STEM Expertise with a Confidence-First, Student-Centered Approach

Margjela S.

I’m a tutor who combines a strong STEM background with a patient, confidence-building approach to learning. I earned my B.S. in Engineering Physics from Fordham University and my M.S. in Neuroscience from Columbia University, and I am currently a PhD candidate in Cellular and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics at Columbia. This combination allows me to teach challenging material clearly while also understanding how students learn, where frustration comes from, and how to help concepts truly stick

I have over ten years of tutoring experience working with students from elementary school through college, primarily in one-on-one settings. I’ve taught Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and English, and I’ve helped students prepare for exams such as the SHSAT, SAT, ACT, and multiple AP courses. My background includes private tutoring, teaching assistant roles in physics at Fordham University, test-prep instruction, and tutoring students from underserved communities. I’ve also taught STEM and robotics concepts to younger students, which helped me develop flexibility and clarity in my teaching style across age groups and learning levels.

My tutoring method is structured but supportive. I start by identifying where a student’s understanding breaks down and whether the challenge is content, strategy, or confidence. I then break material into manageable steps, focus on pattern recognition and problem-solving strategies, and reinforce skills through targeted practice rather than repetition alone. I place a strong emphasis on building independence so students learn how to approach new problems on their own. Above all, my goal is for students to leave sessions feeling capable, motivated, and confident in their ability to succeed academically.