Research scientist connecting STEM with real-world innovation

Priya K.

I hold a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from IIT Bombay, one of India’s premier institutes, and have over seven years of experience as a corporate research scientist working in innovative technology and product development. For the past six years, I’ve been tutoring middle and high school students in both group and one-on-one settings, across online and in-person formats. My approach is rooted in making STEM subjects—especially math and science—meaningful, engaging, and connected to real life.

Rather than focusing solely on grades, I help students understand concepts deeply by showing how they apply in the world around them. Research shows that students forget over 85% of what they learn within 24 hours if they can’t connect it to real-life experiences. That’s why I design my lessons to be curiosity-driven and practical, drawing from my background in scientific research and innovation. I use interactive tools and hands-on thinking exercises, especially in online settings, to keep students engaged and help them process and retain information more effectively.

I’ve worked with students across a wide age range—from middle schoolers just beginning to explore abstract concepts to high schoolers preparing for college-level STEM. I also volunteer regularly at my local library, where I host STEM sessions that encourage students to build simple, frugal product ideas using everyday materials. These sessions are fun, thought-provoking, and grounded in scientific thinking. My students often describe my classes as refreshing and meaningful—a space where they find clarity and perspective amid the overwhelming information they encounter in school.