Damien J O'Meara

Damien J O'Meara has a diverse range of work experience in various roles and organizations. Damien J is currently a PhD candidate and research assistant at Swinburne University of Technology, specializing in Australian children's television cultures. Damien also holds the position of President at the School of Social Sciences, Media, Film and Education Higher Degree Research Committee.

In addition to their academic pursuits, Damien is a podcast producer and host, showcasing their skills in podcasting. Damien J has been involved in online education as the Lead Unit Coordinator for Media and Communications at Online Education Services (OES).

Prior to their current roles, Damien worked at Swinburne Online as a Unit Coordinator for Media and Communications and as an eLearning Adviser, utilizing their expertise in media and communications, media history and theory, and film studies to deliver engaging and practical learning experiences to students.

During their tenure at the Department of Education & Training, Victoria, Damien held several strategic communications positions, including Senior Internal Communications Strategist and Speechwriter, Stakeholder Strategy Adviser, and Acting Senior Strategic Communications Adviser. Damien J also served as Communications Adviser for the 2018 Victorian Premiers' Reading Challenge, successfully increasing school participation and early years involvement.

Earlier in their career, Damien worked at Community Hubs Australia Incorporated as the Communications and Relationships Manager and Program Development Manager. Damien J also served as the Manager of Community Development, Communications & Projects at the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute, contributing to research focused on social cohesion and facilitating grants to improve social cohesion in Australia.

Damien J O'Meara's education history includes a Doctor of Philosophy - PhD in Media and Communications from Swinburne University of Technology, which they pursued from 2021 to 2024. Damien J also completed a Graduate Certificate in Research and Innovation Management at the same university until 2022. Prior to that, Damien obtained a Master of Arts (MA) in Writing from Swinburne University of Technology from 2015 to 2017. Their undergraduate degree is a Bachelor of Communication in PR from Griffith University, which they earned from 2009 to 2013. Damien has also obtained certification in NVivo 2018 Essential Training from LinkedIn in 2021.