Dean Cassano
International Health Project Officer
Working groups
Background
Dean’s primary interests are in HIV, sexual health, and LGBTQIA+ health. He joined Burnet in 2021 to support the research project ‘Ageing Well with HIV’ which focused on addressing the psychosocial and health needs of people living with HIV aged 50+ in Victoria, Australia, through an online platform that enhanced the reach and sustainability of existing local services.
Since then, Dean has moved into Burnet’s International Development team as project manager and technical adviser for the Sexual and Reproductive Health Integration Program (SRHIP) in Papua New Guinea. The technical focus of his work is on improving accessibility of HIV and sexual health services for key populations in Papua New Guinea, including female sex workers; men who have sex with men; and transgender women.
Alongside these roles, Dean also chairs the LGBTQIA+ subcommittee at Burnet Institute and is outreach volunteer with Thorne Harbour Health, a role he has held since 2018.
Qualifications
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2023: MPH – Global Health, University of Melbourne, Australia
- 2015: BA – Foreign Language and Cultural Studies, University of Melbourne, Australia
Positions
- 2022: International Health Project Officer, Burnet Institute
- 2021: Research Assistant, Burnet Institute
Appointments
2023 – ongoing: Chair – Burnet Institute LGBTQIA+ Subcommittee
Awards
- 2014: Global Mobility Scholarship, University of Melbourne
News and features
First-of-its-kind training manual to improve HIV care
In Papua New Guinea, Burnet is helping to strengthen the country’s HIV response through the Sexual & Reproductive Health Integration Project.
Empowering regional leaders thorough the Australia Awards Fellowships
Burnet welcomes back Australia Awards Fellowships delegates
After a five-year pause to the program, Burnet welcomed Australia Awards Fellowships delegates in July for workshops focused on HIV prevention and health promotion.