Nick Collett has a Bachelor of Arts 1983 (Monash University), Master of Science 1997 (Monash University), Graduate Certificate of University Teaching 2007 (The University of Melbourne) and Diploma of Teaching 2012 (Deakin University).

He commenced employment with the Forest Commission in 1984 as a Technical Assistant in the Silviculture Branch, before moving to the Forest Research Branch at Kew in 1997 as a Technical Officer working with Leon Pederick in the Tree Genetics program, and later with Fred Neumann in Forest Entomology. In the late 90’s Nick took on the role of heading up Forest Entomology research, specialising in studies on the impacts of fuel reduction burning and wildfires on letter invertebrates, as well as the impacts of insect pests in Victoria’s hardwood and softwood plantation estates. Additional research was also conducted on pests of quarantine significance to Victoria forest estate, including sitting on numerous national working groups and committees responsible for advising on research and policy relating to the protection of Australia’s forestry resources.

Nick left government employment in 2004 to pursue other outside interests but has shown an active interest in promoting Forest Health, and to this end has continued to teach into the Forest Health program at The University of Melbourne, a role he has continually maintained since 1997.