Biography
Dr. Elayne Ahern is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology. She completed an interfaculty Ph.D. in psychology with health economics at the University of Limerick, which has oriented her research interests towards optimising preventative and treatment approaches for mental health and, in particular, depression. Her primary line of research adopts a neuro-psychological lens to investigate the cognitive profile, treatment strategies, and functional recovery outcomes for major depression, using trial and evidence synthesis methods. Related work has involved internet-based treatment approaches for mental health promotion and treatment cost-effectiveness.Elayne's methodological area of expertise pertains to systematic review and meta-analysis. She was awarded an Evidence Synthesis Ireland Fellowship 2022 to foster her continued development in research excellence in this method within the expert evidence synthesis centre at Campbell UK and Ireland (mentor: Dr. Fiona Lynn, Deputy Director Campbell UK & Ireland).
As a member of the GroWTH lab, Elayne also works in collaboration with Professor Orla Muldoon and her team on the ERC-funded project awarded to Professor Muldoon on social identity and trauma.
Research Interests
Neuropsychological function associated with mood disorders | cognitive remediation | functional recovery | e-mental health and cost-effectiveness of psychological treatment | social identity, trauma, and recovery outcomes | systematic review and meta-analysisProfessional Activities
Award
- 2022 - Evidence Synthesis Ireland Fellowship
- 2018 - Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship
Employment
- 2021 Department of Psychology, University of Limerick - Assistant Professor
- 2020 School of Psychology, Dublin City University - Assistant Professor
Education
- 2020 University of Limerick - Ph.D., Interfaculty Psychology with Health Economics
- 2012 University of Limerick - First Class Honours, B.Sc. Psychology