Dr Rebecca Collins
Research Academic
School of Health Sciences
Career Summary
Biography
Dr Rebecca Collins is a Lecturer in the Nutrition & Dietetics program within the School of Health Sciences at the University of Newcastle. She holds a Bachelor of Nutrition & Dietetics (2011), a Graduate Diploma in Counselling for Health & Social Care (2016), and a PhD in Nutrition & Dietetics (2022). Her doctoral research introduced the world’s first personality-targeted behavioural intervention for adults with addictive eating, integrating dietary assessment and motivational interviewing. Since 2022, Rebecca has led an emerging research program focused on nutrition in adult ADHD, securing competitive funding and building national and international collaborations. She coordinates the University’s student-led telehealth nutrition clinic, which she has transformed into a nationally accessed service and a model for experiential, neuroinclusive education. Rebecca is also an advocate for neurodivergent voices in academia, leading initiatives to improve support for neurodivergent students and staff. Since mid-2023, Rebecca has led the research arm of the No Money No Time culinary nutrition website, overseeing the design, implementation, and evaluation of eHealth nutrition challenges. These challenges support people in improving their diet quality, and help people reduce food spending.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy in Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Newcastle
- Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Newcastle
Keywords
- ADHD
- Addictive Eating
- Counselling
- Dietetics
- Neurodivergence
- Nutrition
- Telehealth
Fields of Research
| Code | Description | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 321099 | Nutrition and dietetics not elsewhere classified | 100 |
Professional Experience
UON Appointment
| Title | Organisation / Department |
|---|---|
| Lecturer | University of Newcastle School of Health Sciences Australia |
| Research Academic | University of Newcastle School of Health Sciences Australia |
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Conference (1 outputs)
| Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 |
Collins R, Rollo M, Skinner J, Burrows T, 'Food addiction support: website content analysis', Sydney (2018)
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Journal article (18 outputs)
| Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 |
Collins RA, Burrows TL, Hutchesson M, Adam M, Clarke ED, Collins CE, 'The Impact of Financial Incentives on Completion of a No Money No Time 6-Week Culinary Nutrition eHealth Challenge', Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 38 (2025) [C1]
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| 2024 |
Leary M, Skinner JA, Pursey KM, Verdejo-Garcia A, Collins R, Collins C, Hay P, Burrows TL, 'The effectiveness of the TRACE online nutrition intervention in improving dietary intake, sleep quality and physical activity levels for Australian adults with food addiction: a randomised controlled trial', JOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION AND DIETETICS, 37, 978-994 (2024) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2024 |
Collins R, Skinner J, Leary M, Burrows TL, 'Dietary and quality-of-life outcomes of the FoodFix intervention for addictive eating: a short report', JOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION AND DIETETICS, 37, 815-822 (2024) [C1]
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| 2024 |
Collins RA, Ashton LM, Burrows TL, Hutchesson M, Adam MTP, Clarke ED, Collins CE, 'No Money No Time Culinary Nutrition Website eHealth Challenge: A Pre-Post Evaluation of Impact on Diet Quality, Food Expenditure, and Engagement', NUTRIENTS, 16 (2024) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2024 |
Skinner JA, Leary M, Whatnall M, Collins RA, Pursey KM, Verdejo-Garcia A, Hay PJ, Baker AL, Hides L, Paxton SJ, Wood LG, Colyvas K, Collins CE, Burrows TL, 'A three-arm randomised controlled trial of a telehealth intervention targeting improvement in addictive eating for Australian adults (the TRACE program)', APPETITE, 195 (2024) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2024 |
Eldridge R, Collins RA, Burrows TL, 'The Impact of Food Environments on Midlife Australian Adults With Addictive Eating Behaviors', PSYCHOLOGICAL REPORTS [C1]
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| 2024 |
Donnelly HR, Clarke ED, Collins CE, Collins RA, Armstrong DG, Mills JL, Tehan PE, 'Most individuals with diabetes-related foot ulceration do not meet dietary consensus guidelines for wound healing', INTERNATIONAL WOUND JOURNAL, 21 (2024) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2023 |
Collins RA, Duncanson K, Skinner JA, Hay PJ, Paxton SJ, Burrows TL, 'Exploring Psychological Constructs in People Receiving Treatment for Addictive Eating Behaviours: "I Hate Loving Food as Much as I Do"', BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES, 13 (2023) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2022 |
