Who am I?
Well, it’s not so easy. I study a lot of stuff and I love languages, so you could say I’m a mix.
A glorious mix of science and language
Basically, I worked towards a science degree for a loooong time, while at the same time I was teaching subjects like English, Maths, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Geography to Aussie kids in primary and high school. I became a researcher, working in a lab in Sydney, then moved to Padua, Italy to work in another lab there. Since then I’ve left the world of science and focused on language full time, opening my own business and loving every minute of it.
The LONG version:
Ever since I learnt to read, I’ve been obsessed with books and writing. I spent weekends reading and have even tried to write my own book once! (unsuccessfully, for now)
But writing doesn’t pay the bills, and science was attracting me too, like a moth to a flame.
So I went to university and studied molecular biology. During uni, I worked as a freelance teacher throughout the Sydney suburbs, teaching all manner of subjects, from algebra to zoology. After I got my Bachelor’s degree with Honours in Molecular Biology and Genetics at the University of Sydney, and then a Ph.D. in Medical Science from UNSW and the Garvan Institute of Medical Research (Sydney, Australia), I started my career as a full-time researcher at the University of Padua (Italy). Over the years, my lab work covered a bunch of topics, including obesity, diabetes, insulin action, diet, circadian rhythms and more.
All that time, I never stopped teaching and writing, both on science topics as well as on more general subjects. I’ve written several in-print and online scientific articles as well as science communication and magazine articles targeted to the general public. In terms of teaching, I’ve worked with (and continue to work with) people of all ages and professions. During my research years, I had to reduce my teaching hours but I did spend some time working with several academic researchers to boost their writing and communication skills.
Since then I’ve left behind the world of academic research, choosing instead to follow a more language-focused path in life. I officially opened my business in 2016 and started working with private English schools, doing general courses and exam preparation. After year or two settling in, I opened up further, including clients from companies and expanded into the world of business English.
Of course, during that time I got all the necessary teaching certificates in English as a Second Language and Business English, and followed IELTS and Cambridge teacher training courses. After the pandemic I also expanded my online skillset and am currently working to build my skills in creating e-learning modules.
My courses are incredibly well received, with the vast majority of my clients asking for more. These business courses aren’t like regular, stuffy skills workshops that we’ve all been to (and loathed). I work hard to build a fun, interactive environment where everyone contributes and really uses their English, in the best way possible.
Currently, I’m habing a blast providing all-round English services and consultation to companies, universities, science nerds, regular people, and more!
