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 want to master their subject.Around half of my current teaching schedule is already committed to returning students."
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 in biotechnology.My work has included mass spectrometry, proteomics, molecular biology, cancer biology and the discovery of new therapeutic targets. Today, I bring that scientific experience into my work as an educator.
I don't simply teach what needs to be remembered for the next examination. I help students understand how scientific ideas connect, approach unfamiliar problems and think more deeply about the subject they are studying.
WHAT I TEACH
My teaching focuses on areas of science where my academic and professional background allows me to offer genuine depth of expertise.
GCSE and IGCSE Triple ScienceBiology, Chemistry and Physics
Cambridge International, Edexcel and AQA.A-Level Chemistry specialistI help students develop a strong understanding of the subject while improving their ability to apply that knowledge effectively in examinations.OCR, Cambridge International, Edexcel and AQA.University Life Sciences and BiochemistryI support undergraduate study in: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.A single session can solve an immediate problem. Working together over time allows us to do much more.We can identify gaps in understanding, strengthen foundations, revisit difficult concepts and develop the confidence and independence needed to tackle increasingly challenging material.My role is not simply to help with 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
The goal is not simply to remember information, but to understand it well enough to use it.A student who has mastered a subject understands the underlying concepts, recognises connections between different areas and can apply what they know to unfamiliar problems.
This becomes increasingly important as students progress in science. Success depends less on recalling isolated facts and more on being able to think, reason and apply knowledge.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
Around half of my current teaching schedule is already committed to returning students.I take on only a small number of new students at a time, so I can provide the individual attention and ongoing mentorship that serious academic goals require.Suitable applicants may be placed on a waiting list when my available capacity is full.
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.
Providing premium online STEM mentorship worldwide, with limited in-person academic retainers available for families across the Western Algarve (Lagos, Praia da Luz, Lagoa). Specializing in international curriculum transitions with multilingual support (English, Portuguese, French) for expat families.