Don Galbadage

Don Galbadage’s teaching focuses on the disciplines of public health, medical sciences and applied health sciences. His areas of expertises are in epidemiology, biostatistics, disease control, preventative medicine, human physiology, microbiology, molecular biology and wellness promotion. Galbadage’s goal in teaching is that at the end of a course, students will be able to accomplish five broad objectives: 1) Define important concepts pertinent to the discipline, 2) identify the creative work of God in science and health, 3) solve theoretical problem using definitions they learned, 4) critique the strengths and weaknesses of various methodologies used and 5) combine these methodologies to address any research hypothesis.

To accomplish his teaching goals and enhance students’ learning experience, Galbadage uses several different strategies. His teaching strategies promote a student-centered learning environment based on four learning principles: core-competencies, personalization, student-ownership and versatility. Galbadage encourages active student learning by giving his students ownership of their learning experience. This increases student engagement and helps foster a successful education. Education attained through meaningful learning is an invaluable foundation needed for students to build better lives and better careers. His mission as a teacher is to guide students through the process of meaningful learning and empower them to be independent lifelong learners.

The goal of Galbadage’s research is to help reduce the global burden of multidrug-resistant infections through innovative techniques, evidence-based patient education on antibiotic stewardship, and exploring infectious disease-specific health determinants. His research aims to further our current understanding of antibiotic resistance, develop effective alternative antimicrobials, and be good stewards of the currently available antibiotics through patient-centered education.

Outstanding professors are not only effective teachers and researchers but also excellent mentors. Inspired by many exceptional professors Galbadage has benefited from, he makes himself available as a mentor for any students who want to discuss their research, career plans, educational goals, or professional applications. His goal in mentoring students is to invest in their lives, be an example of Christ-centered living, and see them succeed in life.