Hi! I just graduated from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor with a MS in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Prior to that, I got my BA in Politics with minors in both Biology and Spanish from Pomona College, a prestigious small liberal arts college. I believe my strong narrative voice in my personal statements was key to me receiving a full ride to Pomona College as well full funding for my masters program, a skill I look forward to imparting on my students. I also served on the admissions...
Hi! I just graduated from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor with a MS in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Prior to that, I got my BA in Politics with minors in both Biology and Spanish from Pomona College, a prestigious small liberal arts college. I believe my strong narrative voice in my personal statements was key to me receiving a full ride to Pomona College as well full funding for my masters program, a skill I look forward to imparting on my students. I also served on the admissions committee for my graduate program, giving me a new perspective on what admissions committees are looking for!
As a graduate student at the U of Michigan I taught undergraduates in groups of 15-20. I led seminar-style discussions, lectured on scientific concepts, and hosted one-on-one office hour sessions for students struggling with material. Although undergraduates at U of Michigan tend to be high-achievers, each student has their own strengths and weaknesses as well as individual learning styles. I had 2-3 sections of 15-20 students each semester; despite covering identical material, I tailored instruction for each section based on the needs of the individual students in each group.
My pedagogy is premised on the idea that students should understand the *why* of whatever it is they're learning. Fostering strong critical thinking and reasoning skills enable students to approach even new and unknown topics with confidence and purpose. Memorization certainly has its place, such as with nomenclature in organic chemistry. But generally, my goal is not for my students to simply memorize whatever I've taught them. Rather, I want them to understand the logic behind a concept, a logic that they can then apply to new material in a positive feedback loop.
I am glad to work with students and, when applicable, parents to co-develop a learning plan that best suits the student's needs and goals. Please feel free to reach out to me, I will do my best to respond within the same day.
