معرفی
Jeff Leips is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). His research focuses on the genetic basis of natural variation in aging-related traits using Drosophila melanogaster as a model. He holds a Ph.D. from Florida State University (1997) and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at North Carolina State University under Dr. Trudy Mackay. Leips teaches courses in Ecology and Evolution, Evolutionary Genetics, and Quantitative Biology.
His lab investigates how genes influence age-related changes in immunity, reproduction, and physical performance. Recent work includes studies on lisinopril’s genotype-specific effects on lifespan and the genetic architecture of immune response decline with age. Collaborative projects address parasitoid wasp biodiversity and the ecological impacts of road salt pollution. Leips is committed to integrating quantitative skills into undergraduate education through course modules validated for improving student proficiencies.
Research Highlights:
- Genetic dissection of senescence mechanisms in Drosophila
- Role of ACE inhibitors in aging resilience
- Parasitoid-host interactions shaping evolutionary trade-offs
- Environmental stress effects on community dynamics
Teaching Contributions:
- Biology 142: Foundations of Biology (Ecology)
- Biology 483/683: Evolutionary Genetics
- Graduate research mentoring through BIOL 499 and 898 courses
Lab Activities: Maintains active research programs on immunosenescence, genotype-environment interactions, and ecological parasitology. Collaborates across disciplines including pharmacology, evolutionary theory, and environmental science.
