STEM Educator and Professional

Ray R.

I am thrilled to share my journey in science and education, beginning with my graduation from the University of Texas at Austin with a BSA with Distinction in Biology and a minor in Business, where I earned University Honors for my last 3 semesters. Currently, I am furthering my academic pursuits at Johns Hopkins University, specializing in Regenerative and Stem Cell Technologies, where I have maintained a 4.0 GPA so far. My academic journey is complemented by several years of dedicated involvement in the STEM disciplines, during which I have accumulated a wealth of experience and knowledge. During my undergrad, starting in 2017, I volunteered to tutor students one-on-one in subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Mathematics, and MCAT preparation. This experience reinforced my understanding and commitment to educational outreach, tailoring my approach to individual student needs for personalized learning.

I advocate a three-step learning process: direct instruction, demonstrations, and hands-on practice. This philosophy ensures that students are exposed to new information in multiple contexts, enhancing their understanding and retention. For example, after explaining a concept, I show it in action through examples or experiments, and then encourage the student to apply the concept themselves, providing a comprehensive learning experience that prepares them well for any evaluations.

One of my most rewarding experiences involved using visual learning techniques to guide a student through the complexities of organic chemistry. By incorporating diagrams, visual aids, and step-by-step visual walkthroughs of chemical reactions, I was able to demystify abstract concepts, making them more accessible and less intimidating. This approach not only improved the student's confidence and performance but also highlighted the effectiveness of visual learning in understanding complex subjects.