Board of Regents Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching
Jeff Leips
Professor, Biological Sciences
Jeff Leips is a professor of biological sciences whose research focuses on the evolutionary genetics of aging and life history traits, primarily using Drosophila melanogaster (the fruit fly) as a model organism. Leips is particularly interested in understanding how genetic variation and environmental factors interact to influence traits such as lifespan, reproduction, and immune function. He has published extensively in the fields of evolutionary biology and genetics, contributing significant insights into the mechanisms of aging. At UMBC, he is also known for his dedication to undergraduate and graduate mentoring and fostering student engagement in scientific research.