Elizabeth Leininger

Elizabeth Leininger is an Associate Professor and Department Chair at the Neuroscience Department of St. Mary's College of Maryland. She is a neuroscientist and STEM Education researcher specializing in neuroethology, sex/gender studies in neuroscience, and innovative teaching methods.

• Member, Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience
• Member, Society for Neuroethology
• Curriculum Creator, Crescent Loom

Research Focus: Her work spans two primary areas: neuroethology (studying vocalization mechanisms in African Clawed Frogs) and STEM education (developing neurophysiology simulations, teaching information literacy, and addressing sex/gender in curricula). She investigates the evolutionary and physiological basis of species- and sex-specific vocalizations in Xenopus, supported by NSF grants.

Publications: Highlighted contributions include research on laryngeal sex differences (Journal of Experimental Biology), pedagogical frameworks for teaching sex/gender in neuroscience (Journal of Undergraduate Neuroscience Education), and conference attendance strategies (PLOS ONE). These works reflect her dual expertise in neurophysiological research and educational innovation.

Scientific Awards:

• Andy Kozak Faculty Contribution to Student Life Award (2017) - Recognizes her dedication to student life and mentorship.

Advising and Grants: Actively mentors undergraduate researchers, including Kelly South (now at Emory University). Her research on Xenopus vocalizations received a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant (#1732075) with a Research Opportunity Award (ROA) supplement. She also develops educational tools like Crescent Loom (www.crescentloom.com) to enhance neuroscience learning.