Ann M Peiffer, PhD

Ann M. Peiffer, PhD, graduated in 1999 from Cornell College (BA in Biology & Secondary Education), and then pursued a MS in Biobehavioral Sciences (2002) and PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience (2004) at the University of Connecticut specializing in animal models of auditory processing disorders associated with Specific Language Impairment. As a postdoctoral fellow at Wake Forest School of Medicine, she expanded research training into the impact of normal aging on multiple sensory systems, executive function, and cognition using several methods including brain imaging. For this work, Dr. Peiffer was awarded an NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein NRSA to investigate Aging and Uni-sensory Influence of Multisensory Processing. She also helped develop Responsible Conduct of Research training using Problem-Based Learning Pedagogy for biomedical graduate students and post-docs. For her first faculty role, she joined the Department of Radiation Oncology and worked with a translational research team to protect cognition in cancer patients. Projects included preclinical animal models of normal tissue injury by radiation, cognitive & quality of life assessment of cancer survivors (retrospective & prospective), and clinical trials (Phase I & III). She then transitioned to Mars Hill University teaching in the Psychology & Art Therapy programs where courses focused on human development, neuroscience, gender & sexuality, language & culture, or statistics & research methods. Dr. Peiffer led several campus initiatives focused on diversity and inclusion, implemented a Return to Learn protocol for concussed student-athletes, worked with the Bonner Foundation to increase community-engaged learning through peer pedagogical coaching, and spearheaded a major revision of faculty governance. She was awarded The Gibb’s Outstanding Teaching Award in 2019 and an Appalachian College Association fellowship to support sabbatical training in Qualitative Research Methods in 2021-22.