UCLA Biology and Chemistry Tutor

Sonia P.

I am a UCLA undergraduate student majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Computational and Structural Biology. My academic background includes coursework in general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, and biochemistry, giving me a strong foundation in the subjects I tutor. I have served as a Learning Assistant (LA) for three UCLA courses: Chemistry 20B, Life Sciences 7A, and Chemistry 30A (Organic Chemistry). Through these courses, I have developed experience explaining challenging scientific concepts and helping students build both their understanding and confidence.

As a Learning Assistant, I have worked with UCLA undergraduate students in a classroom and small-group setting. My responsibilities have included answering questions, walking students through difficult problems, clarifying lecture material, and helping students develop effective approaches to solving problems rather than simply giving them answers. I try to adjust my explanations based on each student's level of understanding, using examples, step-by-step reasoning, and questions to identify where they are getting stuck. My experience as an LA for Chemistry 20B, Life Sciences 7A, and especially Chemistry 30A has allowed me to work with students across different levels of STEM coursework and has strengthened my ability to communicate complex concepts in a clear and approachable way.

I am particularly comfortable tutoring chemistry and biology at the high school and undergraduate levels, including general chemistry, introductory biology, and organic chemistry. My experience supporting students in UCLA courses has also taught me how to create a welcoming environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes while learning.