Visited 2 hours ago
Dr J-Academic & Work
Smart Lesson
Professional TeacherTeaches
English
Speaks
Montenegrin
Native
Serbian
Native
Croatian
Italian
Russian
Other
Specialties
MedicalBusinessTest PreparationPhD in Psychopharmacology, 20 years university teaching & mentoring, corporate consulting & training
Teaches
English
Speaks
Montenegrin
Native
Serbian
Native
Croatian
Italian
Russian
Other
Specialties
MedicalBusinessTest PreparationPhD in Psychopharmacology, 20 years university teaching & mentoring, corporate consulting & training
About Me
Resume & Certificates
From United KingdomLiving in Brighton, United Kingdom (03:20 UTC+02:00)
About Me
italki teacher since Mar 25, 2020InterestsMedical & HealthcareReadingFashion & BeautyScienceFood
I'm a CELTA-qualified English teacher with a PhD in Psychology and 20+ years of teaching experience at UK universities. My approach combines academic rigour with extensive experience in public speaking, business consulting and workshop facilitation, allowing me to support students with academic and business communication, exam preparation, and job or university applications and interviews.
I've helped students from science, medicine, engineering, marketing, law, finance and other professional fields improve their English and produce high-quality written work. I use my teaching skills and professional expertise to boost speaking confidence, refine accuracy and fluency, and help you communicate effectively in English-speaking settings.
Depending on your goals, I provide:
• structured A1-C1 courses,
• conversational practice: general, business & academic,
• IELTS/FCE/CAE preparation, tailored to your target score and weakest areas,
• coaching for job and academic interviews, including personal statements/SOPs & CVs,
• academic & business communication mentoring, including writing and presentations.
We can work together on your essays, research papers, proposals, reports and dissertations, focusing on language, structure and critical thinking. For presentations, I’ll help you clarify your ideas, organise your content, adapt it to the audience, and deliver a clear and memorable message.
I’d love to see how I can support your success in academic and business communication!My teaching material
- PDF file
- Text Documents
- Presentation slides/PPT
- Audio files
- Image files
- Video files
- Articles and news
- Quizzes
- Test templates and examples
- Graphs and charts
- Homework Assignments
Certificates
CELTA - Cambridge Assessment - 2019
Certificate verified
CELTA - Cambridge Assessment - 2019I was first introduced to the IELTS Masterclass textbook during my CELTA teacher training when I worked with a group of IELTS preparation students, and this is the programme I now follow with all my IELTS students. Additionally, having worked as a university lecturer and tutor for over 20 years and having marked hundreds of student essays, research reports and dissertations, I'm probably better qualified than most TEFL/TESOL teachers to prepare students for the writing part of the IELTS exam.
Certificate verified
PhD in Experimental Psychology - University of Sussex - 2005As a psychopharmacologist and research methods expert, I've worked on several medical research projects, both as an employee at University College London Hospital (a research project on prenatal genetic testing; 2010 - 2012) and as a freelance research consultant (I can provide a list of relevant medical publications under my name).
Certificate verified
PhD - University of Sussex - 2005In addition to the experience of working in the field of psychopharmacology, I was a programme director of a workplace wellbeing consultancy for 5 years. This role involved conducting assessments, writing proposals, facilitating workshops, managing a team of associate trainers, liaising with HR departments as well as senior managers and directors of client companies, attending business networking events and conferences, and speaking at business events and discussion panels.
Certificate verified
Certificate of Proficiency in English - University of Cambridge - 1995
Certificate verified
Certificate in Advanced English - University of Cambridge - 1995
Certificate verified
Teaching experience
2019 - 2021
ESL TutorTeaching English online to children and adults.
2019 - 2020
Teaching AssistantProviding support and leading sessions with groups of adult ESL learners, ranging from elementary (A1) to upper intermediate (B2).
2019 - 2019
School TutorLeading Research Skills in Psychology module practicals for first year undergraduate students. In addition to providing one-to-one support to students to help them write clear, concise and informative reports, I was also required to provide guidance and feedback to tutors to help them improve their presentation and classroom management skills.
2009 - 2016
Associate TutorTeaching seminars and facilitating practicals on four undergraduate modules (Brain & Behaviour, Cognition in Clinical Contexts, Psychobiology and Clinical & Abnormal Psychology), including essay and practical report marking. I was also required to run Essay Marking & Feedback sessions and provide guidance to new tutors.
2013 - 2013
Visiting LecturerPreparing and delivering a lecture on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder to Cognitive Rehabilitation MSc students.
2012 - 2013
Visiting LecturerConvenor of the Psychopharmacology 3rd year BSc module; this included developing module guide, preparing and delivering lectures, essay marking, setting exam questions and marking exam papers.
2008 - 2010
Visiting LecturerPreparing and delivering lectures and tutorials on four undergraduate modules (Biological Basis of Behaviour, Introduction to Biological and Cognitive Psychology, Issues in Empirical Psychology and Research Methods), including essay, practical report and exam marking.
