While this is his first year working full-time at PUC, Christian von Pohle has been known around campus in other positions. He was an adjunct faculty member in the psychology and social work department, a student worker in the academic administration office, and a TA in the psychology and biology department. He was also an acting tutor in the Student Success Center, and his first ever job at PUC was as a lab instructor for anatomy when he was a junior at PUC Prep. 

With PUC being his home since he moved to Angwin at age six, he appreciated the beautiful campus and town. “At PUC, the professors, staff, and students are always so friendly, and the sense of community is like no other,” said Christian. After living in China for two years, he had his fix of city life and wanted to return to PUC– his perfect atmosphere. 

 What do you appreciate the most about your department? 

I really like the sense of camaraderie and the level of enthusiasm within the psychology and social work department. All the professors and many of the students are very personable. This would seem to make sense that those of us in psychology and social work generally have high levels of empathy, are usually non-judgmental, and are often good at building trust.  

What do you want people to know about your department? 

I would highly recommend any student, regardless of major, take a behavioral science course at PUC. You might argue that I’m biased, but I would contend that most majors could benefit from learning more about the mind and behavior.  

Do you have a morning or afternoon routine preparing for your classes? 

I don’t have a routine per se, but I spend a lot of time planning and revising my courses. I try to include a variety of teaching methods in my lessons. This might include a cooperative learning activity in General Psychology, an inquiry-based learning approach in Research Design, or a flipped classroom presentation in Psychology of Personality. I try to include as many fun and engaging activities as possible. 

What is your favorite thing about being a part of the Pioneers community? 

I really value the relationships that I have at PUC. As a student, I made an effort to get to know my professors in and outside the classroom. This often included meeting with them during office hours, serving as a TA in their classes, working alongside them on a research project, or stopping to chat with them in the cafeteria and elsewhere on campus. I feel so lucky to work alongside many professors I admired so much as a PUC student.  

 Do you have a favorite place to eat in the Napa Valley?

I find myself visiting Pizzeria Tra Vigne regularly. It seems to be one of the places the locals hang out at a lot and more affordable places in the Napa Valley. 

Where is your dream vacation? 

I do consider myself an avid traveler. I’ve traveled to 26 countries and visited over 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Just this past summer, I spent four weeks traveling all around Cuba. 

My dream vacation would most likely include visiting one of the countries I haven’t been to yet. My top five are probably Croatia, Jordan, India, Peru, and Japan. 

What would students be surprised to find out about you? 

I did mention that I lived in China for two years. While living in China, I taught chemistry and psychology to English-speaking Chinese students. And no, I did not learn any Mandarin. While I miss the amazing public transportation and affordable living, I’m happy to be back near family and friends. 

I’d definitely recommend living abroad. I grew more during the two years living in China than in the previous 10 living in the United States.  

Finish this sentence: On Sunday mornings you can find me… 

Finishing all my work so that I can turn on the TV and watch the San Francisco 49ers take the field.