Please join us in welcoming Nataliya Markina (she/her) to Schmid College of Science and Technology. Markina will serve as an Instructional Assistant Professor of Chemistry.

Dr. Nataliya Markina is joining Chapman University as an Instructional Assistant Professor of Chemistry. She is passionate about incorporating active learning techniques in Organic Chemistry lectures and laboratories. Previously, she taught and coordinated Organic Chemistry courses at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Dr. Markina is a synthetic organic chemist, with her research focused on developing aryne-mediated methodologies for the synthesis of small heterocyclic molecules.

Q&A with Nataliya Markina, Instructional Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Q: What role were you in before this one? 

A: I’m coming from University of Houston-Clear Lake where I taught General and Organic Chemistry courses for the last five years as a Lecturer of Chemistry.

Q: What’s the best advice you’ve received in your science career?

A: “Take it one step at a time.” During my student years, my mentors often reminded me to slow down and patiently pursue my goals when things were not going as planned. They advised breaking down tasks into smaller segments, finding alternative solutions, and being patient. Years of research in organic synthesis helped embrace this advice and taught me the importance of patience. Now, as I teach students Organic Chemistry, I often remind them to slow down and take it one step at a time.

Q: What are you most looking forward to this semester?

A: I’m very excited to learn more about Chapman University culture and traditions as I start meeting students and other faculty on campus and making new friends. I’m looking forward to being back in the lab and working together with students – that is by far my favorite part of being a professor.

Q: Schmid College believes that the best science happens when diverse individuals are supported, included and empowered to share their voices as a part of scientific discovery. What do diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you?

A: As a woman, I feel blessed to live in a time when I can use my talents not only at home, but also in the lab, showing the younger generation that chemistry is beautiful and that making molecules can be just as enjoyable as baking cakes in the kitchen. To me, diversity and inclusion mean bringing out the best in each individual person, regardless of their background, gender, skin color, language, level of education, etc. Your past does not have to define your future if you are committed to making this world a better place.