Dina Newman Headshot

Dina Newman

Professor

Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences
College of Science
Co-Director of MBER
dlwsbi@rit.edu
585-475-4482
Office Location
GOS-1342
Office Mailing Address
Gosnell Hall 84 Lomb Memorial Dr Rochester, NY 14623

Dina Newman

Professor

Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences
College of Science
Co-Director of MBER

Education

BS, Cornell University; MS, Ph.D., University of Chicago

Bio

For more information please visit the Newman Lab Website.

dlwsbi@rit.edu
585-475-4482
Personal Links
Personal Website
ORCID
Twitter
LinkedIn
Areas of Expertise
Biology Education
Pedagogy
Genetics
Molecular Biology
Human Genetics
STEM Education Research

Select Scholarship

Journal Paper
Wright, L. Kate, et al. "Teaching Meiosis with the DNA Triangle Framework: A Classroom Activity that Changes How Students Think about Chromosomes." Biochem Mol Biol Educ 50. (2022): 44-54. Print.
Collison, Christina Goudreau, et al. "Reformed Experimental Activities (REActivities): Gauging the Fidelity of Implementation in a Reformed Undergraduate Organic Chemistry Laboratory." J Chem Ed 99. 5 (2022): 2032-2043. Print.
Wright, L. Kate, et al. "The DNA Landscape: Development and Application of a New Framework for Visual Communication about DNA." CBE - Life Sci Educ 21. 3 (2022): ar47:1-8. Web.
Newman, Dina L., et al. "Punnett Squares or Protein Production? The Expert-Novice Divide for Conceptions of Gene Expression." CBE - Life Sci Educ 20. 4 (2021): ar53. Web.
Wyatt, Brittney N., et al. "Development of a Faculty Learning Community to Foster Inclusive Research Mentoring." J Faculty Dev 35. 2 (2021): 44-49. Print.
Donahue, Callie J., et al. "A Close-up Look at PCR." CourseSource 6. (2019): 1-8. Web.
Wright, L. Kate, et al. "Arrows in Biology: Lack of Clarity and Consistency Points to Confusion for Learners." CBE - Life Sciences Education 17. 1 (2018): ar6, 1-13. Web.
Newman, Dina L., et al. "A Community-Building Framework for Collaborative Research Coordination across the Education and Biology Research Disciplines." CBE - Life Sciences Education 17. 2 (2018): es2, 1-10. Web.
Newman, Dina L., et al. "Physical Models Can Provide Superior Learning Opportunities Beyond the Benefits of Active Engagement." Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education 46. 5 (2018): 435-444. Print.
Donahue, Callie J., et al. "A Close-up Look at PCR." CourseSource. (2018): in press. Web.
Newman, Dina L., et al. "Development of the Central Dogma Concept Inventory (CDCI) Assessment Tool." CBE - Life Sciences Education 15. 2 (2016): ar9. Web.
Wright, L. Kate, et al. "Web-based Interactive Video Vignettes Create a Personalized Active Learning Classroom for Introducing Big Ideas in Introductory Biology." Bioscene 42. 2 (2016): 32-43. Print.
Wright, Kate L., J. Nick Fisk, and Dina L. Newman. "DNA → RNA: What Do Students Think the Arrow Means?" CBE-Life Sciences Education 13. 2 (2014): 338-348. Print.
Wright, L. Kate and Dina L. Newman. "A PCR-based Laboratory Exercise that Increases Student Understanding of Central Dogma Concepts." Journal of Microbiology and Biology Education 14. 1 (2013): 93-100. Print.
Wright, L. Kate, et al. "Online Reading Informs Classroom Instruction and Promotes Collaborative Learning." Journal of College Science Teaching 43. 2 (2013): 44-53. Print.
Newman, Dina L., Christina M. Catavero, and L. Kate Wright. "Students Fail to Transfer Knowledge of Chromosome Structure to Topics Pertaining to Cell Division." CBE-Life Sciences Education 11. Winter (2012): 1-12. Print.
Wright, L.K. and D.L. Newman. "Interactive Modeling Lesson Increases Student Understanding of Ploidy During Meiosis." Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education 39. 5 (2011): 344-351. Print.
Peer Reviewed/Juried Poster Presentation or Conference Paper
