Anna Newman-Griffis

Anna Newman-Griffis is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biosciences within Durham University's Faculty of Science. A Fellow of the Higher Education Association (FHEA), she has received multiple teaching accolades including the UCL Faculty of Life Sciences Education Award (2023) and The Ohio State University Center for Life Sciences Education Outstanding Teaching Award (2019).

Her research focuses on plant nuclear architecture, investigating how nuclear morphology and positioning respond to developmental cues and environmental stimuli. She specializes in symbiotic mechanisms like root nodule formation in Medicago, nuclear movement dynamics, and the role of LINC complexes in plant cell biology. Her work bridges fundamental cellular processes with agricultural implications through model systems including Arabidopsis and Medicago.

Publication trends from 2014-2024 reveal consistent contributions to plant cell biology with increasing emphasis on science communication and educational innovation. Her recent work includes public-facing science writing (2024) and pedagogical resources for undergraduate research training (2020), demonstrating dual expertise in research and science education.

Key recognitions include:

• Fellow of the Higher Education Association (2024)
• UCL Faculty of Life Sciences Education Award (2023)
• The Ohio State University Center for Life Sciences Education Outstanding Teaching Award (2019)

She actively enhances undergraduate education through the SEA-PHAGES program, developing data analysis frameworks for Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences that strengthen student engagement in biological research methodologies.