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Welcome
Philosophy
Research
Teaching
Credentials
Outreach
corri baker

Welcome
Hi there! I am so glad that for some reason or another, you have ended up perusing this website; I hope this means that we share a common interest, perhaps in science, medicine, the communication of new ideas and ways of thinking, or the protection of our environment. I hope that we can work together in some way in order to combine these interests, in order to advance our society in the future.

Philosophy
 I am passionate about placing science at the heart of the community. At a time where climate change, overpopulation and water shortages are a reality, and technology continues to develop exponentially, I feel every individual requires an awareness and understanding of science.

The potential impact of problems that require science to deal with them is increasing at a rate much faster than the dissemination of the scientific knowledge throughout the community. There are a decreasing number of individuals with the knowledge and expertise to solve these problems. All of humanity's predicaments are multi-disciplinary and it is time that science shared more of the stage with politics and economics if we are to progress in the right direction.

Research
I am currently undertaking a PhD in Chemistry under the supervision of Prof. Stephen Lincoln. My research was profiled in the University of Adelaide Postgraduate Prospectus 2010. The focus of my research is in the field of supramolecular chemistry or nanotechnology, specifically the development of metal ion activated molecular receptors. In particular, these receptors may serve as prototypes for the investigation into the function of Zinc in biological processes. Zinc is the second most abundant metal in the body after iron, and in humans in excess of 300 zinc binding proteins exist as essential components of human metabolisms. This is an area of increasing interest as variations in zinc(II) levels in tissue are associated with wound healing and a range of health problems exemplify by asthma, ischemia, epilepsy, stroke and Alzheimer's disease.

Teaching
Chemistry is the "central science" and so it follows that I have come to teach Chemistry to a myriad of students with far reaching backgrounds and reason for learning chemistry.Teaching appointments include Lecturer of "Introductory Chemistry" and "Introduction to Engineering Chemistry" at the University of South Australia, Chemistry 1 and Foundations of Chemistry 1 tutorial classes at Adelaide University, the ADUChem Chemistry Bridging course, first to third year practical demonstration both at The University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia as well as a host of private tuition of Year 12 students (both SACE and IB Diploma Chemistry) , first year university students (Chemistry 1 and Foundations of Chemistry) and Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) Candidates.

When I first became involved with teaching I realised how rapidly the bank of knowledge and proficiency of students in science and mathematics is declining. This may be explained in part by the decrease in the number of students choosing to study one or more science subjects and mathematics to year 12 level. Instead more students are choosing alternative subjects over the sciences and applied maths rather than high level maths or in numerous cases no maths at all.

This provides a challenge in terms of teaching these students in a way that ensures they grasp more difficult concepts without necessarily having the background to be able use conventional means of explanation (mathematical formulae, proportionality relationships for example). I have found that using visualization techniques and refraining from the use of highfalutin scientific terms when teaching tends to overcoming scientific language barriers and gives students confidence to tackle the more abstract and mathematical concepts. The success of my approach is illustrated by the positive student feedback (see my testimonials).

I have learnt to apply various teaching techniques due to the vast situations I have come to teach in, and the different backgrounds and reasons for studying chemistry that my students have. I have delivered tutorial classes in lecture theatres of over 100 students, taught small groups of students who have no maths background and have not studied for over 10 years, acted as a mentor as well as a tutor for many year 12 students on the difficult path of choosing what to do next after finishing school, I have also been rendered speechless by students with extremely intelligent and insightful questions. I have loved every minute of it, and have learnt something from each of my students, and would like to take the opportunity to thank them all. Without students one might be at risk of coming to the dangerous conclusion that we can safely stop questioning our knowledge.

Over the years I have come to realise that part of my role while teaching must be to encourage students to continue studying science, or at the very least, appreciate the relevance of chemistry and other science subjects as valuable knowledge for any society to possess and maintain.

Credentials
 Education
Currently undertaking a PhD in Chemistry, under the supervision of Prof. Stephen Lincoln, Adelaide University
1st Class Honours in Chemistry, Adelaide University, 2004
Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science), Adelaide University, 2003
3rd year subjects: Infection & Immunity, Heterocyclic Chemistry & Natural Products, Mechanism & Synthesis and Chemical Analysis & Spectroscopy
German Language as part of a Diploma in Languages, Adelaide University

Teaching Appointments

  • Lecturer, cbsquared: Chemistry for GAMSAT, 10 week course 2009-2010
  • Lecturer, 1st Year Introductory Chemistry, University of South Australia
  • ADUChem Chemistry Bridging Course, 2009, 2008, 2006
  • Chemistry 1 and Foundations of Chemistry 1 Tutor, Adelaide University
  • Training Officer, Adelaide University Demonstrator Course
  • Practical Demonstrator
    1st year Chemistry University of Adelaide and University of South Australia
    2nd year Measurement and Analysis, University of Adelaide
    3rd year Advanced Synthetic and Medicinal Chemistry
    2nd and 3rd year Pharmaceutical & Analytical Chemistry,     University of South Australia
  • Private Tuition provider for students of SACE Year 12 Chemistry, and IB Chemistry from schools including Saint Peters College, Prince Alfred College, Rostrevor College, Annesley College, University Senior College
  • Private Tuition provider for GAMSAT candidates and University Chemistry students (see testimonials)


Outreach/Achievements

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