As a new addition for the 2025-2026 school year, Robinson welcomed a new element to the science department, Jeanette Lau. New to the Knights, Jeanette Lau will be teaching honors chemistry, pre-IB chemistry and SL and HL chemistry for both IB juniors and seniors.
Lau’s original spark for teaching chemistry came to her in a very ironic way, through her college physics professor.
“There was this one topic that came up in Physics and she told me that there aren’t a lot of lady chemists and if you want to learn (the topic) you need to take chemistry but, I was horrible at it,” Lau said. “So, then I was just determined to get better because she became my coach and pushed me to sustain longer.”
Though she currently focuses on teaching chemistry, Lau’s teaching career began in other fields of science, reflecting on how her expertise has spanned across various branches of science.
“I originally started with middle school science, and then I changed to Marine Science, Forensic Science, Environmental Science, Biology Honors plus AP, and soon after I switched to chemistry,” Lau said.
Showcasing her IB program debut this year, Lau has recognized nothing but positive differences in her major shift from traditional school and into the IB program.
“It’s been lovely. I like the teaching curriculum of IB better. I used to have 210 kids in my regular classes, but IB has 120 kids making instructing a lot easier,” Lau said.
As a first-year faculty member at Robinson, Lau wants to make a distinct impact on her students.
“I know IB chemistry is hard, and I know they miss their previous teacher, so my goal is to just get them comfortable and loving chemistry,” Lau said.
Whether it’s getting them prepared for the IB exams or inspiring her students to fall in love with chemistry, Lau strives to make an everlasting influence on the science department here at Robinson.
The interactive and enlightening classroom environment Lau creates does not go unnoticed by anyone, especially her students.
Shreena Gedia, a sophomore in Lau’s pre-IB chemistry class, explained how the surroundings allow her to work effectively.
“She has a well thought-out and organized layout letting us students work productively, further helping us meet the high standards we want to achieve,” Gedia said.
An essential addition to our science department, Robinson High School is fortunate to have Ms. Lau, and can’t wait to see what the 2025-2026 school year holds.
