Ivy League Ph.D: English, Writing, Biology, Study Skills, Career Plans

Hello, My name is Margaret and I'd like to tell you a few things about me to help you decide if I am the right tutor for you.

I hold a Ph.D.from Cornell University with a major in neurobiology, and minors in physiology and psychology. Postdoctoral studies included epidemiology and public health at several prominent Schools of Public Health. I graduated first in my undergraduate university class and received a B.A. (magna cum laude) in Biology with a minor in Chemistry, and was recognized for achieving the highest average in Biology. I was elected to Beta Beta Beta, the National Honor Society for Biology, and Alpha Mu Gamma, National Honor Society for Foreign Languages. I was recognized for my teaching ability by the Cornell University Center for the improvement of undergraduate education.

Ever since college, I've been called upon by classmates and colleagues for instructional assistance and now have an active tutoring practice for students from high school age and above, with an emphasis on adult learners in college, graduate school and working professionals.

My career has been in clinical and public health research, and I have taken numerous postdoctoral courses in epidemiology and clinical trials, public health, and methodology. I have always loved writing. So far I have authored over 100 published articles and book chapters, given many lectures and presentations, and have edited 12 books. I have won numerous awards for my accomplishments in research, administration, and for mentoring and teaching college students in the health and behavioral sciences.

I tutor because it gives me great satisfaction to assist learners to reach their goals by working through a program that I design for each individual, tailored to meet their particular needs and learning style.

My personal goal is to teach others about the subjects I love, and to share the successful study skills I have developed over the years. I especially emphasize writing, a critical skill for success in any field. One of my strengths is to help students develop efficient methods of study, including ways to break large, confusing assignments into manageable chunks, to master reading with high comprehension and retention, to become highly organized, and to write effectively.

If your tutoring needs involve writing, composition, grammar, vocabulary improvement, biology, chemistry, psychology, epidemiology, clinical trials, study skills,or career development I will be happy to discuss your needs and describe what I feel is the optimal approach to achieve your goals. I design specialized study materials and exercises for each student as needed and can provide on-line learning for those who wish.

It is my responsibility to be creative so that your lessons are interesting, relevant and tailored to your needs. I encourage questions and feedback and am a positive and patient person. I believe in going the extra mile to help each of my students succeed.

Margaret's Subjects

Science:	biology, chemistry, physiology, psychology, zoology
English:	English, ESL/ESOL, grammar, literature, proofreading, public speaking, reading, SAT reading, SAT writing, TOEFL, vocabulary, writing
Test Preparation:	career development, GED, SAT reading, SAT writing, TOEFL
Computer:	general computer, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word
Language:	ESL/ESOL, speech, TOEFL
History:	religion
Elementary Education:	grammar, reading, study skills, vocabulary
Business:	career development, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, public speaking
Corporate Training:	career development, ESL/ESOL, general computer, grammar, Microsoft Word, proofreading, public speaking
Homeschool:	biology, chemistry, English, ESL/ESOL, reading, SAT reading, study skills, writing

Study Skills

Regardless of the subject or the age of the student, acquisition of good study skills is essential for success. Not only will these skills be of use while in school, but many jobs require the same kind of discipline and organization involved in good study skills.

There are many aspects of study skills, including: (1) Focus and attention—the ability to shut out distractions and concentrate on the task at hand, (2) Listening, effective note-taking, and obtaining clarification as needed... Read More

Religion

Religion has always been an important part of my life. I look at religion as a guidepost for moral and ethical decision-making, and as a source of inspiration for dealing with the difficult parts of life. My view is inclusive in that I do not consider any one religion superior to another. They each address the Higher Power in life, just in a different manner, much as different languages all are communication tools but with different sounds and conventions.

My education was in Catholic... Read More

Career Development

I can offer students career guidance in preparing for college regardless of their intended major, and in particular for careers in life sciences and biomedical science. Today, college and graduate/professional school is extremely competitive and demanding. Students' chances for success are increased when they understand what the expectations in college will be and when they have solid study skills,critical reading ability, confidence in test taking, note taking, mastering their textbook, time... Read More

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Education

BA, Holy Family University of PA (Biology ) Cornell University (PhD) University of Minnesota (Twin Cities) (Graduate Coursework)

Excellent Teacher Ever!! — My daughter had tutors before but Margaret is incomparable to anyone my daughter had in the past. She is an exceptionally excellent teacher. She spends tremendous time planning what would be best for my daughter. Very thorough and detailed instructions, lesson plans and feedback are the best of what I have experienced. With gentle, kind and encouraging personality Margaret has, my daughter is very ...

— Ji from Ellicott City, MD

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