Tyler received his bachelor's degree in German from Oakland University and his master's degree from Washington University.
His research focuses on testimony and witnessing in Holocaust film and literature. He is particularly interested in the testimonial act and the role of the interlocuter in autobiographical works and documentary film.
Tyler is a member of the Teaching Center's Graduate Student Advisory Council. In his free time he explores St. Louis, volunteers for voter registration initiatives, walks his dog, and experiments with new cooking and baking recipes.