Know Your Profs is an ongoing series of profiles on the instructors at Camosun College. Every issue we ask a different instructor at Camosun the same 10 questions in an attempt to get to know them a little better.
Do you have an instructor who you want to see interviewed in the paper? Maybe you want to know more about one of your teachers, but you’re too busy, or shy, to ask? Email editor@nexusnewspaper.com and we’ll get on it.
This issue we talked to Chemistry instructor Steve McKinnon about printing nightmares and the importance of sorting garbage.
1. What do you teach and how long have you been at Camosun?
I teach Chemistry and have been at Camosun for about eight years. I started as a term instructor while finishing up in grad school. I am also into my third year as the program leader for the Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology program.
2. What do you personally get out of teaching?
I love talking to students and getting to know them. I like explaining course material to them, and I am always learning new things from those discussions. It is interesting when you see new connections between topics that you didn’t see before.
3. What’s one thing you wish your students knew about you?
I think I’m a pretty open book. Most of my students probably know a fair amount about me or will in a short period of time. I used to advertise more that I play in a band, but we rarely play shows anymore.
4. What’s one thing you wish they didn’t know about you?
Most of the students who knew my jumping abilities have moved on to university or their careers. When they were around, I was often asked to demonstrate in class…
5. What’s the best thing that’s happened to you as a teacher here?
Besides getting a continuing position at Camosun in the first place, it would probably be seeing my students at grad. For someone who skipped their own graduation ceremonies, I see what an important experience it is for the students, their families, and faculty. It is also pretty great to see students finish your program and find a job right away.
6. What’s the worst thing that’s happened to you as a teacher here?
There hasn’t been anything all that bad, except for a complete disaster before a test a couple years back. I submitted the test to the Printshop for the wrong day, then my computer wouldn’t start, the hallway printer was out of order, the other printer was out of paper, couldn’t find extra paper, didn’t bring enough data sheets to the test… I’ve had nightmares go the same way.
7. What do you see in the future of post-secondary education?
At my level, in the classroom, probably just broader use of technology. More programs will probably be created and expanded to keep pace with the ever-changing job market. I’d like things to not change too much; I think colleges and universities are already giving students a great basis for continuing on into the world.
8. What do you do to relax on the weekends?
There doesn’t seem like there is much time to relax on the weekend, especially with busy kids in soccer season; it’s all about keeping the kids busy. Maybe when the kids are older there will be more spare time.
9. What is your favourite meal?
I never seem to get tired of sushi.
10. What’s your biggest pet peeve?
Hmmm, so many. I would have to go with inconsiderate drivers… No, kids not cleaning up after themselves… No, students not sorting their garbage properly…