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Thomas Mark Newpher

Associate Professor of the Practice of Psychology and Neuroscience
Psychology & Neuroscience
308 Research Drive, LSRC B030, Box 91003, Durham, NC 27708

Overview


I teach, mentor, and advise for Duke's Undergraduate Studies in Neuroscience program, and serve as the Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies in Neuroscience. I also direct the Summer Neuroscience Program of Research in the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences. I earned my Ph.D. in molecular biology from Case Western Reserve University. After graduate school, I came to Duke University to receive postdoctoral training in the Neurobiology Department, where my research focused on identifying molecular mechanisms that underlie learning-related synaptic plasticity.

As the director of the Summer Neuroscience Program, I provide mentorship and professional development opportunities for undergraduate research fellows. My courses use a variety of team-based learning activities to promote critical thinking skills, foster collaboration among students, and create an engaging, student-centered classroom experience. As a co-PI in the Duke Team-Based Learning lab, I study the impacts of collaborative learning on student performance and classroom dynamics.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Associate Professor of the Practice of Psychology and Neuroscience · 2023 - Present Psychology & Neuroscience, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies in Neuroscience in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience · 2021 - Present Psychology & Neuroscience, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Faculty Network Member of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences · 2018 - Present Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, University Institutes and Centers

Education, Training & Certifications


Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine · 2006 Ph.D.