Dr. Leigha Macneill

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Leigha MacNeill is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Science at Purdue University. With expertise in developmental psychology, she focuses on the intersection of family systems and biological perspectives to understand young children's self-regulation and social-emotional development. MacNeill's research addresses how both extrinsic factors like family adversity and intrinsic factors such as temperament influence the development of self-regulation over time, particularly in children at risk of mental health issues. Her methodological approach includes examining autonomic physiology, eye-tracking, and observational data from family interactions. MacNeill advocates for a translational research perspective to facilitate the rapid application of her findings, often collaborating with pediatric primary care settings and schools. Her lab, the Social-emotional Health Nurturing Environments (SHINE) Lab, aims to elucidate resilience-promoting pathways for children and families. She is currently accepting graduate student applications, with a deadline of December 1, 2025.

Research Interests

Courses

HDFS 305 - Biosocial Foundations of Family

Requirements for Purdue University

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:22
Speaking
Required:22
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7.5
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:135
Overall
Required:135
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in CS or related field Foundational concepts of computer science Data structures Computer architecture Operating systems Mathematics through differential equations Linear and matrix algebra
Application Checklist
  • Official Transcripts
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Personal History Statement
  • Resume
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • CS Supplementary Form
Specialization Notes

GRE is not required.