I completed my BSc in Psychology and MSc in Clinical Psychology at Eastern Kentucky University. My PhD, conducted at the University of Birmingham, investigated the neuropsychopharmacological mechanisms underlying eating behaviour. I was a postdoctoral researcher in APC Microbiome Ireland at University College Cork. I am now a Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in the School of Applied Psychology at UCC and a Group Leader in APC Microbiome Ireland within the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis Lab.  

My research explores how the brain and body communicate bidirectionally and how dietary components, such as fibre, fermented foods, and western dietary patterns, shape this crosstalk. Within a top-down perspective, I investigate how homeostatic, hedonic, emotional, and cognitive processes interact to guide food intake and modify eating behaviour. I also study the bottom-up psychobiological pathways along the diet-microbiota-gut-brain axis through which diet influences these brain functions. I study these questions in non-clinical populations and in individuals with conditions of cognitive impairment, disordered eating, reward dysfunction, or mood dysfunction. I have a particular interest in binge-eating disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. 

I employ a variety of techniques to investigate these questions, prioritising multimodal designs where possible. This includes the integration of neurocognitive measures, self-report, laboratory test meals, actigraphy, and biological sampling. I am also interested in developing and validating basic methodological tools for psychiatry and health research that are freely available to the research community. 

A full list of my publications can be found here: ‪Elizabeth Schneider‬ - ‪Google Scholar‬

I am co-chair of the Research Committee, School of Applied Psychology. I coordinate and teach the following modules: 

• AP1033: Individual Differences
• AP3118: Psychological Measurement
• AP6023: Psychological Assessment

Ms Doaa Karam, PhD, Univeristy College Cork

Ms Dearbhail McNamara, DClin, University College Cork

Ms Niamh Flynn, DClin, University College Cork

Ms Jessica Filipa Batista Lopes, DClin, University College Cork