Princeton Chemistry Graduate / Experienced Tutor / AP Chem, Bio, ESL

Catherine S.

Hi! My name is Cat and I graduated magna cum laude from Princeton University in 2020 with a B.A. in Chemistry and Sigma Xi Research Society honors. As an undergraduate, I served as an Organic Chemistry Teaching Assistant and led small group sessions of 5-10 students to learn topics such as spectroscopy, acid/base chemistry, and reaction mechanisms. I also became TEFL certified and developed an intermediate English curriculum for college students in Jishou, China, through Princeton in Asia. These diverse experiences have prepared me well with strategies for scientific and language instruction, and honed my ability to adapt complex material for learners of all backgrounds. My approach combines subject expertise with mentorship- I strive to meet students where they are and help them develop both confidence as well as mastery.

Over the past five years, I have also tutored high school students across Chemistry, Biology, Physics, AP-level coursework, and standardized test preparation (AP, SAT subject tests, GED). My experience spans one-on-one tutoring through organizations such as Gooroo, Princeton Tutoring, and Cambridge Community Learning Center, as well as classroom instruction through Princeton in Asia. Across these contexts, I have worked with students ranging from middle school through college. I strive to design individualized and context-relevant lesson plans, create practice problems, and emphasize critical thinking.

In addition to tutoring, I have professional experience as a scientist in biomaterials and cell biology, which keeps my scientific knowledge up-to-date.

My goal as a tutor is not only to improve academic performance, but also to inspire students to see learning as accessible, exciting, and relevant to their own daily lives and aspirations!