Penelope Strauss

Penelope Strauss is an Adjunct Research Fellow in the School of Population and Global Health at the University of Western Australia, specializing in Population and Public Health. She also holds roles as a Research Fellow and former Research Assistant at the Telethon Kids Institute, focusing on youth suicide prevention. Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those addressing mental health and social inclusion.

Her research interests center on mental health, gender identity, lived experiences, and healthcare access for transgender and gender-diverse youth. She employs digital ethnography, qualitative interviews, and mixed-methods approaches to explore issues like substance use harm reduction, coping strategies for suicidal behaviors, and mental health assessment methodologies.

Penelope has contributed to grants totaling over A$1M, including leadership in projects like 'Penelope Strauss WANMA' (2023-2024) and collaborative initiatives such as the Australian Research Consortium for Trans Youth and Children (ARCTYC). Her work emphasizes tailored interventions for marginalized youth and improving healthcare equity.