Chemical Educator and Salsa Dancer

Alexandra Yeung MRACI

Why Chemistry?

Although I am still learning about the new and exciting things in the world of chemistry myself, it is a subject that I like teaching to others. Seeing the light in students’ eyes as they understand a concept is the greatest reward in teaching.

That might explain why I ended up in the chemistry education field and researching how to teach chemistry more effectively. If we can share our knowledge of chemistry and excite students about chemistry in the world around them, we may be able to tempt more students into doing chemistry in the future.

My defining moment came after spending much time and effort developing an online module for my research, seeing my module made available for students to use, after doing the research. I can then see that what I do does make a difference in helping students learn more effectively and that it is possible for the findings from my research to be put into practice almost immediately. That is a great feeling!

Mentors

Siegbert Schmid; My Honours and PhD supervisor Siggi is a fantastic supervisor and has provided me with invaluable advice and assistance throughout my studies in chemistry. His enthusiasm and confidence in my abilities have been overwhelming. It has been a privilege to have Siggi accompany me on my research path.

Adrian George and Michael King, PhD associate supervisors; I have been extraordinarily fortunate to have two wonderful associate supervisors to advice me. Adrian, an organic chemist with the heart of an educator, has given me tremendous support and encouragement. Mike, a chemist who became a science educator, has a wealth of knowledge in the education field to help with the theoretical grounding of my research findings.

Chemical Educator and
Salsa Dancer

Seeing the light in students’ eyes as they understand a concept
is the greatest reward in teaching

Salsa Dancing

This photo was taken at the Sydney Salsa Congress in 2008, about a year after I started learning salsa dancing. Salsa was something that I didn’t think I could do. However, with an interest in it and a drive to do well, I have come to really enjoy salsa. I’ve loved it so much that I continued learning and ended up representing my salsa school at the congress and Jazz in the Domain that year.

Salsa is a great way to meet new people and hang out with friends. I have found my experience with chemistry much like my experience with learning salsa. I started off being an average chemistry student with an interest in the subject. It wasn’t until second year uni when I met my chemistry friends and started learning more about chemistry that I found my passion for it. So, here I am now, doing my PhD in Chemistry Education. I still enjoy chemistry, learning new things and meeting great people.