Jane Heller

Biography

Jane graduated from a Bachelor of Science in 1995 and a Bachelor of Veterinary Science in 2000. After graduation, Jane worked initially in small animal medicine in private practice, before undertaking an internship and then a Master of Veterinary Clinical Studies at the University of Sydney, where she was 'switched on' to Veterinary Epidemiology. Jane then went to Glasgow to concentrate on quantitative epidemiology, where she was employed as a research fellow whilst simultaneously completing a PhD, using risk assessment methodology to address the issue of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in dogs. During this period, Jane also attained specialist status within the European College of Veterinary Public Health, in the subspecialty of population medicine and membership of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists. In 2009, Jane took up a faculty position at Charles Sturt University. Jane's main interest is in infectious disease epidemiology, with particular reference to antimicrobial resistant organisms, and the potential for zoonotic transfer of pathogens between animals and humans. She is involved in numerous research projects addressing zoonotic disease, including Q fever, brucellosis, MRSA, Chlamydia psittaci and E.coli O157. Jane also uses her epidemiological skills to contribute to research in different areas, including companion animal and equine health. She also has a particular interest in Evidence Based Veterinary Medicine and the application of diagnostic tests across all fields. In addition to this, Jane has a strong interest in student wellness and was instrumental in setting up a student wellness program for vet students at CSU.

Research Interest

Veterinary Epidemiology