I received my Bachelor's degree in specialized chemistry at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. While earning my degree, I worked for an environmental chemistry class and a computer science class as a teacher's assistant, helping students with any questions related to the classes. I also performed analytical electrochemical research on neurotransmitter detection, which led to two publications.

After graduating, I moved to Japan to teach English at several municipal schools of Kyoto City. My students ranged from first graders all the way to high school seniors. I was able to experience life in Japan while vastly improving my Japanese.

As a teacher, I am a firm believer of hands on learning and asking countless questions. It is not my job to give students answers, but to guide them through each problem, giving them a stronger understanding of core principles and concepts. Of course, everyone learns at their own pace, and I will gladly slow down and simplify any explanations if needed.

My drive in teaching comes from my enjoyment in using my knowledge and experience to help students understand new, difficult material. I also love leading them to those satisfying moments of realization when everything clicks, and showing students the usefulness of subjects outside of the classroom, like the chemistry of cooking!

In my free time, I enjoy cooking, the guitar, video games and quality time with my friends and family.