ABOUT ME

I was born in Honolulu, Hawai’i and graduated from Punahou High School in 1992.  I was diagnosed as dyslexic in second grade and participated in years of tutoring, including traveling to Landmark School in Prides Crossing, MA to learn how to study effectively. 

 

In 2000 I earned my bachelor’s degree in chemistry from The University of Washington in Seattle.  I graduated magna cum laude and was on the Dean's List.  Upon earning my B.S., I moved to Tucson, AZ and earned a doctorate degree in chemistry; my dissertation is titled “Gas-Phase Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Computational Studies of [FeFe]-Hydrogenase Inspired-Catalysts for Hydrogen Production”.

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Despite having a deep interest in computational chemistry and synthesis, I developed a passion for teaching during my time working as a teaching assistant in the department while earning my PhD.  I eventually transitioned from graduate student to instructor, and am now an Associate Professor.  Although I have taught all levels of chemistry in the last 15 years, my heart is in the general chemistry classroom because it not only gives me the opportunity to help students learn chemistry, but it also allows me to teach them the tools I developed for myself on how to study effectively and earn a high GPA.  I have found purpose in my career by teaching students these tools and showing how they can also be a successful student.  Because I am dyslexic I had to actively seek out and develop learning tools and techniques to excel in school.  I have shared these techniques with thousands of students, which have helped them earn high GPAs.

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I am limited to small segments of lecture, or office hour times, to helping my students fine tune their learning skills but I want to help more students and provide more tools that I have obtained through workshops, books, and conferences.   This is what inspired me to start this business - I want to help with more intention and purpose.  Too many people have lost hope in their dreams due to their struggles in college, which has only been exaggerated after COVID.  It brings me so much joy to teach people how to find success in their classes, discover their true potential,  and build a life for themselves that they are proud of.  

 

I earned The Distinguished Early-Career Award in 2017.  In 2021 I was awarded both The Innovation in Teaching Award,  and The University of Arizona Foundation Leicester and Kathryn Sherrill Creative Teaching Award for my work in the large classroom and I continue to elevate the learning experience for my students despite my large class size, as well as through the transition to Zoom during the 2020-2021 academic year.

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I was also a finalist for the only student elected teaching award, The Five Star Faculty Award, due to my ability to help struggling students discover their true potential.   

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I truly believe I have found so much success as an educator due to my struggles as a student.  If you or your child are struggling and need guidance to earn that high GPA needed to fulfill your goals, please reach out for a free consultation.  I would love to help you earn that GPA, get into the graduate program of your choice, and land the job of your dreams after your undergraduate career!

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Faculty Webpage: https://cbc.arizona.edu/lani-tori-hidalgo

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