Beyond the Contract: Recognizing, Supporting, and Learning from Chemistry Educators in Non‑Ongoing Roles

Date: April 22, 2026 12:30 pm (ET)

Speaker(s)

  • Albert Adserias-Rodriguez
    Thompson Rivers University
  • Summer Li
    University of British Columbia, Okanagan
  • Kanwal Tanwir
    University of Western Ontario

Seminar Date: Wednesday, April 22, 12:30-1:45pm EDT

Title: Beyond the Contract: Recognizing, Supporting, and Learning from Chemistry Educators in Non‑Ongoing Roles

Abstract:

Contract academic staff play an essential role in chemistry education across Canada, contributing extensively to teaching innovation, curriculum development, mentorship, and scholarly activity. Despite their centrality to undergraduate education, the professional labour and lived experiences of educators working in sessional, limited‑term, and other non‑ongoing roles remain under‑recognized within institutional and disciplinary conversations. This national panel, hosted by the Canadian Society for Chemistry’s Chemistry Education Division, centers the voices and expertise of contract‑based chemistry educators from across Canada. Panelists will share insights into their professional trajectories, the invisible labour embedded in their roles, and the impacts of current budgetary pressures and enrollment policy changes on precarious academic work. The discussion will also explore diverse career aspirations, strategies for sustaining professional growth, and concrete forms of allyship and structural change that can better support colleagues in non‑permanent roles. Together, this panel aims to foster a more inclusive, informed, and action‑oriented dialogue about valuing and supporting contract academic work in chemistry education.

Speakers for Beyond the Contract:

Dr. Albert Adserias-Rodriguez

Thompson Rivers University

Bio: Dr. Albert G. Adserias-Rodriguez is a chemistry educator and sessional faculty member at Thompson Rivers University, with a strong background in undergraduate laboratory instruction and growing experience in lecture-based teaching across sessional and limited-term roles. His work focuses on supporting student confidence in high-anxiety learning environments, fostering laboratory independence, and connecting chemical concepts to real-world and day-to-day contexts. Albert is particularly committed to promoting strong laboratory practices and safety, mentoring students navigating academic uncertainty, and highlighting the pedagogical and relational contributions of contract educators within chemistry education.

Dr. Summer Li

University of British Columbia (UBCO)

Bio: Dr. Summer Li is a lecturer in chemistry at University of British Columbia (UBCO) who teaches both first-year general chemistry and fourth-year biochemistry.  She has worked as a contract faculty in three institutions including Thompson Rivers University, Okanagan College and now at UBCO. She is committed to a student-centered teaching philosophy that emphasizes metacognition and reflective practice, empowering students to become independent, self-directed learners. Her teaching integrates innovative, evidence-based approaches—including active learning, game-based learning, lightning-round presentations, and video-based assignments—to create an engaging and inclusive classroom environment. Through these practices, she promotes deep conceptual understanding, critical thinking, and meaningful student participation.

Dr. Kanwal Tanwir

University of Western Ontario

Bio: Kanwal holds a BSc (Honours) in Biochemistry and a PhD in Biomaterials and Nano-chemistry from York University, building a strong interdisciplinary foundation across chemistry, biology, and materials science. She has taught at York University, Lakehead University, and Fanshawe College, delivering courses from introductory to advanced levels, and currently serves as a Limited Duty Assistant Professor at the University of Western Ontario. A passionate and dedicated educator, Kanwal creates engaging, student-centered learning environments that go beyond traditional lectures. She emphasizes interactive and experiential learning, encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and meaningful connections between theory and real-world applications. Her teaching approach is strengthened by ongoing professional development in postsecondary education. Outside the classroom, Kanwal values balance and connection, finding joy in spending quality time with friends and family. This sense of fulfillment and compassion carries into her teaching, shaping a supportive and inspiring environment where students feel encouraged to learn and grow.

Register for the Chemistry Education Virtual Seminar

We look forward to seeing you on Apr. 22 at 12:30 PM ET.