Meet Seema Madan, who joined Esher in 2014 and is Head of Chemistry as well as an MVD Coordinator. With a master’s degree in chemistry, a passion for helping students discover the world beyond the classroom and a career that has taken her from teaching to finance and back again, there’s plenty to find out.

What brought you to Esher?

I discovered my passion for teaching Chemistry at university level. I was particularly drawn to teaching A level students, as I enjoyed working with students who were beginning to explore Chemistry in greater depth and preparing for careers such as Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy and Chemical Engineering.

I have loved being part of Esher because of its positive learning environment and the respectful relationships between staff and students. Over the years, Esher has given me the opportunity to grow not only as a Head of Department but also as the MVD Coordinator. Supporting students with their university applications, helping them prepare for the UCAT and mock interviews, and then seeing them secure places at the universities and courses of their choice is incredibly rewarding. Even more special is when former students return to Esher to support current students; it is a lovely reminder of the lasting impact the College can have on their lives.

What made you want to become a teacher?

I completed a Master’s degree in Chemistry and have always been fascinated by the way chemical reactions shape the world around us. My first teaching role was at a university college, where I taught undergraduate students. Although I initially took the role for just one term, I quickly realised how much I enjoyed teaching and that short-term job turned into a lifelong passion!

Over the years, I also had the opportunity to work in different environments, including a laser surgery clinic and in finance. While these experiences gave me valuable skills and different perspectives, I found myself missing teaching and Chemistry. My passion for the subject and for working with students eventually brought me back to teaching, where I knew I was doing something I genuinely loved.

I was also inspired by one of my own Chemistry teachers at university, who had a wonderful ability to bring chemical reactions to life and connect complex ideas to real-world examples. That showed me that teaching Chemistry could be about much more than equations and reactions; it could be about helping students understand the world around them and inspiring their curiosity.

Read about our Chemistry students and their fantastic results in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge last term!

What do you love most about your subject?

I love the fact that Chemistry is at the heart of so many different areas of science and everyday life. It helps us understand everything from the medicines we take and the food we eat to the materials around us and the processes happening inside our bodies.

I particularly enjoy seeing that “light-bulb moment” when students realise that something they have learnt in the classroom has a real-life connection. Practical work makes this even more exciting because students can see the theory come to life. But what I love most is being part of a student’s journey; seeing them work hard over two years, overcome challenges and eventually achieve something they have worked towards is incredibly rewarding

What’s something students might be surprised to learn about you?

Students might be surprised to know that I love walking and trekking. During the Easter break last year, I trekked to Everest Base Camp and also raised money for cancer research as part of the challenge.

I am also a proud mother of two adult children. One works in investment banking and the other is studying Dentistry. I have been happily married for 25 years, so life outside the classroom is certainly busy!

What’s the best place you’ve ever visited?

Everest Base Camp would have to be one of the most memorable places I have ever visited. The spectacular scenery, the mountains and the changing landscape were breathtaking, but what stayed with me most was the warmth and kindness of the people I met in Nepal. The journey was challenging but incredibly rewarding, and it made me realise that sometimes the journey is more important than the destination.

The experience also gave me a much greater appreciation of how difficult everyday life can be for communities living in the Himalayas. It was a humbling experience and reminded me to be grateful for the opportunities and comforts we often take for granted.

I was also fascinated by Egypt and its incredible history. Standing among monuments that have survived for thousands of years really makes you appreciate the achievements of ancient civilisations and leaves you wanting to know more.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to our students?

Be curious, be willing to make mistakes, and don’t be afraid of a challenge. Some of the things that seem most difficult at first can become the things you are most proud of achieving.

And perhaps most importantly, enjoy the journey. Success is not just about the final result; it is about the hard work, resilience and learning that happen along the way. Believe in yourself, make the most of the opportunities around you, and remember that you don’t have to have your whole future figured out today.

Seema visiting Egypt