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