Laura from Topaz Tutoring

Science is the study of the universe around us. It organises knowledge in a way that tests hypotheses and predictions. It provides us a unique way of thinking that is critical to advance society.

Science education is especially important for the future. We have many issues that need to be solved, and science is the answer to these questions. Some of these issues involve the curing of diseases (such as cystinosis, cancer, ebola etc), combating antibiotic resistant bacteria and global warming.

This page is for those fascinated by STEM, that is science, technology, engineering and mathematics/medicine. Information is shared regarding interesting scientific facts and even experiments that can be completed at home.

Scientific knowledge should be accessible and understood by everyone in the community. There should be an appreciation of how modern medicine has extended human life expectancy (antibiotics, vaccinations etc) and how increased globalisation and pollution has contributed to global warming. If hypotheses have been thoroughly tested and have passed peer review, it should be accepted as the current way of thinking. Unfortunately, this is not the case as we still have vocal minorities that think autism is caused by vaccination, the earth is flat and that global warming is a conspiracy.

My name is Laura and I live in the beautiful Hunter Valley of NSW, Australia. I run a small local tutoring business, Topaz Tutoring, that provides a mobile STEM tutorial service throughout the valley around Maitland.

I completed my undergraduate science degree in molecular biology and genetics at Sydney University and obtained first class honours in 2013 in biophysical chemistry. Essentially my degree provided me the critical thinking skills and knowledge to understand how DNA, the software of our bodies is processed and made into our bodies. I understand the molecular basis of genetic and environmental diseases. I also understand how important electronic effects are in our cell plasma membrane and protein interactions (I have a published paper on this). Not to mention my understanding of chemistry and how all the elements subtly make life exist on earth.

I am currently completing my PhD in Chemistry at the University of Newcastle. I also am employed in the universities science communication outreach program. I have plenty of experience running undergraduate (and high school) laboratory sessions and teaching from primary school to a tertiary education level.

Topaz Tutoring offers mobile STEM tutoring for a fee of $60/hour. If you are interested in some tutoring, please do not hesitate to contact me through this platform or via email at topaztutoring@gmail.com.

During my tutoring sessions, I will not complete your child's homework and I should not be employed to do so. I act as a coach only; I will help your child understand and remember content. I will provide encouragement and help with organising a study time table and a commitment to studying. The overall outcome of my sessions should be an advancement in your child's knowledge and problem solving skills. Critical thinking is a very important life skill that should not be understated!

Laura :)