Dr Nalisa Neuendorf

Nalisa is a social anthropologist, applying practice and perspective to biomedical and public health research at the Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research. Her experience and work are embedded in qualitative and mixed-method designed studies concerned with infection and immunity, vector-borne diseases and population health. Nalisa leads, supports, and mentors a team of qualitative researchers across different sites and settings, with a focus on informing health programs and policy by providing community-driven experiences. Through meaningful collaborative partnerships, she is committed to informing practice and perspective that utilises Indigenous and decolonising methodological approaches, best suited to working with communities and health systems in Papua New Guinea.

• 2020: PhD, Social Anthropology
• 2014: Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours)

• 2015–present: Member of the Australian Network for Student Anthropologists (ANSA)
• 2017–present: Member of the European Society for Oceanists (ESfO), Pacific Studies Network
• 2020–present: Adjunct research fellow, The Cairns Institute, James Cook University
• 2025: Member of the Global Alliance for Chronic Illnesses Network

• 2023–present: Social science lead, Population Health Unit
• 2019-2023: Research fellow, Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit
• 2019: Independent consultant
• 2015–2020: Doctoral candidate
• 2014: Cultural heritage consultant and anthropologist

• 2025: Spirit of JCU Alumni Award