Caltech postdoctoral researcher for chemistry tutoring

Maryann M.

I earned my PhD in Chemistry with a focus in biochemistry and spectroscopy. I am currently a postdoctoral researcher at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), where I study disordered proteins and chemical mechanisms using biochemical and spectroscopic techniques. My academic training includes general chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and biochemistry.
Teaching has been a central part of my academic career. During graduate school and my postdoctoral work I have taught and mentored students in both group and one-on-one settings. I have helped students with general chemistry concepts, homework, lab preparation, and exam review.
My teaching approach focuses on understanding rather than memorization. Many students struggle because chemistry is presented as a list of rules. I help students learn why reactions happen and how concepts connect. Once students understand the logic, their confidence and performance improve quickly.
I also emphasize problem-solving skills. During sessions I model how to approach a problem step-by-step and then have students explain the reasoning back to me so they can solve new problems independently.
I regularly train and mentor students in a research laboratory environment and have extensive experience explaining complex concepts to first-time chemistry learners. I am comfortable tutoring high school chemistry (including Honors/AP), college General Chemistry, and pre-medical students. My goal is not only to improve grades but to reduce anxiety and give students a clear, repeatable way to approach chemistry problems.