Learn Chemistry (All Year Levels & University), Science (till Year 10), Mathematics (till Year 10) & English (till Year 7) with 7+ Years of Teaching Experience; Hourly Rates Vary by Level

Find out more about Nikita

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  I first got interested in chemistry back in high school when I realised it was more than just chemical equations in a textbook. Chemistry showed me how the world works, whether it is the fizzing in a soft drink or the way medicines help us heal. I first helped my younger brother about seven years ago in a chemistry exam for Year 12. I saw his face light up when he easily understood everything, and it made me realise I wanted to help more people understand tough subjects and make them feel confident in themselves.

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students and possibly those you like a little less.

  I teach chemistry at all levels, along with Science, Mathematics, and English for younger students. In chemistry, I like teaching organic chemistry because it feels like solving a puzzle. I love connecting concepts to real life, such as explaining how soap cleans or why food spoils. I do not really dislike any topic, but some areas in inorganic chemistry that involve a lot of memorisation can feel less engaging. When that happens, I look for ways to make learning interactive and easier to remember.

• Did you have any role models or a teacher who inspired you?

  Yes, I did have my role model in my university years, my chemistry teacher, Mrs. Sushmitha, who highly inspired me and motivated me to be in the teaching profession. She not only taught me the subject but also made me realise that teaching is about helping others and making them feel capable and confident, not about showing how knowledgeable you are.

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  A good tutor needs to be patient and adaptable, as each student learns differently. If one method of explanation does not work, the tutor should find another, simpler way to make the concept clear. An empathetic nature is also one of the most important personal qualities a tutor can have. Being able to understand a student’s feelings when they are struggling and guiding them with encouragement can make a significant difference to their learning experience.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  During my final year at university, I accidentally transformed the chemistry laboratory into a candy store. The experiment overheated and the entire lab was filled with the very strong burnt sugar smell. Honestly, I thought I had made a fatal error until my professor came in, took a deep breath, and laughed. He called it “a hands-on lesson in what not to do” and then added that every mistake is a chance to learn. Now I tell my students that if their experiment is going in an unexpected direction, they are not failing but rather just discovering another way to solve it.

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or are still facing in your subject?

  Initially, I had a lot of difficulty with abstract concepts in quantum mechanics since they appeared to be very far from the real world. Gradually, I figured out that I needed to deconstruct these concepts into everyday examples and then construct the theory around them. Now I employ this method with my students so that they are able to understand and be comfortable in quantum chemistry.

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  I am passionate about both teaching and chemistry. I want to make chemistry something people can enjoy and not fear. I also love cooking, which is a form of chemistry you can eat. I often use cooking examples in my lessons to make concepts easier to understand and more enjoyable for my students.

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions)?

  I connect with my students and make learning approachable. I adapt my teaching to suit each student’s needs and explain ideas in a way that makes sense to them. I bring genuine enthusiasm for chemistry into my lessons, and this energy inspires curiosity and confidence in my students. For me, being a Superprof is about guiding students to understand, succeed, and even enjoy the subjects they once found challenging.