Newman, Dina L., et al. "The Power of Analogies." Proceedings of the 2022 Northeast Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society. Ed. Tina Goudreau Collison. Rochester, NY: n.p..
Wright, L. Kate, Cole Dwyer, and Dina L. Newman. "The Protein Landscape: A Tool for Exploring Visual Literacy in Biochemistry." Proceedings of the 2022 Northeast Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society. Ed. Tina Goudreau Collison. Rochester, NY: ACS.
Magelhaes, Rita Margarida Quinones de, et al. "Inclusive Excellence: A Three-Pronged Approach to Increasing Diversity and Retention in Science." Proceedings of the Society for the Advancement of Biology Education Research, July27-29, 2018, Minneapolis, MN. Ed. Mary Pat Wenderoth. Minneapolis, MN: n.p..
Dy, Grace Elizabeth C., L. Kate Wright, and Dina L. Newman. "Visual Representations of Meiosis in Biology Textbooks Fail to Provide Important Conceptual Information." Proceedings of the Society for the Advancement of Biology Education Research, July27-29, 2018, Minneapolis, MN. Ed. Mary Pat Wenderoth. Minneapolis, MN: n.p..
Newman, Dina L., et al. "How is Meiosis Taught in High School?" Proceedings of the American Society of Human Genetics Annual Meeting, October 16-20, 2018, San Diego, CA. Ed. Bruce R. Korf. San Diego, CA: n.p..
Newman, Dina L., et al. "Fostering Inclusivity and Equity: a Three-Strand Approach for Research, Classroom and Community." Proceedings of the 2018 Transforming STEM Higher Education Conference. Ed. Kelly Mack. Atlanta, GA: AAC&U.
Book Chapter
Terrell, Cassidy R., et al. "Physical Models Support Active Learning as Effective Thinking Tools." Biochemistry Education: From Theory to Practice. Ed. Thomas J. Bussey, Kimberly Linenberger Cortes, and Rodney C. Austin. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society, 2019. 43-62. Web.
Invited Keynote/Presentation
Newman, Dina L. "Models for Teaching and Learning about DNA." American Society of Human Genetics Annual Meeting. American Society of Human Genetics. Houston, TX. 16 Oct. 2019. Conference Presentation.
Wright, L. Kate and Dina L. Newman. "High School Teacher Conceptions and Lessons about Meiosis Reveal a Critical gap in Molecular level Knowledge." Society for the Advancement of Biology Education Research Annual Meeting. Society for the Advancemen tof Education Research. Minneapolis, MN. 29 Jul. 2018. Conference Presentation.
Gardner, Stephanie, et al. "Development and Testing of Competencies for Experimentation in Biology." Society for the Advancement of Biology Education Research Annual Meeting. Society for the Advancemen tof Education Research. Minneapolis, MN. 29 Jul. 2018. Conference Presentation.
Newman, Dina L. and L. Kate Wright. "How to Get More Out of Conceptual Assessment Data." Society for the Advancement of Biology Education Research Annual Meeting. Society for the Advancemen tof Education Research. Minneapolis, MN. 29 Jul. 2018. Conference Presentation.
Newman, Dina L., et al. "Gauging the Impact of Organic Chemistry REActivities at a Four-Year and a Two-Year Institution." Biennial Conference on Chemical Education. American Chemical Society. South Bend, IN. 2 Aug. 2018. Conference Presentation.
Newman, Dina L., et al. "Undergraduate Faculty Genetics Education Workshop." American Society of Human Genetics Annual Meeting. American Society of Human Genetics. San Diego, CA. 17 Oct. 2018. Conference Presentation.
Collison, Christina Goudreau, et al. "Reformed Experimental Activities (REActivities): Rethinking How We Deliver an Organic Chemistry Lab." Biennial Conference on Chemical Education. American Chemical Society. South Bend, IN. 30 Jul. 2018. Conference Presentation.
Gardner, Stephanie, et al. "Development and Testing of Assessments for Measuring Experimentation Competence in Biology." Society for the Advancement of Biology Education Research Annual Meeting. Society for the Advancemen tof Education Research. Minneapolis, MN. 27 Jul. 2018. Conference Presentation.
