JOE BONES
A little about me
About Joe
I’ve worked across biophysics research, full-stack software development, and mental health practice—drawn to solve interesting problems in the spaces between disciplines.
My research background is in computational biophysics and structural biology. I completed my undergraduate degree in Cell and Molecular Biology at the Australian National University, graduating with First Class Honours in Biophysics. I went on to pursue doctoral research in the same field, publishing work in Nature and Science Advances on topics focused on immune system proteins. I’ve also researched ion channel dynamics and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein mechanics.
I paused my PhD to build SelfTherapy—a comprehensive full-stack AI-integrated mental health app designed to provide accessible therapeutic support across web, iOS, and Android. The project emerged from seeing wide gaps in how technology could serve people who need immediate, affordable, and effective mental health assistance when traditional therapy or resources aren’t accessible.
I currently live in Canberra, Australia with my dog Navi, where I’ve returned to finish my PhD, expected to be complete by the end of 2026.
Skills
Research, Data & Science
I conduct data-intensive research combining computational analysis, statistical modelling, and high-performance computing. I work with large-scale datasets to quantify complex systems, validate models, and interpret uncertainty. My expertise is in biophysics, where I’ve translated technical findings into actionable insights for fundamental research and drug design. I have a broad and synthetic scientific literacy across many disciplines, including physics, chemistry, biology, geology, earth science, and psychology.
Software Engineering
I’m CTO leading the full-stack development of a production application. I architect and build backends (Django, Python), cross-platform mobile app front-ends (Flutter), and web app interfaces (Flutter, Vue.js, WordPress). I design AI-assisted systems with focus on beautiful user experiences, risk management, safety, and governance—using structured experiments and empirical evidence to guide technical decisions. Proficient in Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Dart, Bash, Git, SQL, CI/CD, Scrum, and deployment on Google Cloud/Firebase, with some experience in Azure and AWS.
Design & Communication
I create branding, coherent designs, and digital experiences using Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and modern web technologies. I develop data visualisations, design functional interfaces, and communicate complex concepts through front-end development, reports, and clear communication tailored to specific audiences.
Mental Health & Psychology
I hold a Graduate Diploma in Counselling with training in therapeutic practice and professional ethics. I have a deep understanding and direct experience in multiple psychotherapy, contemplative, and trauma-informed frameworks, which informs all my work designing and building systems that interact with human wellbeing. I’m conscious and considerate of the multifaceted impact science, AI, systems and policy have at the individual level.
Global Perspective
I also hold a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, which provided training in geopolitical idealogy, institutional dynamics, and history. This background enables me to situate technical work within broader policy and cultural contexts and to consider interacting worldviews inherent in the spaces between governments, military, commercial, and research stakeholders.
I hold security clearance with the Australian government.
Interests
I enjoy exploring a wide-range of interests and hobbies: novel technology and AI systems, photography and various musical instruments, foreign languages, building automated systems and digital visual designs, somatic practices, mobility and weight training, mixed martial arts, meditation, hiking and camping, 3D printing and modelling, cultural experiences, music events, boardgames, and quality time with friends. Some streak of creative expression finds its way into much that I do. I’ve started playing with HDR photography more recently—you can find some on my channels below.