Award-winning Cornell PhD with passion for teaching

David F.

Hi, I’m David! I’ve spent years training students to think like scientists, moving beyond memorization to true understanding and application. I earned my Ph.D. in Biomedical Science from Weill Cornell Medicine, where my research focused on molecular biology, biochemistry, and cancer biology, earning awards like the the Ruth L. Kirschstein Fellowship from the NIH, the AACR Scholar-in-Training Award for Outstanding Young Investigators, and the Julian R. Rachele Prize, the highest award for distinguished thesis research.

But what I love most is teaching and mentoring—helping students build confidence, sharpen reasoning skills, and develop a deep, lasting understanding of science. My approach is rooted in active learning, where students learn to break down problems, connect ideas, and think critically across subjects.

Historically, young scholars thrived under one-on-one mentorship, where expert tutors nurtured curiosity and intellectual independence. I bring this same philosophy to my teaching by helping younger learners think deeply, explore widely, and engage meaningfully with new ideas.

Today, students rarely get the chance to slow down and truly engage with ideas in a way that sparks genuine interest and understanding. My goal is to provide that space where learning is not just about passing tests, but about cultivating a deep and lasting intellectual foundation that will nurture the ability to think, question, and learn with excitement and confidence. In my approach, I strive to foster intellectual curiosity, build strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and to create a personalized, engaging learning experience.

Book a free introductory session to discuss your learning needs and see if we’re a good fit!