Our Teachers - Physics

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We know exactly what it takes to succeed in the HSC.

Matrix teachers train students to understand key concepts behind the theory, as opposed to memorising information. Matrix Theory Booklets help students to arrive at an in-depth understanding of the syllabus material.

Matrix teachers have HSC exam marking experience and/or extensive experience in writing assessments and exams, and thus they know exactly how to maximise marks in school and HSC exams. Our students are taught the most effective exam techniques. Matrix Work Booklets consist of various exam-style questions to help students practice these skills.

Through repetition and close monitoring, Matrix teachers ensure every student understands and masters all facets of the course content.

Note: Not all academic staff are shown.

Dr Derek Muller

Physics

Position:

Head of Science

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science (Hons), Engineering major, Queens University

Ph.D in Philosophy, Physics Education Research, University of Sydney

Experience:

Derek was the Deputy coordinator of a Department of Education grant to develop multimedia for senior high school physics topics. He has twelve internationally referred publications on student learning in physics and has made several presentations at international conferences on physics education. He has 2 years teaching experience in experimental laboratories at the University of Sydney and assignment and exam marking experience 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 teaching at 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.

DJ Kim

Physics

Position:

Physics Teacher

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Engineering (Aeronautical), University of New South Wales

Experience:

DJ has 13 years Physics and Chemistry teaching experience at a secondary level. He is the founder of Matrix Education; is the author of Matrix Physics course programs, course materials and assessments; and the co-author of Matrix Chemistry course programs, course materials and assessments. DJ worked with the Australian Space Research Institute (ASRI) on Design and structural Analysis of Microsatellite for his thesis.

Awards:

- Award for Design Excellence, Warwick Slade Aeronautical Society

Dr Alex Argyros

Physics

Position:

Physics Teacher

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Advanced Science (Hons)

Ph.D in Physics, University of Sydney

Experience:

Alex has more than 7 years teaching experience in total with late high school, early undergraduate students and supervision of honours and postgraduate students. He currently holds a Research Fellow position at the University of Sydney where his research examines the design and applications of optical fibres. Alex has also published over 75 papers in scientific

Recent Awards:

- 2007, The Australian Institute of Physics Bragg Medal for the best Physics Ph.D thesis in Australia

- 2006, The DuPont Australia and New Zealand Innovation Award

- 2005, The Australian Science Prize

Why I love teaching at Matrix:

Because it gives me the opportunity to interact with bright students and to present ideas and concepts that are new to them and that they hear from me for the first time. It’s very rewarding to see how they handle this new information and how they progress over time.

Nigel Kuan

Physics

Position:

Physics Teacher

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science (Hons), Physics major

Master of Teaching, University of Sydney (USYD)

Experience:

Nigel has approximately 4 years teaching experience in HSC Physics, Junior Science, and Junior Mathematics and is currently completing his Physics Honours and concurrent Masters of Teaching at the University of Sydney. He is an active member of the Sydney University Physics Education Research group and has developed teaching materials for high school and tertiary Physics topics. Nigel is also presented his findings from his participation in the Physics Education Research group at the last Biennial Science Teachers’ Workshop.

Awards:

- Master of Teaching Scholarship for Physics and mathematics Teaching

- School of Physics (Hons) Scholarship

- NSW Department of Education and Training Teaching Scholarship

- First to be offered to a concurrent Honours in Physics and Masters in Teaching student at the University of Sydney (USYD)

Why I love teaching at Matrix:

Matrix provides a great learning environment, with great technological innovation and extensive support for students. I enjoy teaching physics here, because the students are very responsive and motivated to learn new things. There are few things more enjoyable than fostering students’ appreciation and passion for physics.

Dr Chris Stewart

Physics

Position:

Physics Teacher

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science (Hons)

Graduate Diploma in Science Communications

Ph.D in Particle Physics, York University, Canada

Experience:

Chris has 10 years teaching experience at secondary and university level Physics, science communication, and generic skills. He has presented in countless science shows for audiences ranging from day care centres to schools to community groups. Chris helped develop the Sydney University’s KickStart program for high school students, twice organised the prestigious Prof. Harry Messel International Science School, run training workshops for Physics teachers and was the Executive Director at Australian Science Innovations – the organisation behind the Australian Science Olympiads.

Award:

- 2004, University of Sydney Faculty of Science teaching Award

- 2000, Canadian Governor General’s Gold Medal for Ph.D research at York University

Why I love teaching at Matrix:

To really understand physics, students need to be able to think and discuss ideas in a friendly, challenging and supportive environment. The small class sizes, quality materials and dedicated team of teachers at Matrix provide such an environment, and I enjoy sharing my passion for physics with our enthusiastic students.

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