A/ProfSuzanne Sheppard-Law

Suzanne Sheppard-Law (formerly Polis) is an experienced mixed-method researcher focused on applied nursing and public health. She has expertise in developing experimental and quasi experimental research designs, epidemiological designs, survey development and qualitative methods. Suzanne’s program of research builds on her clinical expertise and knowledge of the health care sector having worked as an area Health Service Manager for 18 months and a Clinical Nurse Consultant for 15 years in acute, primary and outreach community-based healthcare settings across adult, antenatal and paediatric populations. Her program of research includes person/family centred safe care, education and self-management of patients living with complex chronic non-communicable and communicable diseases, acute exacerbation of chronic disease symptoms and deterioration.

Suzanne commenced working as an Associate Professor of Person-Centred Nursing Research at the Prince of Wales Hospital & Sydney Hospital & Sydney Eye Hospital and the University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Health, School of Nursing & Midwifery in April 2023. In her current role, Suzanne will continue to build the capacity of clinical nurse researchers and continue to establish a program of translatable person/family centred care & patient safety research. Prior to this, Suzanne worked as Senior Lecturer in post-graduate nursing studies and Higher Degree Research Student Coordinator at University of Technology Sydney (UTS) for close to two years. Suzanne has five and half years' experience working as a Senior Research Fellow at the Sydney Children's Hospital Network, building the capacity of novice nurse researchers, establishing a program of child/family centred paediatric patient safety research and translating patient safety research into clinical practice.

She is recognised for her engagement in working in partnership with priority populations and non-government organisations as a clinician and researcher. She is a recipient of a NSW Health Premiers Award for a collaborative research project that investigated the rapid HBV and HAV vaccination of people subject to homelessness. Suzanne’s hepatology focused research is cited in international and national clinical guidelines and has received international awards.