Our Team

Introducing Jess

Jess Rowlings is the CEO and co-founder of Next Level Collaboration, as well as a qualified speech and language pathologist. She is also an Honorary Enterprise Fellow and researcher at the University of Melbourne Faulty of Education, and previously Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. Jess’ work is informed by her lived experience of receiving autism and ADHD diagnoses as an adult as well as her lifelong love of games. As a researcher, she is passionate about the use of digital games-based learning to promote inclusion and a sense of belonging, and her work has included developing and running a dedicated Minecraft server to support neurodivergent girls and women. Jess is also currently completing her PhD on the experiences of neurodivergent women in gaming communities.

Jess’s favourite games include The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, and Animal Crossing series, Control, and many classic PlayStation 2 platformers.

Outside of gaming, Jess enjoys LEGO, renovation projects, and playing with her dogs.

Jess Rowlings

CEO & Co-Founder

Honorary Enterprise Fellow & Researcher, University of Melbourne

Matthew Harrison

Chief Research Officer & Co-Founder

Associate Professor, University of Melbourne

Introducing Matt

Dr Matthew Harrison (Matt) is an experienced educator, researcher, and digital creator with a keen passion for utilising technology and games-based intervention to enhance children’s social learning and inclusion. Matt is an Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne Faculty of Education and specialises in building graduate teachers’ capacity to support neurodivergent students and promote inclusive education. The Next Level Collaboration program was developed from Matt’s PhD research, and his current research primarily focuses on supporting neurodiversity through inclusive education practices, along with the incorporation of digital technologies as teaching and learning tools.

Matt’s favourite games include the Donkey Kong Country series, Starcraft 2, and Rayman Legends.

Outside of gaming, you can find Matt building LEGO sets or going for a run!

Next Level Collaboration is a proud product of the Melbourne Graduate School of Education and the Translating Research at Melbourne (TRaM) program at the University of Melbourne.