Jacob is a trained sociologist and social work academic. He is interested in collaborating with the community, government, industry, and other stakeholders on research and projects related primarily to Aboriginal topics. 

Jacob continuously seeks Aboriginal students and staff who are eager to contribute to research. He wants to grow the next generation of Aboriginal leaders. If this sounds like you, please get in touch with him. 

As the Associate Dean Indigenous for the College of Arts, Law and Education (CALE), Jacob aims to empower Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff and students to contribute to a culture of Indigenous excellence.

CALE has a rich history of success for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and the college continues to build upon this legacy across its five schools. Indigenous staff and students actively contribute to research, learning and teaching, and leadership at both local and national levels.

As key discussions evolve on Indigenous topics such as truth-telling and treaty, achieving targets within the Closing the Gap strategy, and how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their families, and communities can grow strong, CALE’s Indigenous staff, students, and graduates have significant contributions to make, supported by our valued non-Indigenous colleagues.

Before undertaking the CALE Associate Dean Indigenous role, Jacob was a full-time Senior Indigenous Fellow in Social Work. In this capacity, he served as the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) Course Coordinator, contributed to learning and teaching, and collaborated with colleagues on research projects.

Additionally, Jacob is a former acting CEO of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers Association (NATSIHWA) and has worked in Aboriginal health since 2010. He is also a qualified Social Worker and Aboriginal Health Worker with extensive practice experience.