Jemma Skeat

Jemma Skeat is an Associate Professor and Discipline Lead for Speech Pathology at Deakin University's School of Health and Social Development. She leads the development of the Master of Speech Pathology program and holds a PhD from La Trobe University along with a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Learning and Teaching from Deakin (2022). Her research focuses on service accessibility for individuals with communication needs, functional outcomes for people with disabilities, and innovations in speech pathology education.

Her research interests span:

• Health systems and service access for communication disorders
• Clinical education and competency development through authentic learning experiences
• Co-design methodologies with people with disabilities
• Qualitative research innovation in rehabilitation sciences

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals strong themes in clinical education reform (including telehealth supervision and interprofessional learning), qualitative methodologies in communication disorders, implementation science in speech pathology practice, and inclusive healthcare design. Her work increasingly explores technology integration in education and clinical practice.

Honors include:

• Fellow, Higher Education Academy (2023)
• Faculty Award for Program Innovation: Ways of Knowing in Healthcare
• Vice Chancellor's Jim and Alison Leslie Award for Teaching Excellence
• Multiple School-level teaching excellence awards

She has supervised over 30 graduate research projects and one Master's by Research to completion. Grant funding includes NHMRC support for community trials on preschool language delay and internal awards for educational innovation. She founded the international Community of Practice in Qualitative Research in Speech Pathology, connecting 80+ members globally.