Deborah Graham

Deborah Graham is a Lecturer at James Cook University (JCU) in Cairns, Australia, with a focus on public health, Indigenous health, and mental health. Her research spans alcohol policy, obesity management, and social determinants of health. She has authored over 39 publications, including reports commissioned by JCU and peer-reviewed articles in journals like Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology and Journal of Tropical Psychology.

Her work includes evaluating alcohol restrictions in Indigenous communities (Kimberley, WA), analyzing homelessness among Indigenous women in Queensland, and exploring genetic influences on alcohol consumption in South Korea. She has collaborated on studies addressing burnout in educators and the efficacy of inspiratory muscle training for obese adults.

Key areas of research include cross-cultural assessment tools for Indigenous substance use treatment, resilience in Indigenous populations facing systemic racism, and the psychological impacts of obesity-related health messaging. Her interdisciplinary projects often involve partnerships with healthcare providers and policymakers to inform community-based interventions.

Deborah has contributed to policy reports on Australian alcohol regulation, Indigenous health equity, and therapeutic community frameworks. Her research emphasizes culturally sensitive approaches to health assessment and the intersection of social policy with health outcomes.