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About Us
The TRACE Program has been developed by a group of clinicians and researchers from a range of backgrounds including nutrition and dietetics, psychology, addiction, behavioural science, eating disorders, and nutritional biochemistry, as well having input from individuals with lived experience of addictive eating.
Our Team
Professor Tracy Burrows
Professor Tracy Burrows is the team leader of TRACE Dietetics at the University of Newcastle, Australia and a researcher at Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI). She is a skilled clinician and researcher, recognised as a Fellow of Dietitians Australia. She is passionate about nutrition and mental health to enable individuals to achieve a healthier quality of life. She is a highly published author, conference presenter, and recipient of numerous awards for her research.
Dr Janelle Skinner
Dr Janelle Skinner is a Post-Doctoral Researcher in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Newcastle, and an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD). Her research focuses on objective biomarkers to characterise addictive eating behaviours. She has a special interest in how people react to food cues, particularly for ‘hyperpalatable’ foods, and the effect this has on physiological responses in the body, including appetite hormones and heart rate.
Dr Rebecca Collins
Dr Rebecca Collins is a Lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Newcastle. She is an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD), and a qualified counsellor. She has extensive experience in private practice settings and is interested in eating behaviours and the psychological impact of eating behaviours on health outcomes. Her research focuses on personality and behaviour change, and the personal experience of those with addictive eating behaviours.
Mark Leary
Mark Leary is a PhD student at the University of Newcastle. He is an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) who has been working in private practice for the last 9 years. He is interested in how addictive eating behaviours can impact the health of individuals and his research focuses on improving these eating behaviours to help improve health outcomes.
Dr Kirilly Pursey
Dr Kirrilly Pursey is an Early Career Researcher and Lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Newcastle. Her research focuses on a range of disordered eating behaviours, particularly in children and adolescents. She is an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) and has extensive dietetic experience across inpatient and community settings. She has interest and expertise in using MRI to explore addictive eating behaviours.
Dr Megan Whatnall
Dr Megan Whatnall is a Post-Doctoral Researcher in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Newcastle, and an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD). Her research focuses on understanding and optimising the health and wellbeing of young adults, with the aim of enabling individuals to lead a healthy lifestyle and reduce their risk of chronic disease.
Our Collaborators
Our team also includes the following collaborators:
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Professor Antonio Verdejo-Garcia, Monash University
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Professor Lisa Wood, University of Newcastle
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Professor Clare Collins, University of Newcastle
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Professor Leanne Hides, University of Queensland
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Professor Amanda Baker, University of Newcastle
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Professor Phillipa Hay, Western Sydney University
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Professor Susan Paxton, La Trobe University
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Mr Geoff Burrows, University of Newcastle
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Acknowledgments to our valued consumer representatives for their assistance and generous support
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