Experience Summary
Over the last six years of my education I have specialized in understanding organic chemistry. I taught Organic Chemistry at the University of Illinois, with excellent student reviews, for two years in lab sections for both chemistry majors and non-majors. I have over 4 years of research in synthetic organic chemistry targeting natural product synthesis as well as new reaction development. Combining my research and academic background in chemistry I have gone a step further and obtained a masters degree in the teaching of chemistry. This makes me uniquely positioned to teach not just book smarts but follow them up with practical lab skills.
Teaching Style
My teaching revolves around three traits. The first is that teaching be grounded in knowledge. I have gained an understanding of organic chemistry from my graduate research, class work, and my undergraduate experience. My studies in education enable me to incorporate new instructional methodology and avoid common pitfalls. The second trait is the relationship between instructor and student. Incorporating humor and a very “free thinking” attitude, I gain the students trust. This creates an atmosphere that favors experimentation and critical questioning without severe repercussions for failure. Lastly, clear presentation and organization of the material facilitates an unambiguous conceptualization process for the students.