tutor avatar

Douglas M - Tutor in Stellenbosch Central

I am a Postdoctoral Research Fellow with the University of Johannesburg. Because everyone, even the smartest and brightest, needs help sometimes, I want to offer my experiences and advice whenever possible. I really enjoy engaging with fellow students to empower and enrich their experiences with various science subjects. I have tutored many students in the past years, specifically for the Chemistry courses. I really love translating difficult information into simpler analogies, and I love infusing creativity in my approach. I’ve come to love writing, editing English language up to college level assignments for various subjects. I am passionate about Chemistry, though I do have a background in biology and math. Truly, it is impossible to simply replicate someone else's approach to studying or doing anything because each individual is unique. My strongest asset has always been my personalized advice and empathy towards others that allows me to find the best solution for them. As a tutor, my goal is to untangle any academic problem we encounter together and build a connection with you (the student) at the same time.

Tutor basics
Teaching places

My Home, Students Home, Public Place, and Online

Travelling distance

Douglas will travel 50km from Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

Languages spoken

Douglas speaks English and Xhosa

Experience
2010-01-13 - 2016-10-26
Student Tutor

Tutored chemistry undergraduate students as well as assisting them with practical work.

Education
2015-08-24 - 2019-10-11
PhD Polymer Science - Stellenbosch

Development of advanced methods for the analysis of complex star and highly branched polymers. Selected online research publications: Murima, D.; Oti, M.; Pagliarulo, A,; Day, D,; Hutchings, L,; Pasch, H. Polymer Chemistry 2020 (peer reviewed) Murima, D.; Pasch, H. Macromolecular Rapid Communications 2019 (DOI: 10.1002/marc.201900556) Murima, D.; Pasch, H. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry 2019, 411, 1-16

2013-02-25 - 2015-05-05
MSc Polymer Science - Stellenbosch

Prepared novel polymer-clay nanocomposites as potential vapor/mineral oil barrier films. Tested the optical transparency of the films using UV-spectroscopy and the water vapor barrier properties using the intelligent gravimetric mass sorption analyzer (IGA). Online research publication: Murima, D.; Pfukwa, H.; Tiggelman, I.; Hartmann, P. C.; Pasch, H. Macromolecular Materials and Engineering 2016, 301, 836.

2008-02-26 - 2012-05-12
BSc Chemistry Honours - Fort Hare

Prepared polyacrylonitrile-modified lignocellulose nanofibers via electrospinning as potential wastewater filters with a focus on organic pollutants in industrial effluents.

Subjects taught
  • Chemistry

    I am a definite people person and I plan on utilizing that in my future career. With Chemistry being my major for my BSc (Honours) degree, i have tutored in this field and harnessed a lot of experience since 2010 to this day. Some of my novel scientific inputs are available online through some of the top Scientific Journals as well as Stellenbosch University Library Database. I like to integrate fun into my lessons and sessions to ensure that the learning process is both enjoyable and memorable. Above all, I hope to utilize the tutoring platform to express my passion to engage and pass on knowledge to those who need it.

    Douglas teaches Chemistry at High School and University/College level(s)