Collins R, Burrows T, Donnelly H, Tehan PE, 'Macronutrient and micronutrient intake of individuals with diabetic foot ulceration: A short report', Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 35, 786-790 (2022) [C1]
Background: Adequate nutrition is essential in individuals with diabetic foot ulceration (DFU); therefore, an assessment of dietary intake is critical. A lack of nutrie... [more] Background: Adequate nutrition is essential in individuals with diabetic foot ulceration (DFU); therefore, an assessment of dietary intake is critical. A lack of nutrients including protein, zinc and vitamins C and D have all been associated with poor wound healing. However, the comprehensive dietary intake of Australian adults with DFU is poorly understood. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to describe the dietary intake of adults with DFU in an Australian setting. Methods: Participants (n = 115) with diabetes (type 1 and 2), a mean body mass index of 36 and current foot ulceration were recruited from across New South Wales, Australia. Dietary intake was assessed using the Australian Eating Survey, a self-reported validated food frequency questionnaire. Results: The mean (SD) reported energy intake was 9.57 (±SD 4.43) MJ¿day¿1. A mean protein intake of 104 (±SD 49) g¿day¿1 is below recommended intake for wound healing; however, the mean protein intake contribution to energy (19%E) was within recommendations for normal populations. The mean carbohydrate intake (43%E) was within recommended ranges for healthy populations; however, the mean total fat intake (36%E) was above recommendations. Micronutrient intake was adequate, apart from folate, which was below the recommended intake, and sodium, vitamin C, vitamin A and selenium, which were above the recommended intake. Conclusions: A lack of adequate folate may have a negative impact on healing, with folate proposed to play a role in tissue repair. Wound management of individuals with DFU should include a regular assessment of dietary intake to recognise deficiencies in macro- and micronutrients, and subsequently address these inadequacies to optimise healing.
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2021 |
Burrows T, Collins R, Rollo M, Leary M, Hides L, Davis C, 'The feasibility of a personality targeted intervention for addictive overeating: FoodFix', APPETITE, 156 (2021) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2021 |
Whatnall MC, Skinner J, Pursey K, Brain K, Collins R, Hutchesson MJ, Burrows TL, 'Efficacy of dietary interventions in individuals with substance use disorders for illicit substances or illicit use of pharmaceutical substances: A systematic review', JOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION AND DIETETICS, 34, 981-993 (2021) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2021 |
Pursey KM, Collins R, Skinner J, Burrows TL, 'Characteristics of individuals seeking addictive eating treatment', EATING AND WEIGHT DISORDERS-STUDIES ON ANOREXIA BULIMIA AND OBESITY, 26, 2779-2786 (2021) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2021 |
Collins R, Haracz K, Leary M, Rollo M, Burrows T, 'No control and overwhelming cravings: Australian adults' perspectives on the experience of food addiction', APPETITE, 159 (2021) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2020 |
Collins RA, Baker B, Coyle DH, Rollo ME, Burrows TL, 'Dietary Assessment Methods in Military and Veteran Populations: A Scoping Review', NUTRIENTS, 12 (2020) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2020 |
Yang Y, Chai LK, Collins R, Leary M, Whatnall M, Burrows T, 'Process Evaluation of a Personality Targeted Intervention for Addictive Eating in Australian Adults.', Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland), 10 (2020) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2018 |
Mckenna R, Rollo M, Skinner J, Burrows T, 'Food Addiction Support: Website Content Analysis', JMIR Cardio, 2, 1-12 (2018) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2017 |
Burrows T, Skinner J, McKenna R, Rollo M, 'Food Addiction, Binge Eating Disorder, and Obesity: Is There a Relationship?', BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES, 7 (2017) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| Show 15 more journal articles | |||||||||||
Preprint (1 outputs)
| Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 |
McKenna RA, Rollo ME, Skinner JA, Burrows TL, 'Food Addiction Support: Website Content Analysis' (2017)
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Grants and Funding
Summary
| Number of grants | 10 |
|---|---|
| Total funding | $528,100 |
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
20252 grants / $6,314
Exploring the Dietary Intake of Australian Adults with ADHD$4,914
Funding body: 2025 SHS Research Support Grant round
| Funding body | 2025 SHS Research Support Grant round |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Doctor Rebecca Collins, Doctor Katherine Brain, Amy Murray, Doctor Louise Brown |
| Scheme | 2025 SHS Research Support Grant round |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2025 |
| Funding Finish | 2025 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
