Beth Wyatt

Biography

My passion for teaching began in high school, when I served as a teaching assistant for a math support class. Watching students finally grasp a concept they had been struggling with was one of the most rewarding parts of teaching, because it marked a real shift in their confidence and understanding. When a student realizes that the mountain in front of them was really just a hill, they gain the belief that they can tackle the next challenge, and that momentum helps them keep pushing forward. That early experience showed me the joy and impact of helping others learn and grow.

Over time, I was fortunate to have remarkable teachers and mentors who shaped not only my academic path but also my philosophy on teaching. From my high school chemistry teacher to my undergraduate organic chemistry professor and graduate biochemistry advisor, each of them shared an infectious enthusiasm for science, a deep care for their students, and a welcoming, approachable presence. Their influence drives me to bring those same qualities into my own teaching as a TA at San José State University for General Chemistry and upper-division Biochemistry labs. I strive to create a classroom atmosphere where students feel supported, motivated, and curious. I want science to feel like a shared journey, not just a subject to master.

I am currently pursuing my M.S. in Chemistry at San José State University, where I also completed my B.S. in Chemistry with a concentration in Biochemistry. My research focuses on understanding the thermal and chemical stability of viral proteins and their mutants. Through this work, I aim to uncover details that deepen our understanding of protein behavior while honing my skills as both a scientist and an educator.

What draws me to teaching chemistry and algebra is the way both subjects reveal the logic and structure behind how the world works. I’ve always loved solving problems and uncovering patterns, and over time that curiosity has only deepened as I’ve shared it with students. Chemistry lets me connect abstract math to real, tangible phenomena, while algebra builds the analytical skills needed to understand them. My students often start out intimidated, but as they begin to see how concepts fit together, their confidence and excitement grow. Watching that transformation is the most rewarding part of teaching.

In tutoring sessions, my focus is on genuine understanding rather than memorization, using guiding questions and step-by-step reasoning to help students explain concepts in their own words. Each meeting is tailored to the student’s goals and current coursework, so time is spent on the topics, problem types, and skills that will make the greatest impact for them. My overall goal is to carry forward what my mentors gave me: to help students discover a genuine love for science and learning, inspire them to excel in their studies, and support them as they grow into confident, independent thinkers.

Outside of academics, I love expressing creativity and curiosity in other ways, such as crocheting and scrapbooking, hiking new trails, and spending time exploring the outdoors with my dog. These activities keep me grounded and remind me of the balance between focused study and open exploration—a balance I hope to share with my students as they navigate their own paths in science and learning.