Initially passionate about zoology and entomology, she completed her undergraduate degree in these fields in 2009. However, the world of research was calling, and Leanne Peixoto’s initial career as an entomologist allowed her to delve into molecular research on pests and diseases transmitted by insects. Yet, despite her immersion in the microscopic world of pests, Leanne Peixoto soon felt the need to pursue something even bigger.  

That "bigger" thing turned out to be climate change. "I’m very much into the climate," she explains, as if driven by a force she could no longer ignore. The urgency of the environmental crisis convinced her to leave her work in Canada and the U.S. behind. Inspired by her Portuguese heritage and a friend’s stories of studying in Denmark, she set her sights on Europe, where she found herself drawn to a master’s program in Environmental Management in Agriculture. It seemed the perfect bridge between her knowledge of insects and the broader world of climate-conscious agriculture. Denmark, she soon realized, was exactly where she needed to be. 

A steep learning curve in Danish agriculture 

Transitioning from zoology and entomology to agriculture was anything but easy. “I had zero background in agriculture,” Leanne Peixoto recalls, reflecting on the overwhelming new terms, concepts, and practices that she had to learn in Denmark. The challenge, however, did not deter her. On the contrary, it inspired her. During her master’s studies, she encountered an inspiring professor who would later become her PhD advisor. “Jørgen E. Olesen was inspiring in the way he taught, and I wanted to work with him, so I pursued a PhD with him as supervisor,” she remembers.  

Leanne Peixoto’s PhD focus on perennial crops and their potential to increase carbon storage quickly became her passion, especially as she dove deeper into the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. While still incorporating her fascination with biology, her work shifted to studying the molecular and microbial levels of soil, examining everything from plant health to nitrogen emissions. The transition was challenging, but her curiosity and drive to make a difference in combating climate change kept her going.  

From insects to the impact of agriculture 

Leanne Peixoto’s research career in Denmark has been marked by her dedication to understanding and reducing the environmental footprint of agriculture. She centers her research on how crop and soil management can help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide.  

“I’m not only interested in emissions but also in the mechanisms behind them,” she explains. Leanne Peixoto sees a unique connection between her work on soil and climate: “I like to study the small things, the molecules and microbes, to understand why these emissions happen.” 

Over the years, her curiosity and interdisciplinary approach have led her to a range of projects, including her latest venture into plant-based food systems. A long-time vegetarian, Leanne Peixoto has advocated for plant-based diets for over 20 years, understanding both their environmental benefits and challenges. The recent Danish project on lupins and soybeans excites her because it allows her to bring her expertise on carbon and nitrogen cycles to a field she’s personally passionate about. However, she knows it’s not without challenges. “People still have misconceptions about soy,” she says. “And we need to make sure that our solutions don’t create additional environmental issues.”   

The double-edged sword of innovation 

Leanne often describes her research results as a “double-edged sword.” While legumes like lupins and soybeans can increase soil carbon and are promising as sustainable protein sources, they can also elevate nitrous oxide emissions, which is problematic from a greenhouse gas perspective. This paradox of good and bad outcomes has been a recurring theme in her work. “You often find something that’s beneficial in one sense but detrimental in another,” she says, highlighting the careful balance needed when working in environmental research. 

She admits that this reality can sometimes be frustrating, especially in an academic setting where innovation can meet resistance. However, her focus remains steadfast. She believes in pushing forward, understanding that research is slow, and real-world solutions take time. “We’ve been talking about solutions for years. It’s time to move on to actual, actionable strategies,” she asserts, underscoring her drive to see her research have a real impact. 

Curiosity as the catalyst for change 

If there’s one trait that defines Leanne Peixoto’s career, it’s her insatiable curiosity. “I need to know why things happen, not just that they happen,” she says, explaining her passion for delving into the mechanisms behind environmental changes. This has led her to a wide range of research topics, from molecular soil biology to emissions tracking and now plant-based food systems. It’s a challenge to specialise in just one area, she admits, but for her, it’s all part of the bigger puzzle of solving climate-related problems.   

Even in her current projects, Leanne Peixoto continues to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and real-world applications. Her latest research in plant-based systems aims not only to find sustainable alternatives but to diversify people’s diets, moving away from an over-reliance on animal products. “Diversity on the plate is as important as diversity in the field,” she remarks.  

Looking forward: A vision for sustainable food systems 

Leanne Peixoto’s academic journey is far from over. She envisions a future where her work contributes to establishing effective, research-backed mitigation strategies that farmers and policymakers can implement globally. In her ideal world, agriculture would be a sector that actively reduces emissions rather than adds to them. She hopes her work can lead to the diversification of diets, integrating more plant-based foods not only in Denmark but globally. “It’s about contributing positively to the world,” she says.  

Staying in academia, Leanne Peixoto looks forward to a future where researchers collaborate more across disciplines, focusing on practical solutions that make an immediate difference. For her, the journey isn’t just about scientific discovery but about using that knowledge to drive positive change. And as she continues her research in Denmark, Leanne Peixoto remains grounded in her mission to better understand the natural world, improve the sustainability of food systems, and ultimately help create a more resilient planet.    

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