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Jon Totten’s Unexpected Journey to Teaching Excellence

Posted by Engineering Communications on October 31, 2024 in News
Jon Totten from Dalhousie Engineering's Department of Process Engineering and Applied Science has been awarded this year's Sexton Awards for Teaching Excellence
Jon Totten from Dalhousie Engineering's Department of Process Engineering and Applied Science has been awarded this year's Sexton Awards for Teaching Excellence

For Jon Totten from Dalhousie’s Department of Process and Applied Science Engineering, teaching isn’t just a profession, it’s a passion he discovered unexpectedly. 
 
“When I started grad school, I didn’t intend on teaching,” he recalls. “However, during my master’s and PhD, I did a lot of TA work in various core chemical engineering courses, and it kind of led to some teaching opportunities in the department.” 

In fact, engineering itself wasn’t originally on his radar. When he began his undergraduate degree at Dalhousie University, he was initially enrolled in a psychology program. However, a Myers-Briggs personality test opened his eyes to new possibilities, setting him on a path toward engineering. 

That path has not only shaped his career but has also profoundly impacted many Dalhousie Chemical engineering students.  

Now an instructor at Dal Engineering, Totten is being honoured at the 2024 recipient of the Sexton Award for Teaching Excellence, an award that celebrates educators who elevate teaching and learning in the Faculty of Engineering through dedication and innovation. 

The key to his success?  Totten says it’s his ability to connect with students, a skill he attributes to his own academic journey. 

From student to mentor 
 

Having once been a student at Dalhousie himself, he says he understands the challenge of the engineering program and uses his past experiences to guide and support others. 

“I had to work hard to be a really good student, and I wasn’t always a good student, especially in my psychology degree,” he admits. “So I know the experiences that students are going through…and they really relate to that.  
 
“As a student I also found the material challenging, so when students come to me, and say ‘I’m struggling in this course’ I’ve been through this program as well.” 
 
Beyond his approachable style and open-door policy, Totten uses interactive, hands-on teaching techniques to engage students in the classroom. He incorporates advanced engineering software like COMSOL and Aspen HYSYS to help them grasp complex concepts, alongside practical in-class assignments that offer immediate feedback. However, the feedback that has most influenced his teaching style comes from his students; regularly seeking their input to better support their learning needs. 
 
“Overall, I believe that my approach has fostered a more dynamic and effective learning environment for my students,” he says. 
 
Currently a PhD student, Totten is still in the process of completing his own academic studies.

“When I finish my studies, I plan to focus strictly on the teaching side,” he says. “I think that’s where my passion lies, enriching the lives of students.” 
 
He also has an important piece of advice for students: “You don’t always have to be an A student and stress out about your grades,” he admits. “Diversity yourself. Whether it’s volunteering or just maintaining a healthy work like balance. Many of the students I’ve seen with C averages and B averages are thriving in life. The first thing is to protect your mental health. If it’s stressing you out to get those A’s, your mental health should always come first.”