Leila M. Allen

Leila M. Allen is an Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Psychology at Florida International University's College of Arts, Sciences & Education, where she serves as Founding Director of the Bachelor’s in Science in Behavioral Neuroscience Degree Program. She leads research in the Neurocircuitry and Cognition Laboratory and directs the Porcine Neuroscience Facility developing translational models for Alzheimer's disease.

Her research centers on the neurobiological basis of episodic memory, specifically investigating neural circuit interactions between the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Using optogenetics, chemogenetics, and cross-species modeling (including novel pig models), her lab examines circuit disruptions in Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, ADHD, and other neurological conditions. This work integrates MRI tractography to bridge rodent findings with human brain applications.

Analysis of her publications reveals consistent focus on memory mechanisms through innovative methodological approaches, from developing the patented RatHat brain implant system to studying region-specific neural contributions (hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, perirhinal cortex) in memory processes affected by neurodegeneration and neurotoxins.

Dr. Allen has received significant recognition for her academic contributions:

• Faculty Senate Excellence in Teaching Award
• Top Scholar for Teaching Scholarship (Fall 2022)

As program director for the Behavioral Neuroscience degree, she oversees academic advising and curriculum development. Her research is supported through collaborations with FIU's Training in Environmental Neuroscience Program, Cognitive Neuroscience Program, Center for Children and Families, Center for Imaging Science, and Brain, Behavior and the Environment Program.

The Neurocircuitry and Cognition Laboratory maintains active partnerships with the National Swine Resource and Research Center at the University of Missouri, advancing porcine neuroscience research while contributing to transgenic animal development for preclinical Alzheimer's disease studies.