MIKE AGUIAR, PhD

Science Educator & Academic Mentor

GCSE / IGCSE Triple Science · A-Level Chemistry · Undergraduate Life Sciences

PhD in Experimental Medicine, McGill University

"I work with a limited number of motivated students who are prepared to make a serious commitment to mastering their subject."

New students begin by completing a short Student & Parent Questionnaire

Who You're Learning From

Scientist. Educator. Mentor.

I am a scientist by training and an educator by choice.

My academic and professional career has taken me from Biochemistry at Concordia University, to a PhD in Experimental Medicine at McGill University, followed by research at Harvard Medical School and more than a decade working in biotechnology and scientific research.My work has included mass spectrometry, proteomics, molecular biology, cancer biology and the discovery of new therapeutic targets.Today, I bring that experience into my work as an educator.

I don't simply teach students what they need to remember for the next examination. I help them understand how scientific ideas connect, how to approach unfamiliar problems and how to think more deeply about the subject they are studying.

WHAT I TEACH

Curriculum Specialisation & Academic Pathways

My teaching focuses on the areas of science where my academic and professional background allows me to offer genuine depth of expertise.At the secondary level, I work with students studying GCSE and IGCSE Triple Science — Biology, Chemistry and Physics — across Cambridge International, Edexcel and AQA.As an A-Level Chemistry specialist, I help students develop a strong understanding of the subject while improving their ability to apply that knowledge effectively in examinations.For university students, I offer support in a range of Life Sciences and Biochemistry subjects, including:Biochemistry · Molecular Biology · Analytical Biochemistry · Physical Biochemistry · Analytical Chemistry · Instrumental Analysis · Proteomics · Systems Biology

MORE THAN AN HOURLY TUTOR

Sustained Educational Mentorship

I do not offer ad-hoc homework help or transactional, hour-by-hour tutoring.There is a fundamental difference between occasional tutoring and working with a student over time.A single session can help solve an immediate problem. A sustained educational relationship allows us to do much more.Over time, we can identify gaps in understanding, build stronger foundations, revisit difficult concepts and develop the confidence and independence needed to tackle increasingly challenging material.My role is not simply to help students get through the next assignment or examination.I work with students who want to develop a deeper understanding of their subject — and, ultimately, master it.

THE GOAL: MASTERY

Moving Beyond Memorisation

My work with students is not simply about memorising information or getting through the next test.The goal is to develop genuine mastery of the subject.A student who has mastered a subject does more than remember facts and reproduce them in familiar situations. They understand the underlying concepts, recognise connections between different areas of the subject and can apply their knowledge to unfamiliar problems.This is particularly important in science. As students progress, success increasingly depends on their ability to think, not simply remember.Strong examination results matter. But the best results are built on a strong foundation of understanding.My aim is to help students build that foundation — and develop the confidence and independence to use what they know.

WHAT STUDENTS, PARENTS & COLLEAGUES SAY

“I'm just reaching out to inform you of the great news of me getting 96/100 on my final exam! Thank you so much for all your help with this course. I hope we may be able to work together again in future courses.”— Undergraduate Biochemistry Student

“A has got his GCSE results today. He has got Grade 9 in all core subjects and 7/8 in languages. Specifically, 89.4% in Chemistry and 82.2% in Biology. Thank you for your support and guidance.”— Parent of an IGCSE Chemistry Student

“Mike has a unique ability to make connections between various ‘separate’ fields of science. Because he understands deeply how things work, he can explain complex concepts very effectively in layman's terms.He's able to find analogies that are already familiar to the learner, allowing them to understand and relate to complex processes.He has a deep understanding of core topics in Chemistry, Biology and Physics, and shares his appreciation and wonder for their interconnectedness.Having taught for over 20 years, I wish every young person had the chance to be exposed to Mike's thinking and excitement around anything related to science.”— Wendy Coleman, MEd (Harvard)

WHO I WORK WITH

A Shared Commitment to Learning

I work with motivated students who are prepared to take their education seriously and do meaningful work outside our sessions.My time is deliberately limited, and I believe that a student's commitment should be equally meaningful.The students I work with are not looking for someone to help them complete the occasional assignment or prepare for a test at the last minute. They want to develop a deeper understanding of their subject and are prepared to put in the work required to do so.

A Mutual Commitment

For that reason, I do not generally offer ad-hoc or one-off hourly bookings.My work with students is based on an ongoing commitment, beginning with a monthly retainer. Where possible, I prefer to work with students over a longer period—ideally throughout an academic year.This allows us to build momentum, address weaknesses as they emerge, and develop understanding over time.

LIMITED CAPACITY

A Deliberately Limited Practice

I deliberately limit my teaching to approximately 20 hours per week.This is a conscious choice. I want to work with a limited number of students and have the time and energy to prepare properly, think carefully about their individual needs and give each student my full attention during our work together.For that reason, I cannot accept an unlimited number of students.Once my teaching capacity is full, suitable applicants may be placed on a waiting list until space becomes available.

SCIENTIFIC BACKGROUND & RESEARCH

A Career in Scientific Research

My research career has spanned mass spectrometry, proteomics and molecular biology, with particular interests in post-translational modifications, protein signalling and cancer biology.I am an author or co-author of 18 peer-reviewed scientific publications, including research in quantitative proteomics, phosphoproteomics and mass spectrometry-based analysis of post-translational modifications.My work has contributed to research into cellular signalling, cancer biology and the identification and characterisation of therapeutically relevant molecular pathways.

Selected Research Highlights

My research has been published in journals including:Cell:
Quantitative proteomics and the study of complex cellular signalling networks.Nature Methods:
Advanced quantitative mass spectrometry and proteomic methodologies.Cancer Research & Cancer Discovery:
Cancer biology, phosphoproteomics and molecular pathways relevant to therapeutic target discovery.Research ProfilesMy complete publication record and research history are available through:

APPLY TO WORK WITH ME

Are We a Good Fit?

I work with a limited number of students, and I want to make sure that the students I accept are a good fit for the way I work.Before accepting a new student, I ask the student and parent to complete a short questionnaire.This helps me understand your academic goals, the challenges you are currently facing, and what you hope to achieve through our work together.It also gives me a sense of whether the level of commitment and the way I work are likely to be a good match for your needs.