John

Certified Tutor

I received my degree in Chemistry from the Queen's College, The University of Oxford, England. Oxford and Cambridge Universities are unique in that they give one on one college tutoring with world class specialists in organic, physical and inorganic chemistry and consequently as well as learning about the subject in great depth, you also learn to debate and discuss complex Chemistry in a formal but relaxed way. It requires a lot of hard work and effort, but the result is an excellent understanding of the subject. I then completed a Ph.D. at the University of Oxford under Dr. Jim Thomas who is now Professor of Chemistry at the University of Manchester, where I worked on natural product synthesis.

My professional career has been as a Medicinal Chemist in the pharmaceutical industry, where I have supervised many graduate chemists, whom I have encouraged and mentored. I love the subtle nuances of Organic Chemistry, and the beauty of chemical reactions, where small changes in solvents, or catalysts can lead to dramatic improvements in yields, and sometimes to completely different reaction pathways. You are always learning new things, and with practical work always have to watch and monitor your reaction. Chemistry encourages multi-layered thinking and always being open to new ideas. I encourage my students to be creative and to always be open to new ways of looking at things.

I am of a philosophical nature, and have a very broad general knowledge which includes, History, Geography, Art, Literature, Music and current affairs. In my spare time I manage a 1/2 acre formal English garden at my home in Newtown, and do wood carving in my workshop during the winter months. I am the Stewardship Chair at my local church, St. Luke's in Newtown, and also participate in colonial era re-enactment with The Washington Crossing Volunteers.

I enjoy teaching Chemistry, and try to impart a love of learning, particularly in thinking critically about things. My time in research has taught me the virtues of collaboration, but also in being strong about what you believe in.