When Catlin Schalk found herself solving chemistry problems from an old textbook during her first job out of college, she knew that she was meant to return to school to teach.
Schalk, a new assistant teaching professor, teaches general chemistry labs to students in the College of Science and Engineering.
Schalk earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Grand Valley State University in 2015, but graduated uncertain of her future career path. After a year as a quality assurance technician, she began applying for doctoral programs.
“I had quite a bit of experience in undergrad tutoring and helping out with other undergrads in chemistry,” Schalk said. “I really loved it, so I kind of knew that I wanted to go into teaching. I realized I needed a graduate degree for that.”
Schalk completed her doctorate in chemistry at the University of Notre Dame in 2021, captivated by its sense of collaboration and inclusion.
“When I came to visit Notre Dame after getting my Ph.D. offer letter, I just really felt this amazing sense of community, like I could fit in and belong here,” Schalk explained.
While obtaining her doctorate, Schalk worked in Professor S. Alex Kandel’s lab, constructing scanning tunneling microscopes to analyze gas-surface interactions and chemical reactions. Schalk notes that her favorite part about graduate school, however, was being a teaching assistant.
“I really just got addicted to the ‘aha moment’ that I helped the students see,” Schalk said.
From there, Schalk spent five years in Portland, Oregon, working as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Lewis & Clark College. She attributes her time there to building her confidence as an instructor and leader in the classroom. Notre Dame, though, was never far from her mind.
“I saw the Notre Dame job opportunity come up and thought, ‘Wouldn’t that be a dream to go back and work at Notre Dame and teach Notre Dame students?’” Schalk remarked.
As an early-career professor and recent Notre Dame graduate, Schalk sees herself as a liaison between the graduate students and the teaching faculty. She is working to foster deeper collaboration between these two groups.
“I can really relate to the graduate students in the chemistry department, many of whom are TAs for the course I’m teaching,” Schalk said.
When she isn’t teaching, Schalk enjoys a variety of hobbies, including yoga, reading, crafting, and baking. She especially likes trying new recipes using seasonal ingredients. Schalk plays in a recreational ice hockey league once a week and is excited to watch the Notre Dame Hockey team play this winter. She also cares for her 11-year-old pet rabbit.