Joshua: Vernon Hills tutor

Certified Tutor

Teaching in a way that is clear, engaging, and long-lasting is a passion of mine. Currently, I am a 4th year medical student at Columbia University having excelled on MCAT and USMILE Board exams. However, I trace my academic success back to my time in undergrad: I took advantage of a tutoring service that transformed the way I looked at science. Because of it, I thrived in upward division biology coursework at the University of Washington and became a tutor myself! Now I am excited to pay forward the incredible instruction and teaching style that I had received. My prior experiences as a science tutor, top research presenter awardee, and scoring in the 90% percentile on my MCAT equip me with tools to support students who seek to improve their MCAT score across all sections.

As a biology tutor at the University of Washington Instructional Center - an academic empowerment facility designed to promote academic success for undergraduates from underrepresented backgrounds - I instructed students in the following disciplines:

Biochemistry
Foundations of Cell and Molecular Biology
Cell Biology
Evolutionary Biology

There I met with students individually to emphasize a strong understanding of core biological concepts to best prepare them for successful matriculation into upper division biology.

With a passion for scientific communication, I sought out ways to further develop this skill by delivering oral talks at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and National Institutes of Health (NIH). I have also shown my ability to effectively communicate science to undergraduate audiences through multiple poster presentations at the following:

University of Washington
Annual Medical Education Conference
Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science
Emerging Researchers in STEM National Conference
Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minorities in Science
Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology at NIH NIDDK

My scientific poster presentation on the impact of nutrient-dependent post-translational modifications on endocrine growth factor has awarded me "top-poster presentation" at the NIH/FDA Glycosciences Day Symposium and assures me that I can communicate science to a variety of audiences in a manner that is clear and engaging.

I work to instill confidence by helping test-takers understand, retain, and execute MCAT-style passage-based questions. Because of my approach to exam-taking, I have been requested to speak at the NIH Office of Intramural Training and Education's "Preparing the Mind and Body for MCAT Success" to speak on the importance of work ethic and positive mindset when preparing for the exam. As an effective instructor recently scoring in the top 10% of all students on own exam, I will ensure that my students are poised to reach their fullest potential.

When I am not tutoring, I am conducting biology research, watching Lakers NBA games, or exploring museums in New York!