Melissa

My name is Mel, and I am a naturalist currently starting my freelance illustration and nature education social enterprise, Hey Nature. I am a Biochemist by training, I have a first-class Master's degree in Chemistry from the University of York (MChem) and a Master's by research in Biochemistry of Natural Products from the John Innes Centre/University of East Anglia. I am fluent in Spanish (AS Level: A, and experience from living abroad in South America).

I'm interested in natural sciences and ecology and love to share this interest with others. I am friendly and curious and believe whole-heartedly in the importance of a good quality education.

Tutoring Experience

I have experience as a Chemistry tutor for AS-Level students whilst at college, and as a wellbeing mentor at university. I have experience volunteering with the SAW (science, art and writing) trust workshops in primary schools, with science communication activities such as the Norwich Science Festival. I have voluntary experience with outdoor/environmental teaching with Valley Camp, an environmental education NGO in Peru, and Formigas-de-Embauba, Brazil.

I also have a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Level 3 qualification and some experience teaching English to Spanish-speaking students in Latin America and online so I can apply this experience in my Spanish sessions.

I do not yet have experience tutoring with First Tutors but am very much looking forward to meeting my first student!

Tutoring Approach

I approach everything I do with a friendly, positive attitude and an open mind. I have an excellent scientific understanding but also a creative mindset so am able to adapt lessons to the needs of the student.

I am highly organised, an excellent communicator and able to summarise key points and knowledge into an easily digestible format. I always communicate concepts enthusiastically and motivate others to learn.

I am looking forward to starting online Spanish tutoring sessions; particularly offering conversational classes in Spanish, to help students' speaking exam practice. Vamos a divertirnos!

If you are interested, I'd love to hear from you and would be happy to offer a free first session to get to know each other. Thanks very much for reading my profile.