Elysia Sokolenko

Dr Elysia Sokolenko

Lecturer and Research Coordinator

School of Biomedicine

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD (as Co-Supervisor) - email supervisor to discuss availability.

I completed a PhD at the University of Melbourne in 2019 exploring the pathophysiology of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. More specifically, I examined whether there is a causal relationship between  disruptions to oscillatory electrical activity in the brain and working memory impairment in the disorder. Through this project, I developed expertise in a number of pre-clinical and laboratory-based skills, including awake in vivo electrophysiology recordings and rodent behavioural testing.

I have since transferred these skills to the clinical context, currently acting as a research coordinator in Adelaide Medical School's Discipline of Psychiatry. I am the local site coordinator for a nation-wide clinical trial assessing whether a novel type of non-invasive brain stimulation could help people on the autism spectrum. For additional details, see the study website www.tmsautism.com. 

I have a keen interest in exploring how differences in the electrical activity of the brain underlie the symptoms of psychiatric disorders and the often associated cognitive impairment,.

Research projects available

Title: Does repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation improve social communication (rTMS)  in adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder?
Project description: This is a nation-wide clinical trial. As well as assessing social communication, neuroimaging, cognitive testing, and electroencephalography (EEG) will be performed to assess the impact of rTMS. Students involved in this project will observe and assist with assessments, complete data entry, and conduct a literature relevant to the project.
Project available for: Third-year research placement, Summer Research Scholarship program.

Course coordinator:

  • Foundations of Human Neuroanatomy (ANAT SC 2006)
  • Essentials of Neuroscience (HLTH SC 1001)

Contributing lecturer:

  • Medical Studies 2A (MEDIC ST 2501)
  • Research Skills Modules across Bachelor of Medical Studies Program
  • Neurological Diseases (PATHOL 3200)
  • The Neuroscience of Human Behaviour and Cognition (ANAT SC 2110)

  • Current Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2023 Co-Supervisor Neurophysiology of Cognitive Reserve and Working Memory in Ageing Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Victoria Prowse

  • Other Supervision Activities
    Date Role Research Topic Location Program Supervision Type Student Load Student Name
    2022 - 2023 Principal Supervisor Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Theory of Mind in Autism Spectrum Disorder The University of Adelaide - Other Full Time Wytse Gensemer
    2022 - 2023 Co-Supervisor Frontal alpha asymmetry as a biomarker of symptoms, cognition, and function in mood disorders The University of Adelaide - Honours Full Time Ethan Arthurs
    2021 - 2022 Co-Supervisor Polygenic risk for schizophrenia and brain function: an EEG study University of Adelaide - Honours Full Time Thomas Eblinghaus
    2021 - 2022 Co-Supervisor Using biophysical models to predict patterns of TMS evoked EEG activity University of Adelaide - Honours Full Time Jack Stevenson

  • Committee Memberships
    Date Role Committee Institution Country
    2023 - ongoing Member Conference Local Organising Committee The Australasian Society for Social and Affective Neuroscience Australia
    2022 - ongoing Member Biological Psychiatry Australia Early Career Researcher Network Biological Psychiatry Australia Australia
    2022 - ongoing Member South Australia Neuroscience Alliance South Australia Neuroscience Alliance Australia
    2022 - ongoing Member Brain Bee Challenge South Australia Organising Committee Australasian Neuroscience Society Australia
    2021 - ongoing Chair Biological Psychiatry Australia Early Career Researcher Network Biological Psychiatry Australia Australia
  • Position: Lecturer and Research Coordinator
  • Email: elysia.sokolenko@adelaide.edu.au
  • Campus: North Terrace
  • Building: Helen Mayo North, floor Second Floor
  • Org Unit: School of Biomedicine
Connect With Me
External Profiles