Alyssa McCaskey

Ever since I was little, I was always the one to ask, “Why? Why do things happen the way they do and how do they happen?” My curiosity for the unknown led me to toward the sciences in high school, where I excelled in chemistry and was intrigued by my biology and marine science courses. I had an amazing teacher in high school who showed me just how awesome science can be, and I’ve been hooked ever since.

As an undergraduate, I specialized in biochemistry and earned my B.S. in chemistry from Jacksonville University. I originally wanted to pursue medical school, but I fell in love with lab work and helping others discover their own passion for the sciences. While at JU, I became an academic tutor, helping my fellow students in chemistry, biology, and math. I also had the honor of becoming the President of both the Chemistry Club and Medical Professional Society and found tremendous joy in helping my friends and classmates decide what they wanted to do in life. 

After graduation, I found myself tutoring students online and returning to education every chance I could. I love learning about anything and everything, and I believe we never really stop being students, even after school! I’ve taken on a number of academic and industry roles, everything from environmental field chemistry and a chemistry lab manager to an analytical lab analyst. These experiences allow me to present material to students by giving them real life examples of the concepts we discuss. I love sharing my knowledge showing students that we are chemistry: everything we interact with and do on a daily basis involves chemistry!

Throughout my life I’ve learned that no one is truly unteachable, and no knowledge unattainable. With the right tools and resources, anyone can learn anything! It is easy to get discouraged and overwhelmed when material doesn’t come easily, and I love tutoring in a one-on-one setting because it gives me the ability to get to know my individual students needs and also to see their progress and growth. I like to get to know my students’ learning style and help them discover alternative learning and study methods that better fit their learning needs! I also love organization and planning and like to teach my students how to better manage their time and become better learners. Helping students to regain their confidence in their own abilities has truly been one of the most rewarding moments for me as a tutor. 

In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my friends for game nights, spending time in nature and hiking in the mountains, curling up with a good book, and trying new foods.