Chantal Hoppe template

What are you doing differently in your field that you believe is driving real change?

I’m diving headfirst into trying new things in the classroom - intentionally doing things differently. In a higher education environment shaped by constant pressures eg funding, administration workload, staffing constraints, and increasing student numbers, there’s rarely a perfect time to innovate. But I’ve found that making bold, thoughtful changes within these constraints is not only possible, it’s having an impact, and it's fun!

Every decision I make has to take those realities into account, but I’m also committed to keeping things future-focused and student-centred. If there’s no real-world application, then what’s the point?

That mindset has led me to explore new areas like planetary health advocacy and the inclusion of generative AI in teaching and learning. I’m learning alongside my students, creating spaces where we explore, question, and co-create knowledge in ways that feel relevant and exciting. It’s not just about delivering content differently - it’s about reshaping the learning experience to meet the moment we’re in.

How do you help students build confidence, not just knowledge?

I build student confidence by creating, where possible, a low-pressure learning environment where they can focus on developing key skills without fear of failure. When it comes to higher-stakes assessments like oral exams, I support them by embedding regular, structured practice throughout the semester. This includes multiple opportunities to rehearse and simulate the real assessment, so by the time they reach the final task, they feel prepared, capable, and confident.

What do you hope your students take away from their time with you? Is there a student moment you’ll never forget, and why?

Oooh that's a hard one, I'll need more time to think about that one.

What do you hope your students remember about you 10 years from now? What mindset do you want your students to carry into their careers?

I hope students remember me as someone kind and thoughtful -someone who genuinely cared about their students learning experience and encouraged them to see things from a new perspective. More than anything, I want them to leave with a sense of empowerment: to believe they have the ability to shape the world around them, and that now is their time to step up and make a difference.

What legacy or ripple effect do you hope to leave behind?

The legacy I hope to leave behind is the belief that people truly matter. That connections, communication, respect, inclusion, and leadership are vital, not just buzzwords, but foundational principles that shape how we work and learn together.

Success, whether in teaching, research, or any endeavour comes from nurturing your team and collaborating meaningfully with both staff and students.

I want to leave the lasting impression that nothing great is achieved alone. Success, whether in teaching, research, or any endeavour comes from nurturing your team and collaborating meaningfully with both staff and students. By fostering these relationships and creating inclusive, supportive environments, we can have impact extending beyond our immediate work.

What’s something about Monash that would surprise people in a good way?

Monash really is a truly innovative university. The way we approach teaching is distinct from other universities - we’re constantly evolving, driven by research-informed decisions that help us improve and adapt to meet the needs of today’s students while preparing them for the future. It’s this forward-thinking, dynamic environment that makes me feel very lucky to be working here.

What’s the biggest myth about university education you wish more people would rethink?

One of the biggest myths I wish more people would rethink is that learning ends with school, or that students can simply teach themselves once they reach university. In reality, university plays a vital role far beyond just delivering content.

University is about much more than content, it’s about preparing students to become responsible, ethical, and inclusive professionals. We encourage them to think critically about the information they receive and to use it for the greatest impact. We also help them develop key skills like collaboration, effective communication, and following through on commitments. At the heart of it all is professional behaviour, which we model and intentionally cultivate, regardless of the degree they’re studying.

We don’t just teach knowledge. We teach skills and prepare students to apply those skills with integrity, purpose, and meaningful impact.

What would surprise your younger self most about what you do now?

In my role as an educator, the number of transferable skills needed goes far beyond content knowledge. It’s about leadership, project management, communication, professionalism, and the ability to collaborate effectively with other staff, to name a few, all essential to guiding and supporting students successfully.

What motivates you to continue pushing boundaries in your work?

My awesome team. We get excited over stuff and want to see it happen! In spite of the pressures we face in the day to day.

Was there a turning point that brought you to becoming an educator, or did you always know you'd end up here?

I’ve always had a love for teaching, it’s something that took root in me as a child. When I moved into research, I hadn’t planned on teaching, but when the opportunity came up, it reminded me how much I truly enjoy it. Teaching feels deeply rewarding to me because it’s a chance to connect with people and help them grow.