Heather McCormack

Dr Heather McCormack is a Scientia Research Fellow (Level B) at the Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales. She transitioned to academia after a 16-year career in health promotion and program management across sexual health and blood-borne virus sectors, including leadership roles in NSW Ministry of Health and not-for-profit organizations.

• PhD in optimizing health assessments for STI/HIV testing in Indigenous youth (2024)
• Master of Public Health (Social Research) from UNSW
• Bachelor of Media Communications from Charles Sturt University

Her research focuses on social aspects of sexual health, health communication, and technology-enabled public health interventions for sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and blood-borne viruses. She specializes in:

• Accessibility of sexual health services for marginalized populations
• Strengths-based and peer-led research models
• Electronic optimization of health assessments
• Health equity-centered interventions

Her recent publications examine STI testing integration in Aboriginal community-controlled health services, digital health tools for sexual health promotion, and culturally responsive healthcare models. She serves as an Associate Editor for The Lowitja Journal - First Nations Health and Wellbeing.

Scientific Awards:

• Scientia Fellowship (Level B)
• First Australian cohort accredited by International Union of Health Promotion and Education

Teaching activities include guest lectures on:

• PHCM9255 - Politics, Surveillance and Public Health
• PHCM3001 - Ethics in Public Health

Her work spans collaborations with NSW Ministry of Health, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS), and international conferences including AIDS 2022 and IUSTI World Congress.