Science

John TURNER

Born and raised just outside of Portsmouth, on the south coast of the UK, I have always been drawn towards waterside living. Following a degree in physics from Imperial College in London and a PGCE at Oxford University, I spent a few years working in the city, as a Chartered Accountant. However, my real calling has always been as a science educator. I have been teaching physics and general science for over 20 years, in a range of high performing schools in the UK and Switzerland, most recently as Head of Science at Aiglon College. My approach is always to seek to go far beyond the knowledge-based curriculum, so that students develop skills, dispositions, and a love of learning that will stay with them forever. Beyond the classroom, I have made significant contributions toward policy development and improving practice. In the last decade, I set up and led international service projects to Thailand and Cambodia, organised a weeklong residential educational conference and have taken students on educational visits to top scientific research observatories and laboratories across the world. In any free time, I love drumming, reading, thinking, and silliness.

Natalie FONG

Bula Vinaka! I am from the beautiful islands of Fiji. I have been involved in education at secondary and tertiary levels and also worked in the pharmaceutical industry and the field of Analytical Chemistry. Having done supply teaching at Discovery College the last couple of years, I am thrilled to be joining the Mathematics and Science Department and look forward to an exciting year. My interests include badminton, running, skiing and traveling to exotic places.

Toni GREENE

I was born, raised and educated in central Texas and earned my Master of Science in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry before becoming an educator in 2009. My goal is to inspire students to love science as much as I do and to bring their inner scientist to the surface. While biology is my passion, I am also a women in STEM advocate and have built robotics programs in previous schools where females made up half of the team.

I’m an avid traveler and love being outdoors. I try to hike to the tops of mountains and scuba dive in the deep sea as often as possible. My desire to explore and experience the various cultures and regions of the world has led me to the international teaching community since 2017.

Johanna GOODLAD

I grew up in the Shetland Islands, the most northerly part of Scotland, surrounded by Shetland ponies and the Northern Lights. In slightly warmer Glasgow, I obtained a joint honours degree in Physics and Astronomy. I am passionate about understanding the universe better through teaching Physics and sharing common interests with my students . Aside from teaching, I love hiking, being on the water, camping and making music with friends.

Amanthi JAYEMANNE

I moved to Hong Kong five years ago from Melbourne, Australia, where I worked as an engineering researcher and was involved in teaching undergraduate students at Monash University. Since moving to Hong Kong I have worked at Discovery College periodically, teaching and assisting students in their science and mathematics lessons. I have a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and a master’s degree in Engineering Science. I am delighted to join the science department and look forward to helping students become lifelong learners. In my spare time I enjoy travelling, baking and watching movies.

Nik LIGHT

I have loved teaching Biology alongside a number of pastoral roles, for over ten years in UK schools. Having the opportunity to observe colleagues in America, led me to use the Harkness method as my main teaching strategy, setting pre-reading to spark curiosity and questions, classes can put the scientific method into practice to tackle the most challenging parts of this wonderful subject. Together with leading further service trips in Africa and sports tours in Europe, I was inspired by how much I could learn working overseas. Joining DC in 2021, I travelled across with my partner – an Educational Psychologist for ESF – and three children for life on Lantau Island. Outside of school, I will be found on the beach with my children, probably with a book in hand, or running up the trails.

Mark MACKENZIE

As a Scotsman born in Uganda, I have always had the desire to travel and experience new and different cultures. I have taught in a variety of locations from a remote Scottish island and the vast expanse of the Kalahari desert in Botswana, to the large cities of London, Nairobi and Shanghai. I have very much enjoyed every experience and feel very lucky to be able to work and travel at the same time. My hobbies are very sports oriented: golf, badminton, squash and football where unfortunately I am more likely now to referee than play. When at home I like to cook but unfortunately my performance in the kitchen is “just like a Chemist” as told by my more talented wife. I also watch nature programmes and am very interested in Environmental issues. Most of all I like to walk my dogs in new and exciting places.

Ken TSUI

Jonny TATE

I am originally form Northern Ireland and have over ten years experience in secondary education. Upon leaving the UK in 2008, I have enjoyed seven years as an international educator, teaching IB Diploma Biology and MYP Science as well as coaching rugby and football. I am committed to empowering students, developing leaders and modelling a community of acceptance, democracy and respect for the environment, so that they can all be successful members of our global society. I am currently studying an MBA in International Education and look forward to completing my research. I am an avid sailor and enjoy exploring the waters and islands of Hong Kong. My wife and I recently celebrated the arrival of our first child and we are thoroughly enjoying the challenge of being new parents.

Tommy LEUNG

I was born and educated in Hong Kong. I have worked as a science laboratory technician for more than 15 years. It’s very rewarding being able to support the teachers and students. In my spare time, I enjoy playing squash, basketball and spending time with my family.

Rudolf YU

I am a native Hongkonger and I studied food science in Hong Kong. I joined DC right after I finished my institution, so I am feeling lucky to gain working experience in such a good place. Besides, I like to try out different sports, especially fencing and archery.