Australasian ADHD Professionals Association External Collaboration$1,400
Funding body: HMRI Food and Nutrition Research Program
| Funding body | HMRI Food and Nutrition Research Program |
|---|---|
| Scheme | External Collaboration Support |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2025 |
| Funding Finish | 2025 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
20243 grants / $508,039
Strengthening Community Partnerships to Personalise Nutrition Assessment and Support for Australians at Risk of Poor Diet-Related Health and Well-being: The No Money No Time Project$502,039
Funding body: nib Foundation
| Funding body | nib Foundation |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Professor Clare Collins, Associate Professor Marc Adam, Professor Tracy Burrows, Doctor Tamara Bucher, Associate Professor Melinda Hutchesson, Doctor Roberta Asher, Doctor Rebecca Collins, Miss Briana Barclay |
| Scheme | Research Funding |
| Role | Investigator |
| Funding Start | 2024 |
| Funding Finish | 2025 |
| GNo | G2301186 |
| Type Of Funding | C3200 – Aust Not-for Profit |
| Category | 3200 |
| UON | Y |
HMRI Food & Nutrition Program External Collaboration Scheme$5,000
Funding body: HMRI Food and Nutrition Research Program
| Funding body | HMRI Food and Nutrition Research Program |
|---|---|
| Scheme | External Collaboration Support |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2024 |
| Funding Finish | 2024 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
Conference Support$1,000
Funding body: School of Health Sciences, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle
| Funding body | School of Health Sciences, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Conference Support Grant |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2024 |
| Funding Finish | 2024 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
20233 grants / $6,861
Development of collaborations and joint research between the University of Newcastle and the University of Waikato, New Zealand (NZ), to address significant gaps in research in the dietary intake of adults with ADHD.$3,830
Funding body: College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing: BOLDE Research Program Grants
| Funding body | College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing: BOLDE Research Program Grants |
|---|---|
| Scheme | BOLDE Research Program Grants |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2023 |
| Funding Finish | 2023 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
Completion of systematic review on the eating patterns of adults with ADHD$2,031
Funding body: School of Health Sciences, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle
| Funding body | School of Health Sciences, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Research Support Grant |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2023 |
| Funding Finish | 2023 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
Conference Support$1,000
Funding body: School of Health Sciences, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle
| Funding body | School of Health Sciences, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Conference Support Grant |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2023 |
| Funding Finish | 2023 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
20222 grants / $6,886
Support funds for completion of research projects$4,886
Funding body: College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle
| Funding body | College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Research Start-Up Fund |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2022 |
| Funding Finish | 2022 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
Developmental program in qualitative research$2,000
Funding body: College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing: BOLDE Research Program Grants
| Funding body | College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing: BOLDE Research Program Grants |
|---|---|
| Scheme | BOLDE Research Program Grants |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2022 |
| Funding Finish | 2022 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
Research Supervision
Number of supervisions
Current Supervision
| Commenced | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | PhD | Adapting Nutrition Policy and Guidelines to support the Dietary Needs of Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder | PhD (Nutrition & Dietetics), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
| 2023 | PhD | Targeting Youth Advocacy To Improve Food Security, and Nutrition-Related Health and Wellbeing | PhD (Nutrition & Dietetics), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
Dr Rebecca Collins
Positions
Lecturer
School of Health Sciences
College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing
Research Academic
School of Health Sciences
College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing
Contact Details
| rebecca.collins10@newcastle.edu.au |
Office
| Room | ICT373 |
|---|---|
| Building | Health Education Research Building |
| Location | Callaghan Campus University Drive Callaghan, NSW 2308 Australia |
