Jacob DesRochers

Dr. Jacob DesRochers (he/him) is a queer researcher and educator whose work examines the complex intersections of sexuality, gender, culture, religion, and educational policy, particularly within K-12 contexts. He is currently an Education Developer in the Office of Professional Development and Educational Scholarship at Queen’s University, where his work brings together curriculum development, educational research, and evidence-informed approaches to teaching and learning in health professions education.

His doctoral research, supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, examined how K-12 sexuality education curricula can intentionally engage religious diversity despite often seeking distance from religion. Jacob’s broader scholarship critically explores the political and moral panics shaping public debates and policies surrounding human rights protections, discrimination, and educational inclusion.

Jacob is actively engaged in research on sexual violence prevention and response in Ontario schools, with a particular focus on trauma-informed, justice-oriented, and community-responsive approaches to policy, practice, and educational culture. His work draws together perspectives from education, public health, ethics, and community-engaged scholarship to examine how institutions respond to disclosures of harm and support safer learning environments.

Previously, Jacob served as a Research Associate with the Queen’s-Weeneebayko Health Education Program in Queen’s Health Sciences, where he supported community-grounded approaches to Indigenous health education, healthcare pathways, and curriculum development. He was also the lead research assistant on Dr. Lee Airton’s project, “Gender Expression” under Construction: How School Boards are Shaping Ontario’s Newest Human Rights Category (2018–2020), and later contributed to the launch of GEGI.ca, the first bilingual platform designed to support Ontario students and educators in addressing discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression.

Jacob currently serves on research ethics boards at Queen’s University and Canadian Blood Services. Across his scholarship, professional practice, and service, he remains committed to community-engaged work that interrogates how systems of power shape educational policy, institutional practice, and everyday experiences of belonging, safety, and justice.