Phone: 973-669-5301

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Dr. Li Da Graca

Hi,

Welcome to my page.

Let me start with a little about myself. I grew up in China and came to the US to study Life Sciences at Rutgers University, where I received a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and an M.S. in Statistics.

My passion for science drove me to become a research scientist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York, NY). In addition, I have taught various subjects in science at Rutgers (New Brunswick, NJ) and New Jersey City University (Jersey City, NJ).

After taking some years to raise my children, I decided to become a high school science teacher. I am certified to teach Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics (K-12). I am also a Google certified Level 1&2 educator.

The diversity and inclusiveness of the West Orange Community make me feel at home and has helped me grow professionally. I have taught Chemistry at all levels (College Prep, Honors, and AP) in West Orange.  In 2020-2021, I will be teaching Honors/IMS Chemistry and AP Environmental Science.

I consider myself as an Education Catalyst and Curator of Curiosity. I encourage my students to learn Science organically (just the way scientists do): staying curious, seeing the big ideas, and thinking critically. I expose students to various digital and technology tools (Flipgrid, Google Site, Glogster, and Breakout) to create models (Origami or 3D printing), communicate, and collaborate effectively.

You’re welcome to visit my Google site to see more details and updates on student highlights throughout the year. I would like to make my instruction as transparent as possible, however, due to privacy and copyright concerns, individualized instruction materials are only posted on Google Classrooms. Guardians are highly encouraged to sign up for Google Classroom for assignment summary.

“It takes a village to raise a child.”

Please feel free to email me if you have any questions or concerns.

Dr. D