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Award-Winning Animal Behavior Psychology Tutors

Mimi

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Mimi

Masters in Education, Education
Mimi's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra
Elementary School Math

I am an interdisciplinary educator with an Ed.M. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a B.A. from Dartmouth College. My background is primarily in integrated arts learning and museum education and I specialize in visual arts, history and art history, and object-based learning. In all su...

Education

Harvard University

Masters in Education, Education

Dartmouth College

B.A.

Test Scores
SAT
1560
Aaron

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Aaron

Current Grad Student, Mechanical Engineering
Aaron's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Calculus 2
Calculus
Algebra

I'm not tutoring or buried in my textbooks, you will either find me rock climbing at the Triangle Rock Club, playing Ultimate Frisbee, working on my car, or enjoying the great outdoors (beaches, mountains, forests--you name it, I love it). On rainy weekends I enjoy tinkering with computers and old e...

Education

The University of Texas at Dallas

Bachelors, Mechanical Engineering

Duke University

Current Grad Student, Mechanical Engineering

Test Scores
SAT
1530

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Nina

Masters in biostatistics
Nina's other Tutor Subjects
Statistics Graduate Level
Statistics
Calculus
Algebra

I am a recent graduate from a masters program in biostatistics at Columbia University. I received my Bachelor of Arts in biological sciences, with a focus in neurobiology at Northwestern University. In August, I will be starting a doctoral program in biostatistics at NYU. I was a teaching assistant ...

Education

Columbia University

Masters in biostatistics

Northwestern University

Bachelor of Arts in biological sciences (focus in neurobiology)

Columbia University in the City of New York

Current Grad Student, Biostatistics

Test Scores
SAT
1550

Certified Tutor

Reid

PHD, Education
Reid's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

I am a graduate of Wesleyan University, where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with High Honors. With eight years of experience working in education, I've tutored students in math, science, history, and English, as well as helped students prepare for standardized tests. I've guided adults...

Education

Harvard University

PHD, Education

Wesleyan University

Bachelor in Arts, Sociology

Test Scores
ACT
32

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Clara

Bachelors, Psychology
Clara's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Trigonometry
Pre-Calculus
Middle School Math

I am tutoring I tend to ask my students to try to "teach" me concepts they are struggling with, or walk me through a problem that is challenging them, so that any conceptual mistakes or assumptions they are making become clear. In addition, I am a firm believer in never providing the answer to a spe...

Education

Stanford University

Bachelors, Psychology

Test Scores
SAT
1510

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Solange

Bachelor in Arts (Sociology & Women's Studies)
Solange's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
ACT Writing
Public Speaking

I'm Solange - a recent graduate from Harvard where I studied Sociology & Women's Studies. I've been tutoring for eight years now, and have worked with a wide range of ages and in a wide range of subjects. Some of my specialties are college prep/test taking II worked in the admissions office on campu...

Education

Harvard University

Bachelor in Arts (Sociology & Women's Studies)

Test Scores
ACT
34

Certified Tutor

Michelle

Current Grad Student, M.D.
Michelle's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Pre-Calculus
Geometry
Calculus

I am proud to be a part of Varsity Tutors! I am originally from San Antonio, TX; I completed my undergraduate education at Rice University in Houston where I received a bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Currently, I am in my second year of medical school at Baylor College of Medici...

Education

Baylor College of Medicine

Current Grad Student, M.D.

Rice University

Bachelor's in Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Test Scores
SAT
1570

Certified Tutor

Christopher

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Christopher's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
College Algebra
Algebra 3/4
Trigonometry

I am a rising sophomore at Harvard College and am about to declare as a Mechanical Engineering concentrator, working towards a Bachelor of Science degree. I've always enjoyed sharing my knowledge with my peers and those around me and have done so in both formal and informal settings. I've been a tut...

Education

Harvard College

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering

Test Scores
ACT
35

Certified Tutor

Liz

Masters, Special Education: Mild to Moderate Disabilities 5-12
Liz's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

I am a graduate of Washington University in St Louis, where I received my Bachelor of Arts in History with minors in Humanities and Anthropology. Since graduation, I have worked as a tutor, teacher, and director of tutors at a charter public middle school in Boston. During this time I also received ...

