CBC Teaching Assistant Spotlight: Sara Hashemi

"Hello, my name is Sara, and I am a second-year graduate student in the Yan Group. My research focuses on electrochemistry, with an emphasis on electrocatalysts for water-splitting reactions. For the past two years, I have taught General Chemistry laboratories (CHEM 151 and 152). 

I completed an undergrad in Medical Laboratory Sciences, studying toxicology, biochemistry and so on; however, upon beginning at the U of A I found a passion for electrochemistry and materials science.  

Now, I am genuinely happy to be teaching chemistry and helping my students understand the concepts behind the experiments they perform in the lab. It is especially rewarding to see them not only learn the material but also begin to enjoy chemistry in the process. My teaching responsibilities include grading and proctoring, and I am grateful for the opportunity to gain diverse teaching experiences while supporting students as much as I can. 

As Rumi beautifully says: “Where there is ruin, there is hope for a treasure.”