Date: Thursday, November 19, 2026, 2:00-3:00 pm (EST)
Title: Students Teaching Students: Graduate Teaching Assistant Reflections on Chemistry Education
Panelist Bios:
Panelist: Dina Dilinaer
Western University
Dina Dilinaer is a PhD candidate in Chemistry at Western University, where she conducts research in the Drover Group under the supervision of Dr. Marcus Drover. She completed her Honours BSc in Chemistry at the University of Windsor, where she performed undergraduate research in synthetic organic chemistry with Dr. John Trant. Her doctoral research focuses on organometallic chemistry, with an emphasis on first-row transition-metal catalysis, fluorine chemistry, and sustainable approaches to organic synthesis. Outside of research, she is passionate about science education, especially for organic chemistry.
Panelist: Tyler Hiltermann
University of Calgary
Tyler Hiltermann is a PhD candidate in Chemistry at the University of Calgary, he completed his BSc in Chemistry at the University of Calgary in 2023 and during this time sparked his interest in electrochemistry and organic battery research. His research focuses on the design of insoluble redox active organic molecules that aim to achieve high storage capacities to be integrated into green energy industries. He is a recipient of the University of Calgary’s teaching excellence award for teaching assistants. As a strong advocate for improving the teaching experience for undergraduate students he works to inspire students to find their interest in chemistry research by introducing them to various research opportunities. He highly values the small classroom experience that labs provide as a method for individual student focused learning experiences that can help each student find their appropriate academic or career path.
Panelist: Madeleine Larson
University of British Columbia
Madeleine Larson is a PhD student in organic chemistry at the University of British Columbia, where she conducts research in the Hein group. Outside of research, she is excited to contribute to science education through her role as a teaching assistant.
Panelist: Karolina Rabeda
University of Toronto
Karolina Rabeda is a PhD candidate in organic chemistry at the University of Toronto. Alongside her research, she is actively involved in chemistry education through teaching, mentorship, and curriculum development. Her contributions include supporting scientific communication as Lead Writing TA (2024–2026) and developing laboratory experiments and teaching materials that connect chemistry to pharmaceutical applications and green chemistry principles. Karolina is passionate about making chemistry engaging and relevant while helping students build confidence in their learning.
Panelist: Tyler Ziehl
Dalhousie University
Tyler is a PhD candidate (defending soon!) at Dalhousie University. He holds a BSc in chemistry from Mount Royal University in Calgary, AB. His research focused on the synthesis and characterization of noble metal-based nanomaterials. Tyler has taught first year chemistry and physical chemistry labs. He is also lecturing first year chemistry this semester. He has had a passion for teaching since he started tutoring math in Grade 12, and throughout his studies at university. He hopes to continue towards an academic position where he can help students not only in class, but within research as well.