Melanie Birks is employed as Professor of Nursing (Teaching and Learning) at James Cook University, a role which serves her passions for education, research and nursing. Her primary focus is on the promotion of scholarship in teaching and learning through mentorship and fostering a culture of research. She has extensive experience in international education, having taught in Hong Kong, Singapore, Papua New Guinea and Malaysia. Her research interests are in the areas of accessibility, innovation, relevance and quality in nursing education to ensure preparation of graduates who are industry-ready and able to make a contribution to the profession. Her commitment to research is reflected in her publication history, which includes numerous journal articles and book chapters. Most recently, she co-authored a qualitative research text for graduate students, Qualitative methodology: A Practical Guide with Dr Jane Mills. Professor Jane Mills is one of Australia's leading primary health care academics, with extensive experience in leadership across government and tertiary sectors. In 2024, she was recognised as Australia's Rural and Remote Health Advocate of the Year for her sustained contribution to rural and remote health.

An active and highly cited researcher, Professor Mills works across rural health, the health workforce, health system strengthening and nursing education. Since 2006, she has attracted more than $3.9 million in research and consultancy funding, including an NHMRC Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Primary Health Care.A passionate educator and internationally recognised grounded theorist, she has received an Australian Government Office of Learning and Teaching National Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Learning and Teaching in the area of teaching research. Professor Mills has a reputation as an outstanding higher degree research supervisor across a number of disciplines including public health, dentistry, nursing, midwifery, pharmacy, allied health and social work.