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Biology Major | Smith College TA | SAT, STEM Tutor
Calista A.

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Hourly Rate: $30
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About Calista

Bio

I am a rising senior at Smith College majoring in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry (GPA: 3.96). My coursework includes biochemistry, microbiology with lab, cell biology, genetics, organic and inorganic chemistry, and statistics. I also have extensive laboratory training in molecular biology techniques including PCR, DNA sequencing and analysis, gel electrophoresis, bacterial culture, and data analysis using R and GraphPad Prism.

I have over three years of experience as a...

I am a rising senior at Smith College majoring in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry (GPA: 3.96). My coursework includes biochemistry, microbiology with lab, cell biology, genetics, organic and inorganic chemistry, and statistics. I also have extensive laboratory training in molecular biology techniques including PCR, DNA sequencing and analysis, gel electrophoresis, bacterial culture, and data analysis using R and GraphPad Prism.

I have over three years of experience as a Teaching Assistant in undergraduate biology laboratories at Smith College, where I support approximately 80 students per semester. I facilitate weekly lab instruction in genomics and microbial systems, guiding students through experimental procedures such as DNA isolation, PCR, sequencing analysis, and microbial culturing, while helping them interpret results and troubleshoot experiments. I also help prepare and pilot lab materials and ensure proper biosafety (BSL-2) practices.

In addition, I serve as a Teaching Assistant in a Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE), where students conduct independent bacteriophage research. I support experimental design, microbiology techniques, and data interpretation while maintaining cultures and preparing lab materials.

I also have experience teaching high school students through a summer science program, where I mentored 16 students in independent microbiology research and served as a residential counselor for ~40 students. In this role, I provided both academic support and one-on-one mentoring.

Across all settings, I emphasize clear explanations, patience, and step-by-step problem solving. I am experienced in working with both high school and college students and in adapting instruction to different learning levels in biology, chemistry, and math-related subjects including SAT preparation.

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Education

Smith College
Biological Sciences

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Approved Subjects

Biology

Biology

I am a rising senior at Smith College majoring in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry and a 3.96 GPA. I have over three years of experience as a Teaching Assistant for undergraduate biology laboratory courses, where I support students in genomics, genetics, and microbial systems through hands-on instruction in techniques such as PCR, DNA sequencing analysis, gel electrophoresis, and bacterial culturing. I also conduct independent microbiology research focused on bacterial interactions and biofilm formation, which has strengthened my expertise in experimental design and data analysis. In addition, I have experience teaching both high school and college students in classroom, laboratory, and one-on-one settings, allowing me to adapt explanations to different learning levels.
Earth Science

Earth Science

I am a Biology major at Smith College with a minor in Chemistry and a strong foundation in environmental and earth sciences. I earned a score of 5 on the AP Environmental Science exam, reflecting a high level of proficiency in topics such as ecosystems, climate systems, geochemical cycles, and human impacts on the environment. My coursework in chemistry and biology further supports my understanding of earth systems, including atmospheric processes, biogeochemical cycles, and environmental change. I focus on helping students understand big-picture concepts while also building the analytical and problem-solving skills needed for success in class and on exams. I break down complex topics into clear, manageable ideas and tailor sessions to each student’s needs, whether they are preparing for exams, working through assignments, or strengthening foundational knowledge. My goal is to make earth science engaging, understandable, and relevant to the real world.
European History

European History

I am a Smith College student with a strong background in history and writing, including a score of 5 on AP European History as well as AP U.S. History and AP World History. I have experience working as a social studies and writing tutor, where I helped students strengthen their understanding of historical content while also improving their analytical writing skills. In European history, I support students with both content mastery and the skills needed for success on exams, including document analysis, thesis development, and evidence-based essays (DBQs and LEQs). I focus on helping students see connections across time periods, understand cause-and-effect relationships, and build clear, well-supported arguments. My approach is structured, patient, and tailored to each student’s needs, whether they are preparing for AP exams or improving their performance in class.
Literature

Literature

I am a Smith College student with a strong background in literature and academic writing, including a score of 5 on AP Literature. I have also worked as a writing tutor, where I helped students develop clear, well-structured essays and strengthen their analytical thinking. In literature and writing tutoring, I focus on helping students break down complex texts, build strong interpretations, and express their ideas clearly and effectively. I have experience supporting thesis development, close reading, evidence integration, and essay organization. I also help students prepare for timed essays and improve revision strategies. My approach is structured but flexible; I aim to make writing feel more manageable while helping students build confidence and develop their own voice.
SAT Math

SAT Math

I am a Biology major at Smith College with extensive experience in teaching and mentoring students in STEM subjects. I have over three years of experience as a Teaching Assistant for college-level biology laboratories, where I regularly help students develop problem-solving skills, interpret data, and work through complex quantitative concepts. My background has strengthened my ability to break down challenging material into clear, step-by-step explanations. In addition to my teaching assistant experience, I have worked with high school students through academic mentoring and tutoring in structured classroom and one-on-one settings. I focus on building strong foundations in algebra, problem-solving strategies, and test-taking skills that are essential for success on the SAT Math section. My approach emphasizes clarity, patience, and helping students understand not just how to solve problems, but why methods work. I tailor each session to the student’s needs, whether that involves reviewing core concepts, practicing timed sections, or targeting specific weaknesses. My goal is to help students build confidence and improve accuracy and speed through consistent, structured practice.
SAT Reading
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Hourly Rate: $30
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