Dr. Jeff Newman has played a major role in bringing 21st century technology into the biology curriculum. In the classroom, cutting-edge technologies such as cloning, PCR, DNA sequencing, microarray analysis and bioinformatics have been incorporated into the Introductory Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, Biochemistry and Genome Analysis courses. As the department webmaster, most course materials (including PowerPoint files) are available on his course websites.

In the research lab, Dr. Newman has mentored many student projects, most of which have been presented at undergraduate research conferences. Past research has focused on a purine biosynthetic enzyme that is a potential target for developing new antibiotics. More recently, his lab has been studying new species of bacteria that have been discovered by Lycoming College students in the nearby Loyalsock Creek, a major tributary of the Susquehanna River.

Outside the College, Dr. Newman and his wife Shannon keep busy with the activities of their three boys, coaching tee-ball and basketball teams. They also enjoy gardening, winemaking, and home renovation.