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PhD Biochemist | Simplifying Biology for STEM Success
Da Nae W.

5.0 (5 ratings)

14 hours tutoring

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Hourly Rate: $60
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About Da Nae

Bio

Hello and welcome to my little corner on this platform! My name is DaNae, which sounds similar to the popular molecule responsible for our uniqueness- "DNA". I have a Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry with over 12 years of experience in biomedical research and 3 years in teaching. During my postdoctoral training at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), I was an IRACDA Fellow who received rigorous pedagogical training. I have taught college-level courses including Cell Biology, Human...

Hello and welcome to my little corner on this platform! My name is DaNae, which sounds similar to the popular molecule responsible for our uniqueness- "DNA". I have a Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry with over 12 years of experience in biomedical research and 3 years in teaching. During my postdoctoral training at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), I was an IRACDA Fellow who received rigorous pedagogical training. I have taught college-level courses including Cell Biology, Human Anatomy & Physiology, and Introduction to Neuroscience.

Recently, my passion for teaching and science outreach led me to the Philippines where I taught General Biology and Practical Research courses to high school students, and Human Biology and Neurobiology courses to college students. I am passionate about helping students succeed by strengthening understanding and making complex topics approachable. My tutoring style is highly structured and personalized to each student.

Additionally, having been through a rigorous PhD program, I actively support students who are applying for STEM opportunities at any stage of their career. I have extensive experience helping review personal statements for graduate, medical, and dental school applications, and performing mock interviews so students are confident during this challenging, yet exciting process.

Whether you're interested in working together, need advice about a career in science, or just want to hear about my life in the Philippines, let me know! Thank you for stopping by!

-DaNae aka "DNA"

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Education

University of Houston-Downtown
Chemistry
UT Southwestern Medical Center
PhD

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Approved Subjects

Anatomy

Anatomy

During my time as an IRACDA fellow, I had the rewarding experience of teaching in a college classroom setting. One of my first guest lectures at San Diego State University was during an Anatomy and Physiology course where I focused on the Central Nervous System. I had the pleasure of discussing the anatomy of the brain and spinal cord, and tied these to my graduate research by explaining their contributions to neurodegenerative disorders. I am passionate about helping students understand human Anatomy and I believe that understanding starts simply by "dissecting" each structure, knowing said structure's function, and why these contribute to health and disease.
Biochemistry

Biochemistry

Despite their complexity, Biology and Chemistry have always fascinated me. What began with long hours studying biology as an undergraduate grew into research on enzymes in a biochemistry laboratory and ultimately led me to earn a PhD in Biochemistry. Through years of research and courses, I have developed a broad and integrated understanding of Biochemistry, from enzymology and metabolic pathways to molecular genetics. This foundation enables me to connect complex biochemical concepts to real-world applications, and I enjoy passing this knowledge to students.
Biology

Biology

What do you think of when the word "Biology" comes to mind? Do you get excited? Frustrated? Bored? Curious? As a PhD Biochemist with more than a decade of training, I must say that I have experienced all of these. And yet at the end of the day, I still want to share my passion for Biology with students. I have had the pleasure of teaching several Biology courses including: Cell Biology, General Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, and Introduction to Neuroscience. I focus on breaking down complex biological concepts while adapting each lesson to the student’s level, learning style, and academic goals. A typical lesson begins by identifying what the student already knows and where they feel stuck, followed by a structured explanation of key concepts using examples and analogies. Although my lessons are ideal for senior high school students and college students, I could never turn down someone who is genuinely curious about Biology. If this is you, feel free to reach out! After all, why not learn from someone whose name sounds exactly like "DNA"? :)
Personal Statements

Personal Statements

One of my favorite things to hear is when students are applying for college, higher education, or STEM opportunities, and are working on their personal statement. I know firsthand how exciting yet challenging writing a personal statement can be. After all, a personal statement is really a professional statement, and it helps to have an experienced set of eyes provide thoughtful feedback. This is where I come in. Throughout my years as a PhD, I have served on various admissions committees and understand what reviewers look for in a strong personal statement. I provide detailed and personalized guidance because I genuinely want to see students reach their academic and career goals. I have successfully coached students applying to universities, graduate programs, and dental schools, helping them craft compelling statements that supported their admission to competitive programs. My approach focuses on tailoring each statement to the expectations of the program while highlighting the student’s unique voice, experiences, and strengths. My goal is for every personal statement to stand out to admissions committees.
Physiology

Physiology

During my time as an IRACDA fellow, I had the rewarding experience of teaching in a college classroom setting. One of my first guest lectures was at San Diego State University where I guest lectured during an Anatomy and Physiology course. My lectures focused on the Central Nervous System where I discussed the structure and function of the brain and spinal cord as well as diseases affecting these organs. Fittingly, I was able to tie these topics to my graduate research on important proteins in the brain that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease. I am passionate about helping students understand physiology because I believe it provides crucial insight into how the human body functions and how scientific knowledge can be applied to real-world health challenges.
Thesis Writing

Thesis Writing

Having written my own thesis for my PhD, I understand first-hand how exciting, yet challenging this process can be. Writing a thesis at times is the equivalent of being a marathon runner who is very close to the finish line. This is where I come in. I have extensive experience guiding science graduate students on their thesis by providing a clear structure, helping develop coherent arguments, and polish their writing for clarity, style, and academic rigor. I also provide guidance on research organization, literature review, data presentation, and proper citation, ensuring each thesis meets high scholarly standards. My goal is to support students at every stage of the writing process, helping them produce a well-organized and compelling thesis- something worth being extremely proud of.
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Ratings and Reviews

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Reviews

LOVE Dr. DaNae!!!

Working with Dr. DaNae has been an absolute pleasure. She guided me through applying for a research program by thoroughly explaining what each lab would involve, helping me rank my options, and strengthening my application every step of the way. Her enthusiasm is irresistible and she comes to every session energized and genuinely engaging to talk with. What sets Dr. DaNae apart is her preparation. She reviews any materials you share in advance and arrives with a thoughtful lesson plan, so you hit the ground running from the very first session. She also offers great scheduling flexibility, which makes fitting sessions into a busy life much easier. Above all, she is a patient and supportive mentor who invests real care into your success. I am so grateful to have found her. Thank you, Dr. DaNae!

Kamal , 8 lessons with Da Nae

Knowledgeable and well-educated

I recommend working with DaNae to anyone who’s working on an application or preparing for an interview. Me and DaNae worked on my personal statement for my research internship application and she went through each section to made sure it was clear and concise. She also guided me through on what to omit and helped me expand the good parts. She was so knowledgeable about the admissions committee and knew exactly what they like to see in a student. Working with her made my application SO much better and the entire process became a lot less stressful.

Tamanna, 2 lessons with Da Nae
Hourly Rate: $60
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