Dr. Leibold is internationally recognized for her groundbreaking discovery of the Iron-Responsive Element/Iron Regulatory Protein (IRE-IRP) regulatory system, a landmark finding that transformed the field of iron biology and continues to influence research decades later. Her work has revealed how cancer cells reprogram iron metabolism to support their growth, providing important insights that continue to shape the development of new therapeutic strategies.

Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Leibold has been an exceptional scientist, educator, and mentor. She has mentored nearly 30 trainees, served on more than 40 graduate committees, authored more than 60 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, and delivered invited lectures at over 40 national and international conferences and academic institutions. Most recently, she received the prestigious Marcel Simon Award from the International BioIron Society in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field.

The DOIM Lifetime Achievement Award honors tenured faculty members whose sustained accomplishments have made a profound and lasting impact on the Department of Internal Medicine. Dr. Leibold's remarkable career exemplifies that distinction.