Jessica Leake

Dr. Jessica Leake is a researcher at the School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, and a member of the Charles Perkins Centre. She earned her Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours and the University Medal in Psychology from the University of New South Wales, followed by a PhD in behavioural neuroscience at the University of Sydney. Her research focuses on the interaction between positive and negative experiences in memory regulation, emphasizing the hippocampus and amygdala's roles in fear memory mechanisms.

• Education: BSc (First Class Honours, University Medal) in Psychology, UNSW; PhD in Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Sydney.

Her work spans memory consolidation, neural ensemble activity, and the impact of context and time on fear acquisition. Recent publications highlight molecular substrates of conditioned fear and impairments in goal-directed action in Alzheimer’s models. She has secured grants from the Brain and Mind Centre and School of Psychology for projects like "Visualizing fear memories in the LH" and "The impact of social learning on fear memory development."

Scientific Awards & Grants:

• 2025 Brain and Mind Centre/Engagement Collaborative Grants
• School of Psychology/Psychology ECR Pathways Funding