Verena Thomas

Professor Verena Thomas is the Associate Dean (Research) at the School of Arts and Humanities, Edith Cowan University. She holds a PhD in Anthropology from the University of Technology, Sydney (2011) and a Master of Media Arts and Production (2004). Her research focuses on participatory media, gender equity, and Indigenous knowledge systems in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific region.

Research Highlights:

• Examines sorcery-related violence, gender-based violence, and community resilience through applied theatre and storytelling.
• Develops participatory media strategies for HIV/AIDS education, climate adaptation, and resource governance.
• Explores informal media economies and grassroots communication in Melanesia.

Grants & Projects:

• SHE Speaks: Intergenerational Wellbeing Through Self-Care ($50,000, 2025–2026).
• SheSpeaks: Amplifying Women's Voices for Wellbeing ($9,094, 2024–2025).

Supervision:

• Current: Doctor of Philosophy on Iranian women documentary filmmakers.
• Completed: Projects on LNG resource impacts, climate adaptation, and sorcery violence peacebuilding in PNG.

Her work bridges academic research with community action, emphasizing Indigenous voices in media and policy.