Ansa Cobham, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biology
Office: NSB, Room 343
Email: acobham@wtamu.edu
Phone: 806-651-2298
Professional Profile
Dr. Ansa Cobham joined the Department of Life, Earth and Environment in January 2026. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Human Anatomy from the University of Calabar, and a Master’s degree from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. She completed her Ph.D. in Developmental Biology from Monash University in Australia, where her research explored how nutritional changes influence size patterning in developing brain compartments of Drosophila melanogaster. Prior to joining WTAMU, she was a postdoctoral associate at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research from 2021-2025, where her research focused on the molecular basis of metabolic adaptation using the cavefish model Astyanax mexicanus.
Teaching and Related Service
Dr. Cobham teaches Anatomy and Physiology (AP) and General Biology. She is actively involved in outreach activities and is committed to supporting and mentoring students through their undergraduate and graduate studies. She serves on departmental and university committees that support student engagement, promotes science engagement and professional development.
Research and Creative Activity
Dr. Cobham’s research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that shape metabolic landscapes, from individual cells to whole organisms. At WTAMU, her work integrates imaging, genetics, and biochemical approaches to investigate these metabolic regulations. In particular, she investigates the physiological strategies that allow cave-adapted animals to survive extreme environmental stress, especially prolonged nutrient limitation.
Dr. Cobham is actively involved in professional organizations, including the American Physiological Society, the American Aging Association and the American Society for Cell Biology. She is a 2024 Leading Edge Fellow and a 2024 FASEB Fellow for the Future through the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. She is also passionate about sharing her enthusiasm for science and supporting students as they pursue their scientific interests.