Ann Aguanno

Dr. Ann Aguanno is a Professor of Biology in the Department of Natural Sciences at Marymount Manhattan College (MMC), where she has been a faculty member since 2002. She teaches a wide range of courses including General Biology, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Genetics, Evolution, and Bioethics. Her academic leadership extends to curriculum development and national education initiatives.

• B.A. in Biology and Physical Anthropology, State University of New York at Buffalo
• M.S. and Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, New York University
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Roche Institute of Molecular Biology

Dr. Aguanno's research focuses on the role of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) in mammalian tissue development, particularly its dual implications in neurodegenerative diseases and insulin regulation. She also pioneers innovative pedagogical methods, including the integration of national newspapers like the New York Times into science classrooms and the development of structured training modules for undergraduate researchers. Her educational scholarship emphasizes peer mentoring, cooperative learning, and concept-based assessment in molecular life sciences.

Her recent publications highlight trends in biology education, with a strong emphasis on laboratory teaching modules, student research training, and curriculum innovation. A significant number of her works explore the connection between CDK5 and diseases like Alzheimer’s and Type 2 Diabetes, bridging molecular biology and medical relevance.

Scientific awards include:

• 2011 Council on Undergraduate Research Outstanding Biology Mentor Award
• 2016 Outstanding Science Faculty at MMC

Dr. Aguanno has secured multiple grants from organizations such as the National Science Foundation (NSF), FIPSE, and LI-COR Biosciences, supporting her research and educational projects. She mentors undergraduate researchers and has led initiatives like the New York City Partnership to Advance Science (NYCPAS), fostering collaboration between high schools and MMC. She has also served in national leadership roles, including as National Chair of ASBMB Student Chapters and as a contributor to the Research Coordination Network for Undergraduate Biology Education (RCN-UBE).

She leads an active research laboratory at MMC and has organized several national conferences and workshops focused on transforming undergraduate education in the molecular life sciences.