Elaine Wilson

Dr. Elaine Wilson is an Assistant Professor at the School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice, University College Dublin. Holding a PhD in Social Work, she combines academic leadership with clinical expertise, evidenced by her 2023 Fellow in Academic Teaching and Development award. As Programme Director and Co-director of Professional Masters in Social Work (2024-present), she shapes curriculum development while chairing multiple academic committees including the Social Work Advisory Board and Graduate Research Students Committee.

• PhD in Social Work (UCD)
• Professional Diploma in University Teaching & Learning (UCD)
• BSocSc in Social Work (UCD)

Her research bridges two domains: 1) Social Work Education focusing on practice teaching, soft skills development, and student-to-student research methodologies, and 2) Psycho-social Oncology examining cancer survivorship, liminal transitions, and healthcare staff training. Publications since 2018 demonstrate consistent impact across these fields.

Scientific contributions include:

• 2023 Fellow in Academic Teaching and Development
• Co-author of Elgar Encyclopaedia of Social Work (2025)
• Principal investigator for eldercare staff training grant (2013-2015)

As module coordinator for practice education since 2019, she integrates fieldwork with academic theory. Current roles include Acting Vice Principal for Teaching & Learning (2025) and directing the Professional Masters in Social Work program since 2018.