PrepNow Tutor - Qian Q.
Qian, who goes by Q, believes that being a teacher is the most honorable job because teachers influence the younger generation, who are the hope of the future. She holds several degrees: a BS in materials science and engineering from Beijing University of Chemical Technology; an MS in polymer engineering, also from Beijing University of Chemical Technology; and a PhD in chemical engineering from Texas Tech University. During her MS and BS degrees, she was named "Excellent Graduate," and she received a merit-based scholarship as an undergraduate. Her studies have made her proficient in multiple fields: advanced mathematics, organic chemistry, polymer chemistry and physics, material science, and much more.
Since graduating from college, Q has worked as a senior scientist and lead scientist in an industrial R&D department in charge of new product development and new method development. "Currently, I am in a leadership role managing a group of 10 lab chemists and have close collaboration with cross-functional teams," she explains. In addition, she has served as Division Chair for the Society of Plastic Engineers.
Q started her recent teaching journey in 2020, when she started helping students one-on-one and in groups at a friend's request. "Once I started, I found myself really loving this kind of work," she says. She has taught math to students from grades 6-12 (pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, pre-calculus, and AP Calculus BC), and she also has extensive experience helping students with the SAT.
Her proudest moments have come when she learned that the students she tutored earned excellent grades or markedly improved their SAT scores in just three months. "This great sense of accomplishment was simply incomparable!" she exclaims.
"I like to create an engaging and collaborative teaching environment in which both sides communicate effectively," says Q about her teaching style. "I bring a positive attitude with clear objectives to each lesson," she says. Q believes there are no bad students and that teachers need to find appropriate strategies to help students master knowledge. "In my opinion, a keen sense of responsibility and a high level of dedication are two required characteristics of a good teacher," she posits.
In her R&D position, Q oversaw multiple projects, leading to at least four scientific papers published in peer-reviewed journals and even has a US Patent. She also had a publication in the Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids designated "Most Cited Article 2006-2010!"
During school, Q was not good at competitive sports, but now loves to watch soccer, basketball, and the Olympics. She relaxes by window shopping and perusing videos.
