Some of her research interests include biodegradation of oil and dispersants in Arctic seawater, biodegradation of groundwater contaminants, the use of plants and microbes to remediate contaminated soils (phytoremediation), methane oxidation in Arctic lakes, and boreal forest ecology. She also organizes efforts to foster collaboration between the environmental sciences, arts, and humanities and produces art-science exhibits and performances for the public. Prior to joining UAF in 2006, Leigh earned her Ph.D. in Microbiology at the University of Oklahoma and conducted postdoctoral research at Michigan State University and the NERC Center for Ecology and Hydrology, Oxford.