Central Wisconsin News

Since joining the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 2020, Assistant Professor Sean Mooney-Leber has received high student evaluations and recognition for his teaching in the Department of Psychology. He leads courses in behavioral neuroscience, research methods, and introductory psychology.

Mooney-Leber incorporates interactive activities such as music trivia and quizzes to encourage engagement at the start of class. “This sets the pace for answering questions related to course materials during lectures. Moreover, as someone who specializes in learning theory, I believe it is critical to almost exclusively engage students with positive reinforcement when interacting in the class,” he said.

Lynn Witzel, a transfer student majoring in psychology and minoring in neuroscience, noted that these exercises foster participation and comfort among students. “He creates a very casual classroom environment where people don’t need to be ashamed of asking questions or getting something wrong,” Witzel said. “He understands that college life can be very overwhelming for students, and he’s willing to help anyone who wants to learn and improve.”

Mooney-Leber has been recognized with the University Teaching Excellence Award this year. He emphasizes discussion over correctness: “Being correct is not always the point of the engagement,” he stated.

His influence extends beyond coursework. Zach Mikkelson, a former student now pursuing doctoral studies at the University of Memphis, credited Mooney-Leber’s classes and mentorship with shaping his interest in behavioral research. Mikkelson said about his early experience: “He described it in a way that seemed like something I could be good at.” After joining Mooney-Leber’s lab as an assistant, Mikkelson learned research methods and critical evaluation skills.

Mooney-Leber works with students on research projects related to behavioral genetics, neuropharmacology, and stress responses. Recent work includes investigating genetic influences on cognition after acute stress. As faculty adviser for the Neuroscience Club, he helps prepare students for presenting their research.

Mikkelson recalled preparing presentations under Mooney-Leber’s guidance: “He had us practice with him. He would walk us through things to avoid saying, and he made us prepared.”

In addition to teaching and research supervision, Mooney-Leber supports students seeking advanced degrees by advising them on graduate school applications and interviews. Mikkelson noted that Mooney-Leber encouraged him toward doctoral study.

“It’s all about seeing people succeeding,” Mooney-Leber said. “They will go off in world and reflect our work.”