Cardenas, Jordan J., et al. "Arrows in Biology Drawings: Missing the Point of the Figure." 6th Annual Meeting. Society for the Advancement of Biology Education Research. Minneapolis, MN. 16 Jul. 2016. Conference Presentation.
Wright, L. Kate and Dina L. Newman. "Development of a New Theoretical Framework and its Application to Learning Meiosis." 6th Annual Meeting. Society for the Advancement of Biology Education Research. Minneapolis, MN. 16 Jul. 2016. Conference Presentation.
Cardinale, Jean, et al. "The Effectiveness of Interactive Video Vignettes to Address Introductory Studentsï¾’ Common Biological Misconceptions and Promote Learning of Core Biology Concepts." Envisioning the Future of STEM Undergraduate Education. National Science Foundation. Washington, DC. 27 Apr. 2016. Conference Presentation.
Newman, Dina L., et al. "Interactive Video Vignettes: A Tool for Teaching and Insight into Student Thinking." Envisioning the Future of STEM Undergraduate Education. National Science Foundation. Waxhington, DC. 27 Apr. 2016. Conference Presentation.
DeOca, Kayla, et al. "DNA Sequence is the Key to Understanding Meiosis." National Conference on Undergraduate Research, 30th Annual Meeting. Council on Undergraduate Research. Asheville, NC. 7 Apr. 2016. Conference Presentation.
Newman, Dina L. and Ricki Lewis. "Teaching Foundational Concepts in Genetics Through Primary Literature." Undergraduate Faculty Genetics Education Workshop. American Society of Human Genetics. Baltimore, MD. 6 Oct. 2015. Lecture.
Cardenas, Jordan, et al. "Arrows, Arrows, Everywhere in Biology Drawings." Fall Paper Session. Rochester Academy of Science. Canandaigua, NY. 7 Nov. 2015. Conference Presentation.
Jasmi, Jasrina Mohd, et al. "Evidence of Student Learning with Interactive Video Vignettes in Biology." Fall Paper Session. Rochester Academy of Science. Canandaigua, NY. 7 Nov. 2015. Conference Presentation.
Fisk, J. Nick, et al. "Analysis of Results from the Central Dogma Concept Inventory." Fall Paper Session. Rochester Academy of Science. Canandaigua, NY. 7 Nov. 2015. Conference Presentation.
Newman, Dina L., et al. "Teaching Meiosis Brings Together Concepts from Four Different Areas." 65th Annual Meeting. American Society of Human Genetics. Baltimore, NY. 9 Oct. 2015. Conference Presentation.
Stark, Louisa, Dina L. Newman, and Joseph Devaney. "Ethical Decision Making Frameworks in the Classroom." Undergraduate Faculty Genetics Education Workshop. American Society of Human Genetics. San Diego, CA. 25 Oct. 2014. Conference Presentation.
Newman, Dina L. and Adam Hott. "What is a Gene?" Undergraduate Faculty Genetics Education Workshop. American Society of Human Genetics. Boston, MA. 22 Oct. 2013. Lecture.
Zimmer, Erin, Bethany Bowling, and Dina L. Newman. "Linking Basic Concepts to Whole Exome Sequencing Content." Undergraduate Faculty Genetics Education Workshop. American Society of Human Genetics. San Francisco, CA. 6 Nov. 2012. Conference Presentation.
Newman, Dina L. "Assessing Course Curricula." PKAL Upstate NY Regional Network Meeting. Project Kaleidoscope. Rochester, NY. 20 Jan. 2012. Conference Presentation.
Newman, Dina L. "Do your Students Really Know What a Chromosome is?" Undergraduate Faculty Genetics Education Workshop. American Society of Human Genetics. Palais Des Congres De Montreal, Montreal, Canada. 11 Oct. 2011. Lecture.
Published Conference Proceedings
Newman, Dina L., et al. "Lessons Learned from the First Year Implementation of a Two-Track, Reformed Introductory Biology Course." Proceedings of the National Association of Biology Teachers Research Symposium. Ed. Teddie Phillipson-Mower. Atlanta, GA: The National Association of Biology Teachers, 2013. Web.
Shows/Exhibits/Installations
Newman, Dina L. CSI Debunked: The Truth about Fingerprints. By Jeffrey Nick Fisk, et al. 4 May 2013. Imagine RIT, Rochester, NY. Exhibit.
Newman, Dina. What is in Your Genes? By Carolina Alexander Rodriguez, et al. 5 May 2012. Imagine RIT, Rochester, NY. Exhibit.

