Elizabeth R. Gilbert

Dr. Elizabeth R. Gilbert is a Professor at Virginia Tech's School of Neuroscience, holding a research-intensive tenure-track appointment since 2011. She transitioned to her current role in 2024 after completing her Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Animal Nutrition (2008) and postdoctoral work in nutritional proteomics and comparative genomics.

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Animal Nutrition, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
• B.S. in Wildlife Science, M.S. in Animal Science from Virginia Tech

Her research focuses on the brain-adipose tissue axis, investigating molecular mechanisms of appetite regulation, metabolism, and stress interactions. Current projects examine:

• Anti-diabetic effects of nutraceuticals in mammalian/avian models
• Epigenetic changes from early-life stressors affecting metabolic pathways
• Appetite dysregulation in avian anorexia/obesity models

She teaches core neuroscience courses including:

• Cognitive Neuroscience (NEUR 3084)
• Nutritional Neuroscience (NEUR 4814/5814)