PhD Computational Biologist |10 years Tutoring Exp

Hongru Y.

I am a Ph.D. candidate in Bioengineering (Bioinformatics track) at UC San Diego, with rigorous training in biology, mathematics, statistics, and programming. I tutor biology across levels—from foundational topics like cells, genetics, evolution, and physiology to AP Biology and introductory college biology—by building strong intuition first and then reinforcing it with practice questions. I also tutor math from middle school through early college, including pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and pre-calculus, with support for test prep and course exams when needed.

My teaching experience includes one-on-one and small-group support with students ranging from middle school to college. I work comfortably with learners of all skill levels, including students who feel behind or anxious about STEM. I start by identifying exactly where confusion begins, then break concepts into simple steps and use plenty of guided practice to turn “I get it” into “I can do it.” I’m patient with questions, and I adjust pace and explanations until the student feels confident.

My approach is structured and encouraging: short explanations, worked examples, and intentional practice with immediate feedback. For math, I focus on problem-solving habits, showing multiple methods when helpful and teaching students how to check their work. For biology, I connect ideas to real-life examples and visuals so the material sticks, then use active recall and spaced review to improve retention. My goal is to help each student build a reliable learning process, stronger grades, and genuine confidence over time.