Leah East

Professor Leah East holds a dual appointment as Professor in Nursing at the University of Southern Queensland (since 2022) and Adjunct Professor at the University of New England. She leads research in primary health care with a focus on vulnerable populations, women’s health, sexual and reproductive health, and intimate partner violence. Her educational background includes a PhD from Western Sydney University and a Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice from Southern Cross University.

Research Interests: Professor East’s work addresses health disparities in disaster-affected regions, nursing workforce challenges, and patient safety. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates qualitative and quantitative methods to explore systemic issues in healthcare delivery. Key themes include gender-based vulnerabilities during natural disasters, food security during pandemics, and the mental health impacts of violence on women.

Professional Contributions: She has led international research teams and presented at major conferences, with over 40 peer-reviewed publications. Her recent work highlights the need for tailored health strategies in low-income countries post-disaster and the critical role of nurse-led interventions in correctional healthcare settings. She also investigates early career nurse retention and rural placement impacts on career trajectories.

Awards & Grants: While no specific awards are listed, her sustained leadership in nursing academia and research output demonstrate significant recognition in the field. Her work is supported by grants addressing primary healthcare innovation and disaster resilience.

Academic Leadership: As a key contributor to nursing education reform, she co-authored national guidelines on domestic violence training in nursing curricula and developed frameworks for advanced practice roles. She also leads initiatives to enhance nursing academic leadership through programs like the Aspiring Deans Leadership Development Program.