Currently Teaching

BIOL-124
Introduction to Biology: Molecules and Cells
3 Credits
This course serves as an introduction to biology for majors, focusing on the molecular and cellular level. Major themes include: evolution, structure and function, information flow and storage, pathways and transformations of energy and matter, and systems. The course also focuses on developing core competencies, such as applying the process of science, using quantitative reasoning, communicating, and collaborating.
BIOL-295
Biology Research
1 - 4 Credits
This course is a faculty-directed student project or research involving laboratory work, computer modeling, or theoretical calculations that could be considered of an original nature. The level of study is appropriate for students in their first three years of study.
BIOL-296
Ethical Issues in Biology and Medicine
3 Credits
This course explores major ethical issues in medicine and biology via lecture, readings, films, and presentation and discussion of cases. Students report on current events in ethics as researched on the internet or other news media. The first portion of the course is in a lecture format. Students learn about various theories of ethical analysis that are in current use. Subsequent classes are devoted to particular ethical areas. Relevant cases are given to the students for presentation in both written and oral formats. Any additional background material that may be required to discuss the cases is presented by the instructor and the remainder of the period is discussion based on the philosophical foundation provided at the beginning of the course.
BIOL-298
Biology Independent Study
1 - 4 Credits
This course is a faculty-directed tutorial of appropriate topics that are not part of the formal curriculum. The level of study is appropriate for student in their first three years of study.
BIOL-301
Undergraduate Teaching Experience
1 - 4 Credits
This course allows students to assist in a class or laboratory for which they have previously earned credit. The student will assist the instructor in the operation of the course. Assistance by the student may include fielding questions, helping in workshops, and assisting in review sessions. In the case of labs, students may also be asked to help with supervising safety practices, waste manifestation, and instrumentation.
BIOL-321
Genetics
3 Credits
Introduction to the principles of inheritance; the study of genes and chromosomes at molecular, cellular, organismal, and population levels.
BIOL-412
Human Genetics
3 Credits
The course provides an overview of concepts and applications in human genetics. Topics include classical and complex mechanisms of inheritance, the human genome, human origins & evolution, forensic applications, personalized medicine, and ethical issues.
BIOL-495
Advanced Biology Research
1 - 4 Credits
This course is a faculty-directed student project or research involving laboratory or field work, computer modeling, or theoretical calculations that could be considered of an original nature. The level of study is appropriate for students in their final two years of study.
BIOL-498
Advanced Biology Independent Study
1 - 4 Credits
This course is a faculty-directed tutorial of appropriate topics that are not part of the formal curriculum. The level of study is appropriate for student in their final two years of study.
BIOL-798
Grad Biology Independent Study
1 - 4 Credits
This course is a faculty-directed, graduate level tutorial of appropriate topics that are not part of the formal curriculum.

In the News

  • March 22, 2023

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    RIT faculty members, who led research initiatives as principal investigators, were honored at a reception on March 21 to celebrate the individuals who helped the university reach record awards surpassing $92 million and place among the top private research universities in the country.

  • November 4, 2022

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