RN, BN, MHSc(Ed), PhD Associate Professor Jessica Biles is a long-standing academic at Charles Sturt University, where she has been shaping future healthcare professionals since 2008. Her research and teaching are deeply rooted in improving health outcomes for regional communities, with a strong focus on cultural safety and equity in healthcare. Jessica Biles is a nationally recognised educator and researcher in nursing, with a strong teaching profile across Australia. She is the co-editor of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellness, a widely used text that includes an online teaching guide and community-developed media resources. These materials have supported learners nationwide in developing culturally responsive healthcare practices. In 2016, Jessica was honoured with the Betty Jeffreys Award for her leadership in nursing research. Associate Professor Jessica Biles’ research focuses on regional health equity, health workforce development, and cultural safety. She collaborates closely with regional communities and local health districts to support community-driven research initiatives that address local health needs and workforce challenges. Jessica has secured over $650,000 in research funding, leading and contributing to projects that span mentoring programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals, rural nursing excellence, COVID-19 impacts on culturally diverse communities, and innovations in nursing education and evidence-based practice. Her work is grounded in participatory and translational research approaches, with a strong emphasis on First Nations health, rural health systems, and inclusive education. Jessica has supported two students to completion of their PhD, four Honours students (all receiving H1 grades) and three medical research projects. Jessica currently has four active PhD students, and one honours student. Associate Professor Jessica Biles maintains active involvement in national and international nursing and health education networks. She currently serves as a Director of the Australian Nurses Memorial Centre and as the Australian Representative on the Board of the European Transcultural Nursing Association (since 2013). Jessica is also a long-standing member of the Hume Region Nurse Educators Group (since 2005) and is affiliated with the Australian Rural Health Education Network and the Australian Volunteers Association. She previously held membership with the Australian Nurse Teachers Society (ANTS) and holds life membership with the University of Sydney. Jessica Biles has published extensively in the fields of health workforce, nursing education, cultural competence, regional health equity, and compassion in healthcare. Her work spans qualitative, participatory, and international collaborative research, with over 400 citations, an h-index of 9 (Google Scholar), and an i10-index of 6. Key Themes in Her Publications: Her recent publications also include work on AI in education, such as evaluating ChatGPT’s role in academic integrity, and community-driven health workforce research with First Nations communities: Jessica Biles - Charles Sturt University Research Output
Nursing3802706
Associate Professor Jessica Biles
Associate Professor in Nursing
Albury / Wodonga
Building 673 Room 323
Jessica’s work has supported local health districts and community-led initiatives, helping to build research projects from the ground up that reflect the real needs of people living in regional areas. Jessica is co-editor of the widely used textbook Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellness, and her recent publications in health workforce safety, mentorship and vaping offer insights to guide organizations, communities and policy makers.
Jessica brings a wealth of experience in leadership, education, and research. Her insights into health equity and youth engagement make her a valuable voice in conversations around health impacts on regional communities.
Jessica currently serves as the International Representative for the European Transcultural Nursing Society, reflecting her commitment to global perspectives in nursing education and practice.
Jessica's PhD, completed in 2017, was a phenomenological study titled Australian Indigenous Cultural Competence and Nursing, which explored cultural competence development among Bachelor of Nursing students.
Her academic and research interests include: