Biography
Dr. Leavey uses modern 3D imaging and deep learning approaches to improve our understanding of the evolution and development of animal morphology. She currently explores how the sea urchin feeding apparatus has changed over the last 250 million years in Dr Jeffrey Thompson's lab. Previously, she studied chameleon cranial development and the evolution of frog locomotion at UCL. Much of her work involves working with museums, micro-CT scanning facilities, and educators to create "digital twins" of natural history collections for future research, education, and public outreach.
She also enjoys pedagogical research, having published on how interactive digital models facilitate learning and the role of early-career teachers in shaping the future of leadership in higher education. Dr. Leavey is also the Postdoc Chair for the School of Biological Sciences.