Elizabeth Kirby

Dr. Elizabeth Kirby is an Associate Professor in the Department of Behavioral Neuroscience at The Ohio State University's College of Arts and Sciences. Her research focuses on hippocampal neural stem cells and their role in mediating responses to environmental stimuli, particularly through secreted factors like VEGF. She holds a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley (2011) and a BS from Duke University (2006).

Her work spans behavioral neuroscience, aging, stress biology, and neuroprotection. Key research themes include understanding how neural stem cell secretomes influence hippocampal plasticity and pathological states, with applications to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. She has authored over 30 peer-reviewed articles and edited an open-access textbook, *Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience* (2024).

• Educations:
  • PhD in Neuroscience, University of California, Berkeley (2011)
  • BS in Biology, Duke University (2006)

Dr. Kirby has received numerous awards, including the 2023 Early Career Faculty Award and the 2019 Distinguished Teaching Award. Her lab emphasizes translational research, combining molecular, cellular, and behavioral approaches. Recent projects include studying intracrine VEGF signaling in neural stem cells and the effects of social engagement on cognitive aging.

Her lab has trained students like Tyler Dause (PhD graduate) and Emma Corbett (senior thesis student), and collaborates widely in neuroscience. Current research also explores neurovascular interactions and the role of astrocytes in neurogenesis.