Professor Franco Taverna received his PhD from the Faculty of Pharmacy in 1995 and his BSc in Human Biology in 1990 from the University of Toronto. He is a neuroscientist by training having studied the genetic and network mechanisms of learning and memory, navigation and cognition prior to turning to teaching in the Human Biology Program in 2008.

Professor Taverna is widely recognized as a leader in experiential learning and online teaching. He was an early adopter of online teaching and learning technologies such as large-scale webinar software to deliver synchronous online courses. He also developed teaching and learning innovations such as student engagement for synchronous environments and large classroom group work. In recognition of his leadership in online learning, Professor Taverna was an inaugural Fellow of the Faculty of Arts & Science Online Learning Academy.

Professor Taverna has designed popular experiential learning courses that help students connect their classroom learning to the lived experience of community members. Students in his Health in Community course become immersed within communities and collaborate with community organizations, such as Access Alliance, Down Syndrome Association of Toronto, and The Alzheimer Society of Toronto to meet community informed needs that support health and well-being. He also developed an international course module excursion to The Netherlands for students to visit and learn about innovative long-term care models such as The Hogeweyk, the internationally acclaimed “Dementia Village”. He is currently the Faculty of Arts & Science’s Special Advisor to the Dean for Experiential Learning and has served as a Faculty Advisor for the University’s Centre for Community Partnerships.

Professor Taverna’s commitment to community and the student experience extends beyond the classroom. In 2021, he co-founded CompanionLink (www.CompanionLink.org), a charity dedicated to reducing social isolation in seniors by fostering intergenerational friendships. CompanionLink was inspired by the work of students in his HMB440 Dementia course, who established the Student Association for Geriatric Empowerment. Together, these initiatives aim to build valuable opportunities for students and raise awareness of the correlation between social connection and health in an aging Canada. In addition, Professor Taverna is the co-founder of The Centre for Accessible Sport and Play (www.sportandplay.ca), a not for profit dedicated to mobilizing students and the community to support the participation of children with disabilities in high quality sport and recreation programming. Through his teaching and these organizations, Professor Taverna has provided a conduit for the university to make a difference in the community, while providing authentic learning opportunities and unique perspectives for our future community and healthcare leaders.