Gina Leinninger honored with Red Cedar Distinguished Professor award
Gina Leinninger knows that the only thing better than getting to do science is to help others learn to do it, too.
“Mentoring students and helping them realize their research talents and career goals is one of the most rewarding aspects of my scientific career,” said the associate professor in the Department of Physiology.
Her dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed either. Recently, Leinninger was awarded the title of Red Cedar Distinguished Professor for her leadership and research achievements. She was nominated for the award by Dean of the College of Natural Science Phillip Duxbury and Interim Chairperson of the Department of Physiology Karl Olson.
“I have been humbled by the support and encouragement of our Department of Physiology Interim Chairperson Karl Olson and the College of Natural Science and Dean Phillip Duxbury throughout my time at MSU,” said Leinninger who joined MSU in 2012. “They, and all of my colleagues at MSU, make MSU an intellectually stimulating and supportive place to do research and inspire all of us to do our best to make MSU and the world an even better place. I am grateful for their support and very honored and humbled for this recognition.”
Leinninger will receive a stipend annually for the next three years to help support her research on the neurotensin system.
“We have to eat to survive,” she said. “Yet, eating too much promotes the development of obesity, a disease that increases risk for type 2 diabetes, stroke, cancer, chronic pain, and shortens life span. I’m motivated to understand how the brain normally controls feeding we need to live, what goes awry, and how this knowledge can guide treatments to help individuals lose weight and reverse metabolic disease.”
Leinninger also said she will use the award to help support and train the next generation of talented researchers, including those from groups that are historically underrepresented in science.
“I never got into science for glory,” said Leinninger who is also the director of the Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology graduate program. “I chose this path to do my part to try and make the world a bit better each day. An honor like this just motivates me all the more to do my part.”
“I am absolutely thrilled that Gina was awarded the Red Cedar Distinguished Professorship,” he said. “Her internationally recognized research program on ingestive behavior and body energy balance, outstanding mentoring of students and trainees, and University-wide service, makes her very deserving of this award.”
For Brett Trombley, who’s the president of the MCIP Student Council group, he says Leinninger’s leadership has been crucial to the growth of the graduate program.
“She has been vital to the physiology grad student "renaissance" that has been occurring in the department,” said Trombley, a third year Ph.D. candidate. “By this, I'm referring not only to the overall growth of students in the department, but also the sense of community and comradery that has blossomed in the last few years post the pandemic. I'm not sure we would have experienced this success without an advisor who is so passionate about students’ well-being and general success.”
The Red Cedar Distinguished Professor award title was established in fall of 2022. This honor is given to current and new faculty who exhibit a commitment to creating an environment at MSU that fosters excellence and opportunity. Their efforts contribute to the attraction and retention of talent while also inspiring student, faculty, and staff. Awardees retain the title for the duration of their service at MSU.
