Know Your Professor With Zhyryn!

Welcome back to Know Your Professor With Zhyryn, a weekly feature of The Cadre that introduces students to the professors behind their lectures. Each week, we highlight a faculty member from across campus to explore their academic journey, teaching philosophy, and life beyond the classroom.

This week’s feature brings us to the Faculty of Science, where I had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Christian Lacroix, Chair of the Department of Biology and a professor at the University of Prince Edward Island. Professor Chris has been a full-time faculty member at UPEI since August 1990 and specializes in Developmental Plant Morphology, teaching several plant science–related courses.

Professor Chris completed both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees at McGill University before earning his PhD from the University of Guelph. Although his undergraduate studies were broad in biology, his graduate work allowed him to focus more closely on plants. “It’s during my PhD when I was asked to teach a lecture here and there by my supervisor. I kind of enjoyed doing it, so I saw that as an interesting avenue for myself career-wise,” he shared. That early exposure to teaching sparked his interest in academia and eventually led him to pursue university-level instruction.

After completing his PhD, Professor Chris returned to Montreal for postdoctoral research before accepting what was meant to be a one-year appointment at UPEI. “I came here knowing that I was here for a short-term, for one year, and the one year turned into many years,” he said. More than three decades later, he remains at UPEI, having earned tenure in 1995 and becoming a full-time professor in 2003.

What Professor Chris enjoys most about teaching is the interaction he has with students in person. “I really like to have active participation in the classroom. It’s not just me standing there lecturing,” he explained. He emphasized how challenging online teaching was during the COVID years, noting that face-to-face learning allows stronger connections and engagement. Attendance, he believes, is key. “I like to see everyone’s faces there all the time, because I think you’re short-changing yourself if you don’t.” To keep students engaged, Professor Chris incorporates lab components, group work, and student-driven presentations into his courses. One activity he highlighted is the use of curiosity projects, where students explore topics they are genuinely interested in. “If they’re looking at a topic that means more to them, they do a lot better when they present,” he said.

For first-year students just starting their university journey, Professor Chris offered practical advice. He stressed the importance of balance, consistent class attendance, and personal well-being. “Stay active. Eat well. Drink, stay hydrated,” he advised, reminding students that taking care of their health directly impacts academic success. Outside of the classroom, students might be surprised to learn that Professor Chris is a car enthusiast. “I am a car guy. I actually own a Porsche,” he shared, adding that many of the model cars in his office were gifts from students over the years.

Getting to know professors like Professor Chris reminds us that behind every lecture is a passion for learning, teaching, and connection.