Elsie Collins

Elsie Collins, Ph.D., is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Cognitive Science and a key contributor to the Neuroplasticity and Aging Program at the University of Melbourne. She leads the Melbourne Mind and Memory Lab (M3L), where she focuses on enhancing cognitive resilience and mental health in aging populations. Dr. Collins is a certified clinical psychologist with a specialization in neurocognitive disorders and has an extensive background in brain plasticity, memory, and digital therapeutics.

In 2023, Dr. Collins was awarded the prestigious Excellence in Research for Psychology prize by the University of Melbourne, recognizing her groundbreaking work. She also serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and is a consultant for the World Health Organization’s Mental Health and Aging Initiative. Her research explores how innovative technologies, such as virtual reality and mobile applications, can be harnessed to support brain health and cognitive function in older adults. A significant focus of her work is on developing personalized interventions that can help mitigate the effects of age-related cognitive decline and dementia.

Dr. Collins collaborates with a diverse group of participants, from tech-savvy seniors to individuals diagnosed with early-stage dementia, aiming to create inclusive and effective solutions for all. Utilizing cutting-edge neuroimaging techniques, including electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), she investigates the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive processes. Her projects are supported by grants from the Australian Research Council, the National Health and Medical Research Council, and various international foundations.

Dr. Collins earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology and Neuroscience from the University of Adelaide and completed her doctoral studies in Clinical Neuropsychology at Monash University. Following her doctorate, she took part in a postdoctoral fellowship at the Centre for BrainFit in Singapore, focusing on cognitive training and neurorehabilitation. Before moving to Melbourne, she worked at the University of Queensland’s Aging Mind Initiative, where she spearheaded several community-based cognitive enhancement programs.

Outside of her academic pursuits, Elsie enjoys hiking in the Great Dividing Range, practicing yoga, and engaging with the local arts scene in Melbourne. She is passionate about promoting healthy aging and is often found speaking at community events on the importance of maintaining an active mind and body.