Jessica Ford

Dr. Jessica Ford is a Senior Lecturer in Media at the University of Adelaide's School of Humanities, within the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law, and Economics. She previously held positions at the University of Newcastle (2019-2023) and completed her PhD in Film and Media Studies at UNSW Sydney in 2017. Her research focuses on contemporary media feminisms, examining women's representation in TV, film, and popular culture. Key areas include feminist sensibilities in TV markets, gender in TV musicals, and the intersection of labor and affect in media.

Her work spans analyses of Taylor Swift, Hallmark movies, and shows like Orange Is the New Black. She contributes regularly to The Conversation and ABC Radio National. Professional roles include General Secretary of the Screen Studies Association of Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand (SSAAANZ), Contributing Editor for MAI: Feminism and Visual Culture, and Advisory Board member for Punctum Books' 'MAI: Feminism and Culture' imprint.

Jessica's research trends emphasize feminist critiques of media representation, interrogating how gender dynamics intersect with pop culture, capitalism, and structural inequalities. Her articles often bridge academic analysis with accessible commentary on current TV/film trends. Awards include AdvanceHE Fellow status and membership in the Adelaide Education Academy.

She actively supports early-career researchers through professional networks and advocates for equitable workplace practices in academia. Current projects include a monograph exploring feminism as a sensibility in contemporary TV markets.