DrJade Parnell

Dr Jade Parnell is a Lecturer in the Department of Health Psychology at RCSI. Jade completed her PhD in health psychology at the Centre for Appearance Research (based in the UK), at the University of the West of England. Her background is in appearance psychology and body image, with specific interests in the role of stigma and social media for young people and women. Jade is passionate about supporting women’s health and creating environments that accept diversity in appearance and improve psychosocial support. During her research career, Jade has developed and evaluated a number of health interventions to promote diversity, support self-esteem, and positive health.

Recently, Jade worked on a project supporting the information and resource needs of women with epilepsy from preconception to postpartum (also known as the EpiKNOW Project). The research is funded by the Health Research Board (HRB), Epilepsy Ireland, and the HSE National Women and Infants Health Programme (NWIHP). This project is based in RCSI and led by Dr Aisling Walsh. You can access the resources, which were co-developed with women with epilepsy, via the Epilepsy Ireland website here: https://www.epilepsy.ie/content/epiknow-project

Skilled in science communication, Jade was the co-host of a popular global podcast, Appearance Matters: The Podcast!, for five years. Jade is an experienced public speaker for general and specific audiences, including presenting at the UK Government’s Department for Work and Pensions. She has worked with a range of business corporations and charities such as Unilever (evaluating the Dove Self-Esteem Programme), Face Equality International, and more recently, Epilepsy Ireland and the HSE.