Marina Baltikian

Ms. Marina Baltikian is the Department Head of Sciences at the Canadian International School of Hefei. She hails from Beirut, Lebanon. She has over 10 years work experience as Head of Biology & Biology instructor for International Baccalaureate (IBDP) and High School Program.

She received her Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Medical Laboratory Science from Haigazian University (HU) in 2000. As she started working, her passion for knowledge and learning drove her to complete two post-graduate degrees at the American University of Science & Technology, and completed her Specialties in Molecular Biology (2005) and Applied toxicology (2007). Later, she pursued graduate studies; Masters (M.Sc.) in Biology, at the American University of Beirut (AUB), which she completed in 2010. While studying, she taught biology laboratory courses at both universities. 

She started her international school teaching experience in 2010, and in 2015, she was awarded The Albert Abela "Distinguished Teacher Award". Seeing a handful of students struggling with the material gave her the momentum to complete a Teaching Diploma (2017) at HU, which helped her expand her teaching and learning practices and strategies along with technology integration. 

Ms. Marina recently (2021) graduated with a Masters of Arts (M.A.) in Education (emphasis STEM; Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics) from the Lebanese American University (LAU). This helped her revisit her educational philosophy, and refine and implement a suite of more effective, research-based teaching strategies into her teaching practice. Currently, she is conducting research to complete her Ph.D. dissertation in Educational Science. 

Ms. Marina is looking forward to supporting the Science Department team to deliver the rigorous science curriculum in the classroom. She desires to see CISH students become empowered with scientific literacy. She is enthusiastic to have a fruitful year ahead at CISH through collaborating with students, parents, faculty and staff.

Outside work Ms. Marina loves to travel, to learn about and explore different cultures.