Professor & Scientist: Cell Biology, Gene and Protein Engineering

Karmella H.

I am a professor and research scientist with a Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics and over 14 years of experience teaching biology, genetics, molecular biology, and synthetic biology at the college and graduate school levels. I currently teach in the joint Emory University / Georgia Tech Biomedical Engineering program, where I mentor undergraduate and graduate students and lead a research team studying gene regulation, chromatin biology, and engineered biological systems. My background also includes advising college teams for the International Genetically Engineered Machines (iGEM) competition, and co-founding the internationally recognized Cold Spring Harbor Synthetic Biology Course, where I have trained students and educators from around the world.

My teaching experience spans one-on-one tutoring, small-group instruction, and full classroom settings. I have worked with learners ranging from motivated high school students preparing for AP Biology or college entry, to undergraduate STEM majors, to graduate students working toward medical or research careers. My approach is patient, clear, and personalized: I begin by identifying what a student already understands, then build concepts step-by-step until they feel confident applying the material independently. I specialize in helping students understand challenging topics like genetics, biochemistry, gene regulation, epigenetics, and problem-solving in biology.

Students often tell me that I make difficult concepts feel intuitive and relatable. I enjoy helping learners strengthen their study strategies, prepare for exams, and build long-term confidence in science. Whether you need support with a specific class, want to prepare for college-level biology, or hope to deepen your understanding of molecular genetics, I would be happy to help you reach your goals.