Education

Simmons College

Masters, Special Education: Mild to Moderate Disabilities 5-12

Washington University in St. Louis

Bachelor of Arts in History (minors in Humanities and Anthropology)

Test Scores
ACT
34

Certified Tutor

Charles

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Charles's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra
Algebra 3/4
Trigonometry

I am a junior Mechanical Engineering major at Yale, and I hope to become a Naval Aviator after college. I am also a varsity sailor, and enjoy playing music with friends when I can get some free time. I have been tutoring my fellow students throughout my entire academic career, and I would best descr...

Education

Yale University

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering

Test Scores
SAT
1440
ACT
34

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Justin

AP Calculus BC Tutor • +48 Subjects

I am an aspiring applied mathematician, with particular interest in image processing and climate science. I graduated in May 2017 from Washington University in St. Louis with a bachelor's in physics and mathematics, and am beginning a PhD program in September 2017 at the University of Chicago in Computational and Applied Mathematics. I've tutored introductory physics students for three years and enjoyed it thoroughly, as a chance to help other students while revisiting fundamental concepts to enhance my own knowledge. I'm eager to continue reaching out and helping students of math and physics to succeed and, furthermore, to appreciate the beauty and power of these subjects.

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Daniel

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +26 Subjects

I am excited to be home and help fellow straphangers on their educational paths! My largest wealth of tutoring experience is in foreign languages--particularly French--but I also feel very comfortable editing essays of any kind and working through standardized test concepts. My availability is extremely flexible, and anywhere in New York City works for me. I look forward to working with you.

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Isabella

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +27 Subjects

I am a graduate of MIT. I received my Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with minors in Management Science and Ancient and Medieval Studies. Since graduation, I have started my PhD at Georgia Tech in Operations Research. Throughout my career I have TA'd several math and computer science courses at the college level. I have also taught at summer programs for gifted middle school and high school students. I am passionate about tutoring kids in math and science because I think that a strong foundation in STEM at an early age can set the tone for their future. In my spare time I like to engage in athletics, and was a Division 1 rower in college. Hobbies: reading, swimming, writing, books, music, running, art

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Elena

Calculus Tutor • +32 Subjects

I am a graduate of McGill University (BA First Class Honors) and the University of Edinburgh (MSc First Class Honors with Distinction) with over eight years of tutoring experience. I am currently a curriculum developer for a company which creates relatable and culturally-literate courses for middle and high-schools, and am particularly adept at communicating and explaining concepts in a quirky, engaging, and intelligent manner. I was named Scotland International Young Thinker of the Year 2014 for exactly that sort of work. Much of my tutoring background is in test-prep and essay coaching, which I enjoy because it allows the tutor and student to think strategically together, and work as a team to achieve concrete results. I have worked with students ranging in age from 6-32, and believe that, in an educational context, a few jokes never hurt anybody. I love reading and learning, and my educational approach is centered around making the material just as engaging to students as it is to me. I think J.K. Rowlings, the writer of Harry Potter, is just as brilliant as Stephen Hawking, and in my free time, I manage my (terrible) fantasy baseball team, write songs for my comedy band, and crack jokes about terrible science-fiction movies with my friends.

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Henry

Calculus Tutor • +41 Subjects

I'm eager to help you in your education. I'm a recent graduate of Harvard College looking to apply to law school. My senior thesis was written on John Dewey's ideas of education, which I deeply believe has incredible power to transform individuals and society.

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Sabira

Middle School Math Tutor • +35 Subjects

I am currently attending Johns Hopkins University, pursuing a dual degree in Computer Science and Applied Math and Statistics. I love helping students and I love the feeling I get knowing that I was able to use my knowledge to make someone else happier. My favorite subject to teach is math because there are so many ways to learn it and if one way does not help I can use another. I used to teach taekwondo and interacted with all kinds of students, and I'm excited to help out more! Hobbies: books, reading, music, writing, art

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James

AP Calculus AB Tutor • +41 Subjects

I am currently a senior at Harvard College where I study chemistry, and I'll be attending Columbia Medical School next year. I have years of experience tutoring college students in math (mostly calculus) and chemistry including both general and organic chemistry. In addition, I am very familiar with all sections of the SAT and ACT having prepared several high school students for these tests. I believe that every student is capable of boosting his or her baseline score on these tests, so long as he or she works hard to get to know the format of the tests and the most popular types of questions. I tutor because I love seeing students develop a genuine passion for the subjects they once disliked (such as math and science), once they understand the power of these subjects and their applications to the real world.

