Thomas Mark Newpher
Assistant Professor of the Practice of Psychology and Neuroscience

Dr. Newpher teaches and advises for Duke's Undergraduate Studies in Neuroscience program.  He serves as the Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies in Neuroscience and also directs the Summer Neuroscience Program of Research in the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences.  Dr. Newpher earned his Ph.D. in molecular biology from Case Western Reserve University. He then came to Duke to receive postdoctoral training in the Department of Neurobiology, where his research focused on identifying key molecular mechanisms that underlie learning-related synaptic plasticity.  

As the director of the Summer Neuroscience Program, Dr. Newpher provides mentorship and professional development opportunities for undergraduate research fellows.  Within the Undergraduate Neuroscience program, he instructs several courses, including Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Contemporary Neuroscience Methods, Fundamentals of Neuroscience, the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, and Neuroplasticity and Disease.  His courses utilize a variety of team-based learning activities to promote critical thinking skills, foster collaboration among students, and create an engaging, student-centered classroom experience.  Dr. Newpher’s current research focuses on identifying teaching practices that increase student learning and improve classroom dynamics.

Current Research Interests

The mission of the Duke Team-Based Learning Lab is to identify teaching practices that enhance learning for all students. The Duke Team-Based Learning Lab prioritizes collaboration and inclusiveness.

​Our goals include identifying factors that improve team dynamics, increase a student's sense of belonging, and promote a positive learning environment. We will focus primarily on active learning strategies in STEM courses. The lab's aim is also to mentor undergraduate students, whose active contributions shape the research program.

Current Appointments & Affiliations

Contact Information

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