoyed speaking with consumers to better understand their experiences of healthcare systems. These early experiences shaped my research direction and are firmly embedded in my research approach. So, while I really enjoy talking with consumers, I also love maps and data and ‘crunching the numbers’ – though I seem to have less and less time to do this myself.

What do you do when you’re not researching?

Many things! I run – albeit slowly – or go to the gym most days of the week. I am also learning Japanese and dabble in various creative hobbies – the latest is watercolour painting.