Echo Leaver
Education
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, PhD, Cognitive Neuroscience, 2008
- University of California at San Diego, BA, Psychology, 1998
Areas of Expertise
- Cognitive Neuroscience of Aging
- Event-Related Potentials (EEG)
- Working Memory
Bio
Echo Leaver is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Salisbury University. She completed her doctorate in Psychology at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. She teaches courses in Biological Basis of Behavior, Physiological Psychology, Human Neuropsychology, and Introductory Psychology. Her research interests include all things The Brain! Each semester she mentors 4-8 undergraduates in her cognitive neuroscience lab at SU.
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Research Interests
Dr. Leaver's lab uses cognitive neuroscience methods and psychophysiological measures to investigate a variety of topics. Current projects in the lab include: Dental anxiety, Cognitive benefits of meditation, Sports induced brain trauma and cognitive health, Socioemotional Health in response to COVID, and Psychophysiological measures to validate the Five Love Languages.
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Teaching Philosophy
At the heart of my teaching philosophy lies a commitment to fostering a dynamic, inclusive learning environment that encourages students to deeply engage with psychological and neuroscientific concepts. I aim to inspire critical thinking and intellectual exploration through innovative teaching strategies, research mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Interactive, Growth-Oriented Learning
I see teaching as an interactive partnership with students, where each brings unique perspectives to the classroom. My goal is to create a space where students feel empowered to learn through exploration and even from their mistakes. Learning, to me, is an evolving process. To support this, I provide a blend of low-stakes comprehension exercises, high-stakes projects, and hands-on experiments. This balanced approach encourages students to focus on mastery and intellectual growth, building both confidence and curiosity.
Active Learning and Real-World Applications
Active learning is a core element of my teaching, where I frequently incorporate live demonstrations and investigative activities. Through tasks like "Change Blindness" and "Freezer Neglect," students can directly engage with complex neurological phenomena, translating theory into practice. These real-world applications not only enhance understanding but also aid in long-term retention, making abstract concepts more accessible.
Research Mentorship and Practical Experience
Research mentorship is central to my approach, particularly through EEG-based research projects. By guiding students in hands-on research, I help them develop critical technical and data analysis skills. Many of my students have co-authored presentations and publications, with their work recognized at conferences and aiding their acceptance into top neuroscience programs. For me, mentorship extends beyond the lab—it's about fostering independence, accountability, and a genuine engagement with research.
Interdisciplinary and Collaborative Teaching
My teaching philosophy also emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, as seen in my collaborative development of a 3D neuroscience model, which earned competitive acceptance into the national PURSUE Faculty Learning Community (FLC). This initiative allows me to connect with scholars from diverse fields, advancing interdisciplinary education within STEM. Known for my dedication to faculty development at primarily undergraduate institutions, I advocate for psychophysiology and neuroscience education, providing workshops that enhance teaching practices and cultivate inclusive learning spaces.
Creating Inclusive, Supportive Classrooms
Creating inclusive and brave learning environments is paramount. Integrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles and trauma-informed practices ensures that students from diverse backgrounds feel supported. My DEI in Neuroscience course, for instance, encourages students to critically examine how diversity intersects with scientific research. Feedback from students highlights my courses' positive impact on their academic success and engagement.
In sum, my teaching philosophy centers on creating a supportive, engaging, and intellectually stimulating environment. Through innovative assignments, critical thinking exercises, research mentorship, and interdisciplinary initiatives, I aim to foster both academic achievement and personal growth, empowering students to reach their full potential. -
Selected Publications
Fallon, Veronica T., Rubenstein, Samantha, Warfield, Rebecca, Ennerfelt, Hannah, Hearn, Brenna and Leaver, Echo E. (2020) Stress reduction from a musical intervention. vol. 30. no. 1. pp. 20-27. Psychomusicology: Music, Mind, and Brain.
Faulkner, Zane and Leaver, Echo E. (2016) Memories: True or false? Physiological measures may answer the question. Imagination, Cognition, and Personality.
Leaver, Echo E., Low, Kathy A., DiVacri, Assunta, Merla, Arcangelo, Monica, Fabiani and Gabriele, Gratton (2015) The devil is in the detail: Brain dynamics in preparation for a global-local task. vol. 27. no. 8. pp. 1513-27. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience.
Vieyra, Michelle, Carlson, Alison, Leaver, Echo E. and Timmerman, B (2013) Undergraduate Research: I am not sure what it is, but I don’t have time to do it anyway. vol. 33. no. 3. pp. 27–34. Council on Undergraduate Research Quarterly.
Leaver, Echo E., Tchienga, Ines N., Morgan, Francis, Hassan, Tehzeeb , Nibblett, Kaitlyn, Chambers, S and Schmitt, Emma Skin conductance responses to dental anxiety interventions.
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Current Courses
Fall 2024
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Spring 2025- Loading PSYC 301...
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- Awards/Honors
Preparing Undergraduates for Research in STEM-related fields Using Electrophysiology (PURSUE) Faculty Learning CommunityPresented by University of Richmond, Claremont McKenna College, and Mount Holyoke
- Professional Memberships
Society for Psychophysiological Research
Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience
Psi Chi Honor Society
- Grants and Sponsored Research
COVID-19 and Socioemotional Selectivity Theory: Do the Socioemotional Impacts of a Long-term Pandemic Reflect Changes Typically Associated with Aging, Psi Chi Faculty Advisor Research Grant
Partnered Research and Integrative Mentorship Experiences (PRIME) summer program, APA Summer Undergrad Psychology Experience Grants
The Relationship Between Collision versus Contact Sports and Cognitive Performance, Fulton Faculty Grant
- Presentations
Creating a Brave Space in a Seminar Class on DEI Issues in NeuroscienceJuly 2022Teaching Neuroscience Conference, Winston-Salem, NC
Using psychophysiology to validate a relationship satisfaction theoryMarch 2015Eastern Psychological Association, Philadelphia, PA
The effect of movie and music on dental anxietyMarch 2020National Conferences on Undergraduate Research,
- Service Activities and Community Relations
Co-Facilitator, Enhancing Neuroscience Curriculum Faculty Learning Community
Chair, Primarily Undergraduate Institutions Sub-Committee, Committee to Promote Student Interests, Society for Psychophysiological
Member, Psychology Affinity Work Group, University System of Maryland & Maryland Association of Community Colleges
Led interactive demonstrations in cognitive neuroscience and psychology at the annual 2024 Great STEM(+) Expo, NexGen STEM Academy @ Salisbury Middle School- External Collaboration Highlights
As an invited participant in the Preparing Undergraduates for Research in STEM-related Fields Using Electrophysiology (PURSUE) Faculty Learning Community, I collaborate with leaders in neuroscience education to develop innovative strategies for preparing undergraduates for research in STEM-related fields through electrophysiology. This initiative positions me as a leader in undergraduate education in psychophysiology and involves curriculum development, faculty mentorship, and assessment. A vital component of the program is incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles to ensure that underrepresented students in STEM fields are supported and empowered to succeed. By mentoring faculty and creating accessible, research-based curricula, I contribute to the enhancement of psychophysiology education and the development of future STEM professionals. This initiative allowed me to develop a new course, Cognitive Neuroscience Research Methods, which I will teach in Spring 2025. In this course, students will gain hands-on experience running psychophysiological experiments and interpreting related literature, providing them with critical research skills that prepare them for careers in STEM fields.