Associate Professor of Teaching
Office: CHBE 439
Email: gabriel.potvin@ubc.ca
Research Summary
Laboratory Education, Problem-Based Learning, Interdisciplinary Education, Bioprocessing, Industrial Microbiology, Microalgal Biotechnology, Sustainable Engineering
Education
University of Ottawa, 2015, Ph.D.
University of Ottawa, 2009, B.A.Sc.
University of Ottawa, 2009, B.Sc., Honours
Research interests + projects
My current focus is in engineering pedagogy and curriculum development, with a particular interest in problem-based learning, laboratory instruction, sustainability education, and interdisciplinary education. The challenges we face as a society, and as a species, are complex and multi-faceted. Engineers must be able to tackle them in creative ways, and be comfortable working on collaborative open interdisciplinary projects. The training of engineers must include these skills.
To this end, I aim to create developmental opportunities for students, and actively support a number of undergraduate design teams, student projects, student competitions, and special research projects. I am a steadfast advocate of science and engineering literacy, and am also involved in a number of STEM outreach initiatives.
My technical background is in bioprocessing and industrial microbiology, with a focus on the development of novel expression platforms for the production of industrially-relevant recombinant products.
Awards and honours
Engineers Canada Medal for Distinction in Engineering Education, 2024
Fellow of Engineers Canada, 2024
Fellow of the Canadian Engineering Education Association, 2023
Chemical and Biological Engineering Lifetime Teaching Award for Teaching , 2022
UBC Killam Teaching Award , 2021
2019 Ron Britton Engineering Education Vanguard Award , 2019
Chemical and Biological Engineering Undergraduate Teaching Excellence Award 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 , 2021
Scholarly and professional activities + affiliations
Canadian Society of Chemical Engineers (CSChE)
Canadian Engineering Education Association (CEEA)
American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)
Selected recent publications + presentations
Peterson, J., and Potvin, G. Humanitarian Engineering: Politics and Practice – A new interdisciplinary course on the application of engineering skills to humanitarian challenges. Paper 98. Proceedings of the 2024 Canadian Engineering Education Association (CEEA).
Etmannski, T. and Potvin, G. Launching new sustainability-focused engineering economics modules: materials, instructor reflections, and student feedback. Paper 5. Proceedings of the 2023 Canadian Engineering Education Association (CEEA). https://ojs.library.queensu.ca/index.php/PCEEA/article/view/16631
Hosseini, M, Vaez Ghaemi, R, and Potvin, G. Preliminary results of a high-resolution analysis of accreditation data to assess indicators, identify predictors and assess the equitability of teaching practices. Paper 45. Proceedings of the 2022 Canadian Engineering Education Association (CEEA). https://doi.org/10.24908/pceea.vi.15872
Ghaemi, RV. and Potvin, G. Experimenting with Labs: Practical and Pedagogical Considerations for the Integration of Problem-Based Lab Instruction in Chemical Engineering. Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering. 99; 10, (2021) https://doi.org/10.1002/cjce.24136
Verrett, J. Curriculum Renewal for Better Design-Related Student Outcomes in Second-Year Chemical and Biological Engineering. Paper 154. Proceedings of the 2021 Canadian Engineering Education Association (CEEA) https://doi.org/10.24908/pceea.vi0.14126
Vaez Ghaemi, R, and Potvin, G. Hands-on Education Without the Hands-on? An Approach to Online Delivery of a Senior Lab Course in Chemical Engineering While Maintaining Key Learning Outcomes. Paper 14. Proceedings of the 2021 Canadian Engineering Education Association (CEEA). https://doi.org/10.24908/pceea.vi0.14834