Dr. Danielle Gauci recognized for unique teaching methods

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Local teacher Dr. Danielle Gauci has been doubly rewarded for her innovative teaching methods, which includes showing her high school students things they might otherwise see on a popular television crime scene drama.

"It hits home that it's relevant," said Gauci about when her students see what they learn outside the classroom. "It does help a lot to see that we haven't just dreamed up science assignments to drive them crazy."

The Etobicoke resident, who teaches biotechnology and forensics at Northern Secondary School, has been awarded with the Ontario Genomics Institute's (OGI) Genomics Teaching Award. She received the award at a school board meeting on Sept. 25.

"The room gave her a standing ovation at the end of the session," said Dr. Christian Burks, CEO and President of OGI who was on-hand to present the award.

She will also receive the BioteCanada National Biotechnology Teaching Excellence Award later this month. Both awards were announced in conjunction with National Biotechnology Week, which took place Sept. 19 to 26.

"We really thought this would be a tremendous opportunity to recognize the role of outstanding teachers in conveying not only the facts and information about science and its impacts," said Burks, adding, "but really creating an environment where students feel engaged about that."

Burks cited Gauci's emphasis on hands-on lab work, on-going mentorship and a commitment to talking about the social and ethical implications of science as the main reasons she was chosen.

"On all those fronts it was just very clear she has put together a tremendous program."

Gauci has developed programs in biotechnology for students in Grades 10 to 12. She is a trained molecular biologist who worked as a research scientist before becoming a high school teacher in 2000.

"It's a great place to enjoy what I love and to get students interested in and excited about science," she said about her decision to teach.

After all of her time spent in a lab doing research, Gauci said giving students hands-on training is important. "You can't beat it."

"One thing is to be able to provide as broad an experience as possible," said Gauci about her approach.

This includes having conversations with her students about the implications of new technology, which Gauci said allows them to make informed decisions about important issues, whether they choose to study science after high school or not.

She recounts a recent lesson where she introduced a news story about a young man who knew he would get a disease because he discovered he had a specific gene.

"So we talked in class about it and I asked them, 'Would you want to know that?'"

Gauci has also helped a number of students participate in science competitions and symposiums.

With both awards, Gauci will receive money for herself and the classroom. OGI will also be sending her to the Science Teachers Association of Ontario conference in November where she can share her approach with others.

Gauci has lived in Etobicoke for 23 years with her husband Mike. The couple have three sons, Kevin, 19, Steven, 15, and Patrick, 12.

"My children tell me I'm a geek," she said with a laugh. "I love science."