2006 - 2007
Visiting LecturerPreparing and delivering lectures on the Applied Cognitive Neuroscience (MSc) & Neuropharmacology of Cognition (3rd Year BSc) modules.
2004 - 2004
Associate TutorTeaching seminars as part of the Neuroscience of Behaviour (2nd Year undergraduate module).
1999 - 2003
Graduate Teaching AssistantTeaching seminars and tutorials on a number of undergraduate psychology-related modules, including co-convening the Clinical & Abnormal Psychology 3rd year BA module.
Education
1996 - 1999
Bachelor’s - Experimental Psychology
1999 - 2004
Doctorate - Experimental PsychologyPsychopharmacology research project funded by the Overseas Research Student Award (Universities UK) and the Graduate Teaching Assistantship (University of Sussex).
Doctoral thesis title:
An investigation into the effects of stress and hostility trait on alcohol-related behaviours in social drinkers.
Work Experience
2015 - 2020
Programme DirectorWorking with client organisations in commercial and not-for-profit sectors, assessing the wellbeing needs of their employees, designing workplace wellbeing programmes, facilitating workshops and trainings, and evaluating programme effectiveness. In this role I also managed a team of associate facilitators and trainers.
2010 - 2012
Research PsychologistWorking on a National Institute of Health Research-funded project developing non-invasive prenatal testing for Down's syndrome and other genetic disorders.
2005 - 2008
Research FellowWorking on a Wellcome Trust-funded project investigating the role of the glutamate system in nicotine addiction.
2004 - 2004
Research OfficerWorking on an MRC-funded research project investigating psychological effects of repeated alcohol withdrawal and binge drinking.
1999 - 1999
Research AssistantSummer studentship, working on a Nuffield-funded project investigating alcohol-induced appetizer effect.
5.0
Rating
262
Students
2,809
Lessons
100%
Attendance rate
100%
Response rate
English Lessons
Trial Lesson
136 lessons completed
USD 35.00+
Job interview & PhD interview preparation
B2 - C2Business256 lessons completed
USD 55.00+
Package with 19% off
Business English: personalised 1-to-1 lessons
B1 - C2Business409 lessons completed
USD 40.00+
Package with 15% off
English for Scientists & Medical Professionals - improve your writing, presentation and job interview skills!
B1 - C2Medical149 lessons completed
USD 75.00+
Package with 30% off
Academic Writing & Discussion Skills - for secondary school, college & university students (undergraduate, Master's, PhD) - includes SOP & CV writing
B2 - C2Language Essentials652 lessons completed
USD 50.00+
Package with 22% off
Test Preparation - IELTS, FCE & CAE exams
B2 - C2Test Preparation217 lessons completed
USD 65.00+
Package with 10% off
General conversation / Elementary, Intermediate & Advanced courses
A1 - C1Language Essentials990 lessons completed
USD 35.00+
Package with 17% off
Presentation Skills: academic & business presentations (NEW lesson category, previously offered under Academic Skills)
B2 - C2Language Essentials0 lessons completed
USD 50.00+
Package with 22% off
Availability
123 Reviews
yuchen
16 English lessons
Teacher’s pick
Dr. J is the best teacher I’ve encountered on italki. I truly appreciate her not only for the knowledge I've gained but also for the influence she's had on my future career. I have enjoyed every class with her. Her professionalism and dedication to her students are remarkable. As someone with no prior research experience, I've made significant progress under her guidance. Dr. J genuinely cares about each student, always approachable and supportive. Her lessons are well-structured and focused; every word she shares is valuable and relevant, helping me clearly understand how to improve. Thank you for your guidance, and I hope to continue learning from you!
Aug 18, 2024
Michał Misiak
3 English lessons
Teacher’s pick
Jelena is a wonderful teacher! She helped me prepare documents for my application for a job at Oxford University. Her suggestions helped me highlight my strengths and feel confident with my CV and cover letter. I highly recommend her to anyone who is preparing their documents to apply for a job. Thank you so much for your help!
Apr 24, 2021
Zhilin
36 English lessons
Dr. Jelena is a great teacher with patience, guidance and encourages. Looking forward to explore more with her.
Nov 6, 2025
Omar
9 English lessons
Teacher’s pick
She's the BEST!🔥 🔥 🔥
Having received assistance from various college resources and tutors on campus, as well as reviewing help online, I must say that my experience with Dr J has been exceptional. She genuinely cares about her students and goes above and beyond to collaborate and bring out the best in their essays. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking academic support
Jan 30, 2024
NHO
2 English lessons
Dr. J has been amazing in helping me prepare for my job interview. She takes a deep interest in my motivation and asks thoughtful questions in an effective, supportive way. I really love her teaching style, and I will definitely make sure to do more sessions with her. Thank you so much, Dr. J!
Apr 9, 2026
Firas aoun
1 English lesson
Jelena is a good teacher and business mentor ,she helped me to understand the subject we talked about in many aspects.
Oct 24, 2025
Trial Lesson
USD 35.00
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