Patricia Collins

Dr. Patricia Collins is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography and Planning at Queen's University, cross-appointed to the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies. Her research focuses on population health, healthy community planning, and reducing health inequities through upstream interventions. She holds affiliations with the Kingston Coalition for Active Transportation and the Canadian Planning and Policy Journal’s editorial board. Collins earned her PhD in Geography (Simon Fraser University, 2009) and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at McMaster University before joining Queen’s in 2011. Her work integrates mixed-methods approaches, emphasizing the social determinants of health and community-led solutions. She actively engages in local initiatives, including Kingston’s Active Transportation Master Plan and Age-Friendly Advisory Committee. Collins is committed to fostering livable cities through equitable urban policies and community partnerships.

Education:

• PhD in Geography (Simon Fraser University, 2009)
• MSc in Health Research Methods (McMaster University, 2004)
• BSc in Biochemistry (McMaster University, 2002)

Research Interests:

• Health equity and urban planning
• School closures and community impact
• Active transportation policy
• Child mobility and play
• Environmental justice

Her recent articles explore topics such as School Streets interventions, pandemic commute shifts, and the socio-spatial consequences of school closures. Collins advocates for municipalities to address health inequities through participatory planning and policy design.