Alana D Newell

Alana D Newell is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Education, Innovation and Technology at Baylor College of Medicine, with a dual role as Assistant Director of the Center for Educational Outreach. She specializes in educational research, curriculum design, and evaluation methodologies, focusing on K-12 and post-secondary education. Her work emphasizes robust study designs, data analysis, and adapting assessment tools for diverse learners. She has collaborated on over 20 projects, including nine as an internal evaluator for curriculum development initiatives.

Education:

• PhD in Measurement, Quantitative Methods, and Learning Sciences (University of Houston)
• MEd in Education (University of Houston)
• BA in Sociology (Rice University)

Research Interests: Dr. Newell’s research spans educational evaluation, science curriculum design, and the psychometric properties of affective measures (e.g., science attitudes). She explores how interdisciplinary approaches—such as integrating visual arts into medical training or using pandemic case studies in STEM classrooms—enhance learning outcomes. Her work often addresses equity in education, particularly through initiatives targeting underrepresented groups in HIV research and medical fields.

Publications: Her articles reflect a focus on curriculum frameworks (e.g., Understanding by Design®), health education interventions, and DEI initiatives. Recent work highlights pandemic-driven educational adaptations and the role of simulation-based training in medical education.

Awards/Grants: Though no explicit awards are cited, her contributions to the BCM Master Teachers Fellowship Program (Co-Director since 2018) and CFAR DEI initiatives demonstrate sustained institutional and collaborative impact. She has secured funding for multi-institutional projects in HIV education and biomedical training.

Labs/Teams: Active within the Baylor College of Medicine’s Center for Educational Outreach, she collaborates with faculty on programs like the Radiology-TEACHES simulation framework and the ALL for Science curriculum. Her work bridges academic, clinical, and community education sectors.