Christian Danve Castroverde: Making Our Finite Teaching Time Meaningful

Early Career Excellence award recipient Christian Danve Castroverde from Laurier's Biology department shares how he designs large courses around big picture questions that frame learning, spark curiosity, and reveal science as an evolving, debatable process rather than a body of rote facts to be memorized. Rooted in universal design principles to increase access for all students, Danve structures lectures for engagement using narrative, moments of surprise, and active learning throughout class.  Danve also reflects on his care-centred mentorship approach where he welcomes students from all levels into his lab and develops personalized mentoring plans that puts students first. He shares how his student journal clubs help demystify scientific papers and build confidence in students, preparing them for their own research publications and conference presentations. To further prepare students with future-ready skills, Danve offers a practical blueprint to help students critically engage with generative AI as a tool for analysis rather than a shortcut.  Laurier's Donald F. Morgenson Awards for Teaching Excellence honour those who, through their commitment to exemplary teaching, have made significant contributions to the educational experience of Laurier students. Learn more about award-winning teaching at Laurier.