Nancy

Certified Tutor

My interest in biology and chemistry began in high school and has never waned over the past 40 years. I graduated summa cum laude from Clemson University with a BS in biochemistry, and faced the difficult decision of continuing in basic science research while pursuing a graduate degree or putting my people- and decision-making skills to the test by going to medical school. I ended up doing both, graduating from Yale University with a PhD in molecular genetics and cell biology and then completing medical school and my pediatrics residency at Duke University Medical Center.
I love teaching whether it's showing children how to sail or play volleyball or within the classroom watching their eyes light up when they master something like Mendelian inheritance. I have informally tutored elementary-age children during after-school programs, helped my classmates through organic and physical chemistry in college, led round table discussions with college students about the intricacies of cell biology, and acted as a sounding board for my fellow medical students because of my science background.
I am a strong proponent of STEM for girls starting in elementary school. I was fortunate enough to have a father who told me I could be anything I wanted to be when I grew up, and he often helped me with word problems in math and science fair projects. I truly feel the future of our society depends on advancement in education for both women and men in science.
After practicing pediatrics for only 10 years, science stepped into my life in a huge way in the form of an inherited problem with my immune system, forcing me to retire from my most favorite job in the world as a pediatrician. Now I'd like to give back in a small way some of all the science and medical information that still rattles around in my brain.

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Nancy’s Qualifications

Education & Certification

Undergraduate Degree: Clemson University - Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry

Graduate Degree: Yale University - Doctor of Philosophy, Molecular Genetics

Graduate Degree: Duke University - Doctor of Medicine, Health and Wellness, General

Hobbies

My husband and I have 2 adult children, a daughter who coaches university women's soccer and teaches sports classes and a son who teaches PE in middle school and coaches football and girls' basketball. We were always an active family, enjoying almost any sport you can imagine for physical conditioning and playing card games or board games for mental stimulation. Camping, hiking, volleyball, running, coaching, and miniature dachshunds have always been a few of my favorite things. Although my disease limits me in many ways, I still have fond memories of my half-marathon at DisneyWorld, skiing in Colorado, and coaching basketball and track for elementary school-age kids. My favorite things to do these days are walking along the beach with our two doxies, reading fiction novels, and crocheting lapghans and blankets for those less fortunate. It is my belief that a person is not truly balanced without incorporating stimulating activities for mind, body, and spirit.

Tutoring Subjects

Cell Biology

College Biology

College Chemistry

College Math

MCAT Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills

Elementary School Science