Charles

Certified Tutor

I'm a graduate of Brock University, where I received a B.Sc. in Biochemistry with a co-op option in 2017. Now, I'm working on a Ph.D. in Gene Biotechnology, and I hope to graduate by Spring next year (2023). Being dyslexic, I understand the difficulties of schooling all too well. While working on my first degree, I now understand I was capable of learning, but how I was previously taught wasn't the best for me. I now know I learn best through images, practical examples, and thought experiments. So, I strive to help struggling students by providing material in many different ways, from philosophical to real-world examples. I believe subjects can be learned or expanded upon with a safe learning environment, willingness to learn and sufficient time and support. For the last 5-years, I've had the privilege of teaching students one-on-one about lab operations and the basics of Biochemistry/Biotechnology. During their labs, I would question students' understanding of the material and the importance of the lab. If there were common misunderstandings, I would pause the lab and host a mini-lecture on the subject so everyone could start with the same foundational knowledge. There was no one-size-fits-all when teaching. If students were having difficulty understanding my questions or the lab/lecture material, I would rephrase the question or provide the information through a different medium or perspective to help them grasp and conceptualize it. The material I would teach to students or colleagues would range from Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Chemistry. Understanding why a gene causes a phenotype, why a chemical causes a biological function, and how DNA/RNA/proteins drive these functions and effects is like working on a puzzle without an image to follow; the puzzle is more challenging to solve but infinitely more rewarding when completed. This mentality transfers to my interests/hobbies outside of school. Even though I have stopped doing more physical activities due to a physical disability, I still love cooking/baking, watching horror movies, gardening, woodworking/repairs, fermenting foods (sourdough, sauerkraut, beets, kombucha, ginger beer, etc.), playing games, and performing electronic repair. In essence, I love working with my hands, fixing problems, and producing products.