Michael Whitehead

Dr. Christophe Jackson holds PhDs in piano performance, neurobiology and mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in physician assistant where he studies the effects of music on cognition, performance and stress. He has completed postdoctoral training in Neuroscience and Music at Tulane University in New Orleans. Clinically, Jackson works as a neurosurgery, trauma, infectious disease, and urology surgical physician assistant where he utilizes his expertise to bridge access to healthcare, research, and technology. Outside of medicine, Jackson is a “musician at heart” having performed professionally as a classical and jazz pianist, keeping true to his New Orleans roots. Jackson is now the lead clinical scientist and associate research professor for Neuroscience, Music, and Medicine Initiative Between Flinders University and the United States where his works explores Arts-Based Research practice. Jackson current research, "Blues, Jazz, and Black in the Land of Oz: Health Justice, Well-being, Creativity, and Resilience through Song." This work explores the intersection of music, culture, and neuroscience between marginalised communities of colour in the United States and Australia. This project aims to identify and develop collaborative responses to improve health, social, and economic outcomes by recognising the synergies and shared experiences within marginalized communities.