Our Teachers

Dr Derek Muller

Physics

 Position: Head of Science

Qualifications: Ph.D. Graduate, B.Sc. Eng.

Background: He completed his Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering and Physics at Queen's University in Canada and completed his PhD in Physics Education Research at the University of Sydney. His research explores methods of multimedia design that promote student learning of physics.

Experience: Deputy coordinator of a Department of Education grant to develop multimedia for senior high school physics topics; Twelve refereed publications on student learning in physics; Several presentations at international conferences on physics education; Two years teaching in experimental laboratories at the University of Sydney post-graduate research and coursework on physics education; Marking of assignments and exams at Queen's University.

Awards: Australian Postgraduate Award; UCFV Graduate Student Paper Prize; Chancellor's Scholarship; Queen's University Governor General's Bronze Medal as top graduating student, West Vancouver Secondary School.

Why I love to teach @Matrix: "I love teaching at Matrix both for the enjoyment of introducing students to fascinating science and for the opportunity to put into practice the theories and methods developed in my research work. Teaching is a passion fueled by the desire to pass along knowledge learned and open up a new world of understanding to curious minds."

Lucy Swiatek

English

Position: Head of English

Qualifications: PhD candidate, MA, BA, Dip Ed.

Background: Lucy is currently writing her doctoral thesis at Macquarie University. Her research interests include German and French philosophy and Victorian and Modern narratives. She has presented her research at international and local conferences and has published academic articles on narrative and philosophy.

Experience: Lucy teaches English undergraduate courses at Macquarie University and has extensive tutoring and classroom experience. She has taught many different areas of scholarship and ages, including primary, secondary and tertiary curricula and the disciplines of humanities and behavioural sciences.

Awards: Macquarie University Research Award for Areas and Centres of Excellence.

Why I love to teach @ Matrix: The teaching and learning environment at Matrix sustains a rigorous academic approach to scholarship and affords both teachers and students the chance to realise their own intellectual and creative goals.

Patricia Rockett

Maths

Position: Head of Mathematics

Qualifications: BSc (USYD) DipEd (UNE)

Experience: Mathematics teacher in High Schools for 30 years; Head Teacher of Mathematics for over 20 years; Experienced SC & HSC Examination Marker; Coordinator of CSSA Trial Examination for Mathematics; Member of MANSW; Author of Matrix Education Senior Mathematics programs, course materials and assessments.

Why I love to teach @ Matrix: I love working in a friendly and caring environment where there is respect for the individual and this is what Matrix offers its staff and students. The class size is a maximum of 13 which allows me to provide individual attention to our students and assists them more effectively in their learning. It is a pleasure to work with students who love to learn and are willing to take on the many challenges that are offered in the lessons.

Dr Joseph Bevitt

Chemistry

Position: Chemistry Teacher

Qualifications: BSc Advanced (Hons 1) (USyd), PhD (Chemistry) (USyd) MRACI AMRSC

Background: Joseph’s research has primarily been in the design and construction of tailored, high performance nanomaterials capable of separating and storing fuel gases such as methane and hydrogen. This work has involved research at Australia’s nuclear reactor, and presentations to many international conferences. Joseph has a strong interest in chemical education and has taught teachers, school and university students throughout his university career.

Experience: 7 years teaching experience in Chemistry at Secondary and Tertiary level; Author of Matrix Chemistry Course Programs, Course Materials and Assessments, numerous professional chemistry journal and conference publications; Science Week "Science in the City" Coordinator 2002-6; Sydney University Gifted and Talented Student Workshop Coordinator

Awards: AINSE Award for single crystal neutron diffraction experiments at the HIFAR facility, Lucas Heights, Australia 2005, 2006; SCANZ Ted Maslen 1987 Scholarship for excellence in crystallography 2005; George Harris Scholarship for excellence in Inorganic Chemistry 2005; Agnes Campbell Prize for Excellence in Organic Chemistry 2001, 2002, 2004

Why I love to teach @Matrix: Chemistry is one of those subjects that very few students are given the opportunity to truly understand. If taught correctly, chemistry is a highly accessible science that will fascinate and inspire any student to take a deeper look into the workings of their natural and built environment. When students leave Matrix, they grasp the central role that chemistry plays in their daily lives, becoming ambassadors for a cleaner, more responsible future.

DJ Kim

Physics

Position: Physics Teacher

Qualifications: BAE Hons

Background: DJ is the founder of Matrix Education. He has a bachelor of Aerospace Engineering from UNSW. He worked with the Australian Space Research Institute [ASRI] on "Design and Structural Analysis of Microsatellite" for his thesis. He is currently an active Member of the Australian Space Research Institute.

Experience: 12 years teaching experience in Physics and Chemistry at Secondary level; Author of Matrix Physics Course Programs, Course Materials and Assessments; Co-author of Matrix Chemistry Course Programs, Course Materials and Assessments.

Awards: 'Warwick Slade Aeronautical Society' award for design excellence.