Imperial MSc | First Class Mathematics | Data Scientist | 300+ hours of teaching experience | Voted “teaching assistant of the year” at university

Find out more about Megan

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

  I always knew I wanted to study something STEM related - when I was younger my parents used to buy me science toys for Christmas! But it was only the year before university when I finally settled on Maths.
  
  My first proper experience with tutoring was in my second year at university when I became a teaching assistant. I was in charge of groups of about 15 first year students. I met with them twice a week and helped them to solve exercises. Since I loved it so much, I took on private students too.

• 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 particularly enjoy explaining topics where I can draw lots of diagrams such as Mechanics or Geometry. I wouldn't say that there is an area of Maths that I don't like to teach.

• Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  I've been lucky enough to have had a number of really great teachers. I have always thought that if I do a PhD, I will dedicate it to them and send them a copy!

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

  There are a number of qualities that a good tutor should possess such as patience and enthusiasm. However, I would say that the most important task for a tutor is to give her students the tools to understand the material in their own way, rather than making them memorise the work.

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

  When I was at school I had a subject called Advanced Maths. My teacher would always explain things as if we weren't supposed to understand what was going on, which caused me to do badly in the subject. However, the following year when I did my A Levels, with the help of a new teacher, I covered the same content without a problem, and got an A*. This taught me that your attitude affects your work just as much as your ability.

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

  Maths requires a lot of patience. At university, I have spent days on problems before, and it can sometimes be difficult to find the motivation to keep going when you hit a brick wall.

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

  It is my dream to make a positive impact in the healthcare sector using maths and programming. Using maths to better the world in some way would be amazing.

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering this interview questions :-P) ?

  I think probably my genuine interest and concern for my students. I put in a lot of effort to ensure my students feel supported.