Debbie Munro has taught at UC for 7 years, establishing the minor in Biomedical Engineering. Her colleagues say that she makes teaching ‘alive and real’ for her students with enthusiasm and creativity and with her passion for experiential learning through hands-on labs, industry partnerships and collaborative design.
Debbie’s teaching blends real-world relevance with cultural responsiveness. Her classes allow students to design, build and test medical devices for industry clients and explore bioethics through Māori and Pacific lenses. One example is her establishment of the Med Device Cup where students work in teams to address an authentic brief from a client, to then develop and build a functioning prototype. She also founded the UC BIOMED Club for students, takes part in outreach initiatives to inspire Māori and Pacific students into STEM and helped found WiECAN, welcoming 60 young women annually for hands on engineering exposure. Her teaching transforms students into globally minded, compassionate engineers.
In 2019 Debbie launched the Tonga Biomedical Engineering Outreach Programme to provide training, share expertise and help local technicians repair donated medical equipment. After six weeks of preparation at UC, students spend four weeks collaborating with local technicians in Tongan hospitals.
She is currently developing a transfer pathway for Tonga National University students to complete a BE(Hons) with a minor in Biomedical Engineering at UC. She mentors students into research, postgraduate study, and careers, while fostering inclusive communities like the UC BIOMED Club. Her leadership extends internationally, from curriculum development to global equity initiatives.
Debbie doesn’t just teach - she inspires, making her a truly deserving recipient of the UC Teaching Excellence Award.
