Jessica Leake

Dr. Jessica Leake serves as a Research Associate at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) within the School of Psychology, where she investigates neural mechanisms of fear memory using rodent models. Her work bridges experimental psychology and neuroscience to understand memory encoding and updating processes.

Her academic credentials include:

• Bachelor of Science (First Class Honours, University Medal in Psychology) from UNSW Sydney
• Ph.D. from the University of Sydney

Dr. Leake's research centers on fear memory systems, examining how neural circuits and cellular mechanisms govern memory formation. She employs rodent behavioral models to dissect context-dependent fear conditioning, with implications for PTSD and anxiety disorders. Her methodology integrates electrophysiology, optogenetics, and behavioral analysis to map memory engrams and their maladaptive properties.

Her publication record reveals a clear trajectory from fundamental memory mechanisms (2017-2020) toward neurodegenerative disease contexts (2023), consistently focusing on memory precision and neural circuit dynamics. Recent work connects fear memory research to Alzheimer's disease models, demonstrating interdisciplinary relevance across behavioral neuroscience and clinical neurology.

Her accolades include:

• University Medal in Psychology (UNSW)
• UNSW School of Psychology Behavioural Neuroscience Honours Thesis Prize
• University of Sydney Merit Award
• UNSW Dean's List (2011-2012)

Supported by competitive scholarships including the UNSW Faculty of Science Vacation Research Scholarship, Dr. Leake operates within collaborative neuroscience frameworks. Her work with labs led by Vissel, Fanselow, and Corbit demonstrates integration into major memory research networks. Current projects continue exploring hippocampal-context interactions through UNSW's behavioral neuroscience facilities.

Based in Mathews Building (Room 703) at UNSW, she utilizes specialized rodent behavioral testing suites and neural recording infrastructure. Her research aligns with UNSW's Neuroscience Research Theme, contributing to cross-faculty initiatives on cognitive disorders and memory therapeutics.