NSF Graduate Research Fellow, and Consultant, at UCLA

Mykel B.

I run my research lab at UCLA, where I’m responsible for the professional and scientific development of all our scholars—from high school students to post-baccalaureate researchers and graduate students. As a Ph.D. candidate in Molecular Biology supported by the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, I study how DNA enhancer sequences control gene expression through both experimental and computational approaches. My writing and analytical skills were recognized through UCLA’s Best Written Qualifying Exam award, and I serve as a teaching assistant for MCD 142: Design Principles of Biological Circuits, where I help students connect molecular logic to system-level biological design.

My teaching philosophy combines structure, curiosity, and communication. As a Graduate Writing Consultant at UCLA, I help students across disciplines craft competitive research statements, fellowship essays, and manuscripts. I bring that same focus on clarity and reasoning to my science tutoring—emphasizing critical thinking over memorization and helping students engage with science as a creative, logical process. I’ve also been honored with an international conference presentation award and the Taylor Brown Award for Excellence in Education, which reflect my dedication to making complex science accessible and inspiring.

Across all levels—high school, undergraduate, post-bac, and graduate—I aim to make learning empowering and discovery-driven. My goal is not only to help students master content but also to build curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong capacity for scientific thinking.