teaching & mentorship

Good education develops more than technical skill. I aim to help students build scientific judgment, confidence, intellectual generosity, and the independence to define important questions of their own.

approach to learning

teaching philosophy

Connect chemical principles, evidence, and practice.

I approach chemistry teaching as an integration of molecular understanding, quantitative reasoning, experimental observation, and computational thinking. Whether in a lecture, laboratory, or research setting, I help students understand why a method works, recognise its assumptions, evaluate evidence critically, and communicate conclusions clearly.

My pedagogy combines scaffolded instruction with inquiry- and problem-based learning. I begin with clear learning goals and guided examples, then gradually remove support as students tackle authentic chemical questions. Low-stakes questions, short reflections, and timely formative feedback help reveal misconceptions before they become barriers to learning.

In laboratory and research supervision, I use pre-task prediction, careful observation, error analysis, and post-task reflection to connect practice with theory. I also provide multiple ways to participate and demonstrate understanding, creating an environment in which students with different backgrounds can contribute, ask questions, and develop confidence.

teaching assistant & co-supervisor

teaching experience

Building confidence across foundational chemistry.

I supported students in connecting fundamental concepts with disciplined scientific practice: working through chemical reasoning, guiding laboratory preparation and technique, encouraging careful interpretation of results, and giving constructive feedback on scientific communication.

Introduction to Chemistry
Introductory Inorganic Chemistry
Introductory Physical Chemistry
Introductory Organic Chemistry I & II
Laboratory Techniques
Preparative Chemistry
Analytical Chemistry

mentoring in practice

Helping students take their next scientific step.

Rui Zheng

current PhD student · at National University of Singapore

Flexible and synthesizable MOFs: from CO₂ adsorption-induced anisotropic mechanical response to machine-learning-potential studies of HKUST-1 hydrolytic properties. view publication ↗ additional manuscript under review

“Xiaoyu has guided me in moving beyond running simulations to ask deeper questions about how framework structure, flexibility, and stability are connected. His thoughtful feedback has helped me develop independent computational workflows, interpret results with greater chemical insight, and turn them into clear scientific stories.”

Tianyu Guo

former BSc student · now PhD researcher at HKUST, Hong Kong SAR

From chemisorption to physisorption: computational discovery of N-rich COFs for CH₃I capture. view publication ↗

“Xiaoyu helped me turn an undergraduate project into a rigorous research story. His guidance taught me how to connect molecular simulation with chemical interpretation and gave me the confidence to pursue doctoral research.”

Mingyue Ma

former MSc student · now Micron, Singapore

Amine-functionalized MOFs for CO₂/H₂ separation and LLM-assisted mapping of the Zn-MOF literature.

“Xiaoyu encouraged me to connect molecular simulation with emerging AI tools. His clear and patient feedback helped me approach unfamiliar problems independently and prepared me to work confidently across disciplines.”

Yixu Cheng

former MSc student · now Nanguang, Macao SAR

Molecular design of anion-pillared MOFs for CO₂/N₂ separation.

“Xiaoyu taught me to look beyond numerical results and ask what controls separation at the molecular level. His guidance helped me become more systematic, critical, and confident in computational research.”

Daeun Jung

former BSc student · now quality assurance professional at PharmaResearch, South Korea

Open-copper-site MOFs for high-capacity C₂H₂ storage.

“Working with Xiaoyu introduced me to a structured way of solving scientific problems—from checking data carefully to explaining results clearly. Those habits continue to support my work in quality assurance.”

the group I hope to build

I envision AIR-lab as a supportive, ambitious, and interdisciplinary environment where chemists, materials scientists, and computational researchers learn from one another. Different starting points are welcome; curiosity, care, and a commitment to growth matter most.

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