UCSD Chemistry Lecturer | Organic & General Chemistry + MCAT Prep

Pat H.

Hello, and thank you for visiting my profile! I have over 20 years of experience tutoring and mentoring students in chemistry, helping learners turn “I don’t get it” into “Ah, I see now!” I work primarily with college-level students, including organic and general chemistry. I also provide support for standardized exams including the MCAT, DAT, and USMLE chemistry foundations. My tutoring approach is highly personalized and student-centered. I focus on breaking down tricky concepts, building step-by-step problem-solving strategies, and making chemistry understandable, engaging, and even a little fun, while helping students build confidence.

I am currently a lecturer at UC San Diego (UCSD), teaching both general chemistry and organic chemistry, and I hold a PhD in chemistry from UCSD. During my doctoral studies, I maintained a 3.97 GPA with straight A performance in graduate coursework. My academic training includes extensive coursework in general, organic, inorganic, physical, analytical, and biochemistry, as well as advanced topics such as mechanisms, medicinal chemistry of modern antibiotics, synthesis of complex molecules, synthetic methods, structure and properties, natural products chemistry, and organometallic chemistry , in addition to laboratory training across multiple subfields.

My experience teaching at the university level has strengthened my ability to explain complex topics—such as reaction mechanisms, thermodynamics, and kinetics—in ways that are accessible and intuitive. I strive to create a supportive and engaging environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, exploring ideas, and discovering the excitement behind chemistry, while equipping them with the skills and confidence to succeed independently.