Why I Created Simply Biochem
Hi! I’m Alaina, and welcome to Simply Biochem. Biochemistry has a reputation for being one of the hardest subjects in science. Between metabolic pathways, enzyme mechanisms, and what feels like an endless list of molecules to memorize, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. My goal is to make those concepts easier to grasp by breaking them down into clear explanations, helpful visuals, and study resources that focus on actually understanding the material instead of just memorizing it.
Simply Biochem actually started with the study materials I made for myself back in college. I found that drawing out diagrams, building comparison tables, and writing my own explanations helped me connect ideas in a way lectures and textbooks just couldn’t. Before long, my notebooks had turned into this whole collection of resources I kept coming back to.
When I started tutoring and leading Supplemental Instruction sessions, I noticed a lot of students were stuck on the exact same concepts that used to confuse me. The diagrams, worksheets, and explanations that had helped me suddenly became tools I could use to help other people, and that’s when I realized how much I loved teaching. That’s really what inspired me to create Simply Biochem.
Today, this is where I share the lessons, illustrations, worksheets, study guides, and other tools I wish I’d had when I first started learning biochemistry. Every single resource is put together with one goal: to help students really understand the amazing chemistry that makes life possible. Whether you’re studying for an exam, reviewing something tricky, or just curious about how living systems work, I’m really glad you’re here. I hope these resources make things a little easier for you, and maybe even help you see why I fell in love with biochemistry in the first place.
My Mission
My goal is simple: make biochemistry easier to understand and more enjoyable for students. I’ve always believed real learning happens when you actually understand the concepts, not when you memorize a bunch of facts. Instead of asking “what do I need to memorize for the test?”, I want students asking “why does this actually happen?” Once you start putting together the pieces, biochemistry stops feeling like a jumble of random pathways and starts feeling like this fascinating story about how life works at the molecular level. That’s the idea behind everything on Simply Biochem. Whether it’s a lesson, a diagram, or a worksheet, I’m always aiming for the same thing: explain hard concepts clearly and accurately, while helping students feel more confident along the way. Mostly, I just want Simply Biochem to be a place where students feel welcome to ask questions, stay curious, and realize that yes, they can understand biochemistry. If these resources help even one student feel a little less overwhelmed and a little more excited about learning it, then I’ve done what I set out to do.
The Story Behind The Scientist
Outside of biochemistry, I’m just a girl from Minnesota who loves spending time with family, being at our cabin on the lake, and dreaming about the day I can have way too many dogs. (Seriously… if it were up to me, I’d probably have ten.) You’ll also almost always find me listening to 2010s music because, in my completely unbiased opinion, it was the best decade for playlists. Growing up, I was convinced I was going to become a veterinarian. I loved animals from the time I was little, and for years I never questioned that path. Eventually, I packed up my life, moved to Texas, and became an Aggie. Whoop! College, however, had other plans.
As I worked through my undergraduate courses, I slowly realized that although I still loved animals, veterinary medicine wasn’t the career that truly excited me. Making that decision during my junior year was much harder than I expected. While many of my friends seemed to have their futures mapped out with medical school, dental school, or veterinary school, I felt like I was starting over. It was honestly a stressful and uncertain time, and I wasn’t sure where I belonged.
One thing I did know was that I loved chemistry, especially organic chemistry. I began tutoring because I genuinely enjoyed helping students understand concepts that once seemed intimidating. Around that same time, I enrolled in biochemistry with Dr. Pozzi, and everything changed. For the first time, biochemistry felt like more than just another class. It became a subject I couldn’t stop thinking about. I found myself fascinated by enzyme mechanisms, metabolism, and the incredible chemistry that allows every living cell to function. More importantly, I discovered how much I loved teaching and explaining those ideas to others.
I can honestly say that none of this would have happened without Dr. Pozzi. Her enthusiasm for biochemistry was contagious, and she challenged me to think more deeply, ask better questions, and become a stronger scientist. More than that, she believed in me during a time when I wasn’t entirely sure where I was headed. She inspired me to become a better student, a better teacher, and a better person, and she completely changed the direction of my career. Simply Biochem would not exist without her encouragement, mentorship, and unwavering passion for teaching. I will always be grateful for the impact she has had on my life.
Today, I know exactly where I want my journey to lead. I plan to pursue a PhD in biochemistry with the hope of one day becoming a professor. My greatest goal is to create the same kind of learning environment that Dr. Pozzi created for me, one where students feel challenged, supported, and excited to learn. If I can help even a handful of students discover a passion for biochemistry the way she helped me discover mine, then I’ll know I’ve chosen the right path.