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From first-gen student to PhD candidate, here to help you
Sophia M.

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About Sophia

Bio

Hi, I'm Sophia! I'm a first-generation college graduate with a B.S. in Animal Behavior and a double major in Psychology, plus minors in Neuropsychology, Anthrozoology, and Clinical Counseling. Being the first in my family to navigate college, I know how overwhelming it can feel without guidance. That experience is a huge part of why I tutor today—I want to be the resource I wish I'd had, someone who breaks things down clearly and makes the whole journey feel less intimidating.
I'm currently...

Hi, I'm Sophia! I'm a first-generation college graduate with a B.S. in Animal Behavior and a double major in Psychology, plus minors in Neuropsychology, Anthrozoology, and Clinical Counseling. Being the first in my family to navigate college, I know how overwhelming it can feel without guidance. That experience is a huge part of why I tutor today—I want to be the resource I wish I'd had, someone who breaks things down clearly and makes the whole journey feel less intimidating.
I'm currently a PhD candidate in Neuroscience at Boston University, specializing in Neuropharmacology. My research investigates the genetic and neurobiological mechanisms underlying opioid addiction, and I've had the opportunity to present my work at local, national, and international conferences, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and receive multiple awards for my research. Along the way, I've built a strong foundation in molecular biology, behavioral neuroscience, and data analysis—skills that translate directly into helping students think critically and problem-solve, whether we're tackling biology, psychology, or research methods.
Alongside my research, I mentor undergraduates, master's students, and research technicians. A lot of this mentorship centers on helping students prepare graduate school applications, build resumes, and get ready for the job search—so I bring that same guidance to tutoring, whether we're working through coursework or planning your next big step academically or professionally.
My approach is all about meeting you where you are. I take time to understand not just the material you're working on, but your goals and learning style, then tailor our sessions accordingly. Whether it's untangling a tough concept, prepping for an exam, or mapping out a plan for grad school or a career move, I'm genuinely invested in helping you succeed.
I love what I do because I love watching people grow more confident in their own abilities. If you have any questions or want to schedule a session, I'd be happy to hear from you!

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Education

Canisius University
Animal Behavior
Boston University
PhD

Policies

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Approved Subjects

Career Development

Career Development

My own career path has taken me from an animal care technician and research assistant during undergrad, through multiple research technician roles, into a PhD program — so I understand firsthand how gaining experience, building relationships with mentors, and reassessing your goals over time shapes a career (I didn't always know I'd end up in academia, and I've had to make deliberate pivots along the way). Since 2022, I've mentored undergraduate and graduate students through Boston University's Undergraduate Mentorship Program on resumes, professional applications, and navigating next steps in their careers, and I currently mentor six students across several universities in different fields (bioinformatics, data science, biology, health sciences). I've also supervised students in structured research programs (BU's Research in Science and Engineering Program, the NIDA Summer Research Internship), helping them build practical skills and think through what direction they want to take. Whether someone's trying to figure out their next step, build a stronger resume, or make sense of a career pivot, I can offer both personal experience and years of hands-on mentorship guiding others through the same questions.
College Counseling

College Counseling

When I applied to and started college, I had no idea what I wanted to do — I found my major and figured out what actually worked for me (study habits, balancing coursework and jobs, etc.) through a lot of trial and error, without much guidance along the way. That experience is a big part of why I mentor now: since 2022, I've worked with students through Boston University's Undergraduate Mentorship Program on application essays, resumes, and navigating the process, and I currently mentor six students across several local universities. I've also worked with high school students through BU's Research in Science and Engineering Program, helping them think through the college application process before they hit the same uncertainty I did. I'd love to help students find their own path with the guidance I wish I'd had — whether that's figuring out what they want to study, how they work best, or how to present themselves well on paper and in interviews.
Data Analysis

