Jacob Sheahan, PhD

Jacob Sheahan, PhD

Hi there, i’m a researcher designing for our complex health and ageing futures



Research    Publications    About    ︎


Designing for Positive Ageing Alone
Co-investigator, RMIT University
2026 - Present

Exploring the economics of singlehood in later life, we examine the factors that shape the resources required to age well at home. To realise organisational, service and policy changes and priorities, collaborators such as Singlehood Australia and COTA Australia were engaged. 


New Models of Long COVID Care
Research Fellow, RMIT University
2025 - Present

As part of the Long COVID Assessment Management and Practice (LAMP) project ︎, I am exploring the experiences of people with long-COVID alongside medical and allied health professionals. Taking an experience-based co-design approach, the aim of this research project is to drive more inclusive models of care for those living with long COVID. Part of the Eat Move Heal Network ︎

Empowering Senior Voices
Co-Investigator, RMIT University
2025 - 2026

A City North Activation Initiative in Melbourne, Empowering Seniors Voices ︎ uses Stanford’s Our Voice Discovery tool to document features of the communities that impact older adults' ability to lead healthy lives. Through photowalks, stakeholder workshops, and interactive exhibits, explore inclusive, age-friendly neighbourhoods through participatory civic data and storytelling.

Alternative Support Pathway for Older Informal Carers
Co-investigator, University of Edinburgh
2024

Through a series of workshops, we co-designed an alternative pathway to support older informal carers. Addressing unmet needs, the emotional toll of caregiving, and the importance of culturally relevant resources, a six-phase caregiving journey was developed to provide key information and services throughout the carer journey.


Enhancing Networks of Care
Research Fellow, University of Edinburgh
2023 - 2025

As part of the Advanced Care Research Centre ︎, I coordinated a work package component that investigated the role of community-led, service-enabled, and technology-driven care networks. Focusing on supporting healthier and more resilient networks of care, I was situated within the Institute for Design Informatics ︎



©2026 Jacob Sheahan