Animal Nutrition, Life in Research & One Woman's Journey in Science - Leandra

In this episode of the SciAnts Streams Women in STEAM 2026 series, we feature Dr. Leandra—an animal scientist whose work sits at the intersection of animal behavior, nutrition, microbiology, and agricultural systems, as well as a Twitch Partner dedicated to science communication.

Leandra walks us through her journey from a childhood passion for animals and an initial goal of veterinary school to an unexpected entry into graduate research. That pivot led her to study how early weaning impacts pig development and how targeted nutritional interventions—such as supplementing diets with epidermal growth factor produced via engineered bacteria—can support gut health and improve growth outcomes in agricultural settings.

The conversation unpacks both the scientific and human sides of research: designing and scaling animal studies, translating bench science into real-world applications, and navigating the ethical frameworks that govern animal research. Leandra also reflects on the role of passion-driven experiences, from wildlife rehabilitation to farm-based research, in shaping a scientific career.

Throughout the episode, we also explore how platforms like Twitch are reshaping science communication—creating spaces where researchers can engage directly with public audiences and demystify complex topics in real time.

This is a conversation about adaptability, interdisciplinary science, and the evolving landscape of how science is both conducted and shared.

During the month of March SciAnts is raising money for Girls Who Code. Together we can help close the gender gap in technology fields. For Women's History Month, we are raising money for Girls Who Code! Donate here: https://tilt.fyi/ZAc2AWxRiu

Recorded March 9th, 2026

Leandra’s links and socials:

Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/leandra
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drleandra
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drleandrattv
X: https://x.com/DrLeandraTTV