Faculty Friday Series: Meet Patrick Taffin

In 2012 Patrick, who is fluent in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish, joined SHMS and has been passionate about helping students reach their potential ever since. He encourages them to manage their time carefully, budgeting not only enough time for their studies but also for relaxation, fun, friends and family. He says, "This balance is where I get my energy and maybe this approach can also inspire students."

Patrick acknowledges that teaching from home created some challenges but he adapted to it quickly with the help of his faithful canine companion. He says, "I think most of my students will know that my golden retriever is always next to me and he’s happy to have the chance to greet the students on Zoom. His name is Houston so I often say, Houston, we have a problem."

I think most of my students will know that my golden retriever is always next to me and he’s happy to have the chance to greet the students on Zoom. His name is Houston so I often say, Houston, we have a problem.

When Patrick was asked to reveal something that his students didn’t know about him, he said, "Interestingly, each member of my family was born on a different continent: Europe, South America, Oceania and Asia, a quirky result of my international career."