DrSteph Kershaw

Steph is a Senior Research Fellow at The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, a Flagship in the Faculty of Medicine and Health. Steph leads an innovative program of research and translation to reduce the impact of substance use. Her research aims to improve the health outcomes for individuals, families and communities especially among vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. Steph is passionate about addressing the stigma and discrimination associated with alcohol and drug use.

Steph leads a number of innovative digital projects including 1) Cracks in the Ice, a National Online Portal funded by the Australian Government Department of Health to develop and disseminate evidence-based resources about crystal methamphetamine ('ice') for the Australian Community; 2) The Illicit Project an interactive, neuroscience-based harm reduction program that aims to upskill Australian young people in alcohol and drug use harm minimisation. She also works closely in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to co-develop and disseminate culturally appropriate resources to prevent and reduce the impact of substance use (e.g. crystal methamphetamine, nicotine) among communities.

Steph completed her PhD in 2015 at the University of South Australia, which focused on the impact of genetic predictors of opioid dependence on neuroimmune and endocrine markers in healthy adults. Following which, she undertook several appointments at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland focusing on the impact of illicit drugs on public health, and the translation of evidence-based research into international policy outcomes.