Data Analysis

As a PhD candidate, data analysis is central to my research — I regularly analyze behavioral, molecular, and physiological data from mouse models, using statistical software like GraphPad Prism to test hypotheses and generate publication-quality figures. My work spans a range of data types, from quantitative behavioral assays and gene expression data to imaging-based measures (e.g., functional connectivity, permeability assays), requiring me to choose appropriate statistical tests and interpret results rigorously. This experience is reflected in multiple peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations where data analysis and interpretation were central to the findings. I've also mentored undergraduate and graduate students in developing these same analytical skills, from experimental design through figure preparation.
Genetics

Genetics

My PhD thesis is in addiction genetics — I study how genetic variation (specifically the gene Zhx2) drives differences in opioid metabolism and addiction-related behaviors, using knockout and transgenic mouse models to test gene function directly. This work requires deep, applied knowledge of core genetics concepts: gene expression, knockout/knock-in model design, quantitative trait analysis, and multi-omics approaches linking genotype to phenotype. I've presented this research at national and international genetics-focused conferences (including the International Behavioral and Neural Genetics Society) and have multiple peer-reviewed publications applying genetics methodology to behavioral and molecular questions. I've also mentored undergraduate and graduate students on genetics-based research techniques, from experimental design through data interpretation.
Neuroscience

Neuroscience

I was offered entrance into the Graduate Program for Neuroscience in 2022 (9 acceptances out of 600 applicants), where I have taken classes in Cognitive Neuroscience, Neuroanatomy, Neuropharmacology, and Systems Neuroscience. My thesis falls into the Addiction Neuroscience field.
Personal Statements

Personal Statements

Through Boston University's Undergraduate Mentorship Program, I've helped numerous students draft and refine personal statements for graduate school and other professional applications since 2022, and I currently mentor six students across different fields and universities on this exact process. I've also guided high school students through BU's Research in Science and Engineering Program in thinking through how to present their experiences and goals as they prepare for college applications. Having gone through multiple rounds of my own applications — for undergrad, grad school, and research positions — I know firsthand how hard it is to translate your experiences into a compelling, authentic narrative, and how much a second set of eyes can help. I work with students to identify what makes their story distinct, tighten their writing, and make sure their voice — not a generic template — comes through on the page.
Pharmacology

Pharmacology

I'm a PhD candidate in Neuroscience at Boston University with a Neuropharmacology specialization, studying addiction genetics. My thesis focuses on how genetic variation affects Phase I and Phase II metabolism of opioids (specifically oxycodone to oxymorphone conversion) and how that shapes addiction-related behaviors. This requires deep, applied knowledge of drug mechanisms, metabolism pathways, and pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics — the core content of pharmacology coursework. I've presented this research at national and international conferences and have multiple peer-reviewed publications in pharmacology and neuroscience journals.
Psychology

Psychology

I double majored in Psychology in undergrad and am pursuing a PhD in Neuroscience at Boston University, which has allowed me to learn and understand the ins and outs of the brain at a behavioral and molecular scale.
Public Speaking

Public Speaking

As a PhD candidate, I regularly present across a wide range of public speaking formats as part of my program's requirements — from 60-minute progress reports and 30-minute seminar talks to 3-minute data blitzes and 15-minute in-class presentations. I've also presented at national and international conferences, both formally (10-25 minute talks) and informally (poster sessions involving hours of sustained, adaptive conversation with attendees). This range has given me practice adjusting content, pacing, and delivery style for different audiences, time constraints, and formality levels — a skill set that translates directly to helping others build confidence and clarity in their own public speaking. I've also mentored students for years on presentation skills, including preparing them for their own poster presentations and talks.
Zoology

Zoology

My undergraduate degree from Canisius University was in Animal Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation (ABEC) and I have minor in Anthrozoology. I worked in a Freshwater Ecology Research Lab during undergrad that focused on understanding the function and self sufficiency of freshwater streams. I also won the ABEC Excellence in Research Award for my work.
Anatomy
Biology
Elementary Science
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft PowerPoint
Music Theory
Proofreading
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Hourly Rate: $40
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