PhD Chemist with extensive experience with ages 2-22

Melissa B.

My name is Dr. Melissa B, and I am a science educator with extensive experience teaching and tutoring students from elementary school through college. I hold a Ph.D. in Chemistry and have taught eighth-grade science, honors chemistry, environmental science, physics, and integrated STEM courses. My background also includes work in science enrichment and summer programs for elementary-aged students, where I helped young learners build curiosity, confidence, and a strong foundation in scientific thinking. Across all age groups, I strive to make science engaging, approachable, and connected to real-world exploration.

My tutoring approach is warm, flexible, and grounded in Universal Design for Learning (UDL). I design lessons that support diverse learners from the start, using visuals, step-by-step explanations, structured notes, graphic organizers, and hands-on examples to make complex ideas clear. I have significant experience supporting students with ADHD and executive functioning challenges, and I regularly incorporate strategies such as task breakdowns, organization tools, planning routines, and metacognitive coaching. These tools help students stay focused, manage their workload, and develop independence as learners.

In my classroom teaching, I prioritize collaboration, inclusivity, and student-led inquiry. I have designed semester-long research experiences modeled after the STEM Ph.D. process, giving high schoolers the opportunity to conduct authentic investigations and communicate their findings. I bring the same mindset to tutoring, meeting each student where they are, identifying gaps or misconceptions, and guiding them toward deeper understanding through supportive, confidence-building instruction.

Whether your goal is to strengthen foundational science skills, prepare for advanced coursework, or build long-term academic confidence, I look forward to helping you or your child succeed.