Harvard and Berkeley trained PhD chemist

Matthew C.

I hold a PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, and a dual AB/AM degree in Chemistry from Harvard College, where I graduated summa cum laude. My academic training spans rigorous coursework in chemistry, mathematics, and problem-solving at the highest undergraduate and graduate levels, followed by extensive research and teaching responsibilities in a top-tier university environment. This background gives me deep content mastery as well as a strong understanding of how students learn complex material and where they most commonly struggle.

My tutoring and teaching experience extends over eight years and across multiple educational contexts. For four years, I was employed by HSA Tutors, a Harvard-affiliated undergraduate tutoring company, where I provided one-on-one SAT preparation to high school students. In that role, I worked closely with students typically ranging from early to late high school, tailoring instruction to individual learning styles, diagnosing weaknesses, and building structured plans to improve performance in math, reading, and test strategy. Subsequently, I spent four years as a graduate student instructor at UC Berkeley, teaching undergraduate chemistry courses in a formal classroom and discussion-section setting. My responsibilities included leading sections, explaining foundational and advanced concepts, writing and grading assessments, and mentoring students academically. I was recognized with an Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor Award, reflecting both teaching effectiveness and student impact.