Cristine Donham

Cristine Donham is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She holds a doctorate in immunology with a focus on hematopoietic stem cell development. Her current research prioritizes biology education, particularly addressing barriers to success for marginalized students. Her lab investigates how belonging and cognitive engagement influence academic outcomes.

Her work spans pandemic-era pedagogical innovations, classroom discourse analysis, and the intersection of bone biology with immunology. Notable contributions include studies on emergency remote teaching, STEM instructor practices, and the molecular mechanisms of stress erythropoiesis.

Donham actively publishes in both education-focused and basic science journals, maintaining dual expertise in teaching methodologies and cellular research. Her research bridges educational equity and biomedical discovery, emphasizing practical applications for student success.