Dr. Servet Yatin

where she’s studied...
Middle East Technical University, Ankara/TURKEY, B.A. Chemistry
University of Kentucky,
Ph.D. Biophysical Chemistry
Harvard Medical School, Post-doctoral research Neurochemistry

what she’s taught...
Intro. to Chemistry
General Chemistry
General Biology



WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT QUINCY COLLEGE?

First and foremost, I like the welcoming environment of the College. Quincy College is one of the few places where “equal opportunity” has real meaning. Second, the diversity of the faculty and the students creates an understanding, accepting, tolerating, helping, in short, a “communicating” society, which is the perfect environment to teach and learn in. Third, as the backgrounds and the ethnicities of the students are highly diverse, teaching becomes interesting and exciting, as well as challenging. Fourth, I like the honesty, appreciation, and support of the students, which creates a respectful and rewarding atmosphere. There are so many things I like about Quincy College that I can go on and on...then you won’t have enough space to print the class schedule.

WHAT IS YOUR PHILOSOPHY OF TEACHING?

Teaching is communication, and one cannot communicate alone. I think the first requirement of communication is to have a common interest; therefore, a chemistry teacher needs to evoke the interest and enthusiasm of the students. It is absolutely necessary to connect sciences such as chemistry and biology to everyday life so that curiosity is aroused and the learning process can begin. I try to make students feel that the knowledge and experience they will gain throughout the semester is useful in many different ways. I create an interactive environment in class by involving all the students in one way or another. I try to support mathematical calculations with logical examples or theories as much as possible, so that students feel comfortable in handling calculations that have application in daily life. I emphasize my expectations, which help students to find their pace. Homework assignments and quizzes give the students an opportunity to solve as many problems as possible, and help me to find their strengths and weaknesses so that we can all adjust ourselves to teaching and learning more efficiently and productively. Chemistry is a science that is a part of every physical and biological aspect of life, so there are many paths a student can take into chemistry—from designing almost weightless cell phones to a new molecule to track cancer cells. My subject is not an easy one, but dedication and perseverance almost always works. I would like to end with a quote by the American humorist Josh Billings; “Consider the postage stamp: its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing until it gets there.”

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