CTAHR Students Come Together With Fantastic Effort to Catapult Dr. David Christopher as CTAHR Dean Excellence in Teaching Award Winner!

Dr. David Christopher has been with CTAHR for over 27 years, serving as a chair and professor in the Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering department.  His passion for teaching and ability to relate complex concepts in a way that makes the subject of molecular biosciences easier to understand has inspired confidence in his students to go further in their academic careers and achieve more than they once thought possible.  Dr. Christopher regularly ties in current events into his teachings, driving home the relevance and importance of the world of biotechnology, thus successfully engaging students to want to learn more.  The spark that few can ignite in their students is a skill that Dr. Christopher possesses, which is only part of what makes him deserving of this year's CTAHR Dean Excellence in Teaching Award.  His impact as an educator and mentor were echoed through an outstanding 15 letters of recommendation from current and former students that cite the main cornerstone of their success being Dr. David Christopher.  

Here are just a fraction of the excerpts written in testament to Dr. Christopher from the students themselves: 

“I truly believe that taking his course as an undergraduate inspired my interests in the field of molecular biology and really emphasized the importance of critical thinking. His communication and teaching skills motivated me to apply for the Master’s program in the department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering (MBBE) after graduating in 2017. His integrity and guidance in the program has since motivated me to pursue my PhD under his mentorship… Through these years, I’ve continuously admired Dr. Christopher’s dedication to providing the greatest teaching experience to his students. He’s gone above and beyond expectations to engage students during lectures and offer guidance as needed. He cares deeply about the success of his students and it’s conveyed through his curriculum and lecture discussions.”  - Rina Carrillo, PhD Student MBBE

“In my second semester at Mānoa in Spring 2021, he was the first professor to email me–specifically asking if I was coping alright during the pandemic and how he could support me as the MBBE Coordinator. I expressed an uncertainty in determining how to proceed with my Directed Research, in which he referred me to professors that could help me explore my interests. Without these referrals at the beginning of my academic career, it would have taken me longer to discover that I was greatly fascinated in the advancement of pharmaceuticals to treat diseases. I recognized that this interaction with Dr. Christopher was my first true motivation to thoughtfully map out the steps I needed to take as an undergraduate student to achieve my long-term career goals… Dr. Christopher’s evident passion for biotechnology and transparency in discussing pertinent socioethical topics empowers me to become at least half of the educator he is.” - Charlene Tan, MBB Undergraduate Student

“As a student, having a class that sticks with you even after it's over is something special. I still think about the material covered and use the skills that I learned in MBBR 304 today… The content of his class was challenging as it encompassed many themes that I saw again in upper level courses, however we were able to succeed due to his lectures always being thoughtfully prepared, his communication clear, and his willingness and availability to answer any questions… Ethics can be tricky to navigate, but I have witnessed him handle it with grace, always sensitive to cultural differences and promoting respect among all students. I feel that I have left his class with knowledge of ethical issues in science as well as the skills to communicate about them.” - Jaymie Masuda, MBB Undergraduate Student 

“As a professor he demonstrates not only mastery of the material, but a continued passion for it as well. Distance learning proved to be challenging for students and professors alike; however, Dr. Christopher made a clear effort to help us engage with the material and support our learning… As an advisor, I've found him to be exceptionally responsive, highly knowledgeable, and exceedingly caring. I've been able to speak with him about my present circumstances and future plans without receiving judgment or criticism and when I've been overwhelmed he has helped me find direction and clarity. Dr. Christopher has offered a tremendous level of support and assistance throughout my time at the University of Hawai'i, for which I am immensely grateful. “ - Barbara Grisby, MBB Undergraduate Student

Thank you, Dr. Christopher, for your dedication, infectious spirit, and guidance to the next generation of scientists!  Congratulations!