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Justin

Calculus Tutor • +38 Subjects

I am a graduate of the University of Chicago where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. Currently, I am in the master's program at the University of New Mexico where I am continuing my education in philosophy. Ultimately, I hope to go on to earn a PhD in Philosophy so that I can continue engaging in my passions for learning and teaching. While in school, I have spent countless hours coaching high school speech and debate both in person and working online with students across the country. My focus in coaching has been to emphasize philosophy and critical thought to prepare students to think through novel arguments on their own. I am passionate about teaching and tutoring because I love seeing students learn to be intellectually independent and think through problems on their own terms by developing their critical thinking skills. I have devoted my life to education because I am passionate about it, and I try to share some of my passion for learning with the students I work with. I tutor all sorts of Standardized Tests, and I particularly enjoy working on logic-based problems like analogies and math sections. When I am not tutoring or reading for school, I enjoy strategy games (both board games and video games), listening to music, hiking, playing basketball, and just relaxing with friends.

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Andrew

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +26 Subjects

I am comfortable tutoring math subjects up to multivariable calculus and differential equations, as well as college physics. Hobbies: books, music, art, reading, writing

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Ingrid

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +51 Subjects

I am exploring my creativity by pursuing a double major in Asian Languages and Cultures with a focus in Korean, studying abroad in South Korea as a Benjamin A. Gilman Scholar, leading workshops that teach 3D printing and CAD for undergraduate students as the president of 3D4E, advocating for the first-generation and low-income student community as the Outreach Chair of the Quest+ Scholars Network, and getting involved with the Society of Women Engineers' outreach committee. I currently hold a work-study position as an administrative clerical aide in the Institute of Sustainability and Energy at Northwestern and was an undergraduate researcher in the John Rogers Lab. As I look forward with aspirations of applying to graduate school, areas of research in biomedical engineering and biotechnology that I am particularly interested in include biomaterials, pharmaceuticals, and drug delivery systems. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy learning on my own and sharing my experience and knowledge with my peers and other students. I hope to make use of my experiences with academics and learning in high school and so far in my undergraduate career in order to effectively tutor students who may be experiencing the same struggles in learning that I also experienced.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Students often find it challenging to distinguish between innate behaviors (instincts) and learned behaviors, especially when studying complex examples like migration patterns or social hierarchies. Another common pain point is understanding the difference between proximate causes (the immediate mechanism—like hormonal changes) and ultimate causes (evolutionary explanations) of behavior. Additionally, many students struggle to apply ethological concepts like fixed action patterns and sign stimuli to real animal examples, and they frequently confuse correlation with causation when interpreting observational studies of animal populations. A tutor can help you develop frameworks to organize these distinctions and practice applying them to case studies.

Animal behavior studies use specific research methods—observational studies, controlled experiments, and field surveys—each with distinct strengths and limitations. For example, observational studies of primate social behavior can reveal natural patterns but lack the control of laboratory experiments, while lab studies on conditioning in rats offer precision but may not reflect wild behavior. A tutor can help you critically evaluate research by identifying variables, recognizing confounding factors, and understanding why certain methods are chosen for specific questions. You'll also learn to read empirical papers, spot methodological flaws, and understand how sample size and statistical analysis affect the reliability of findings about animal behavior.

Many students memorize Lorenz's imprinting, Tinbergen's four questions, or optimal foraging theory but struggle to apply these frameworks to novel scenarios. The key is understanding that ethology focuses on the evolutionary and mechanistic basis of behavior, while behavioral ecology emphasizes how animals make cost-benefit decisions about energy, mating, and survival. A tutor can guide you through structured practice: analyzing a specific animal behavior (like territorial defense in birds), identifying which theory best explains it, and then predicting how that behavior would change under different environmental or social conditions. This builds the analytical thinking needed for essays and exams where you must justify your theoretical choices with evidence.

In animal behavior research, observing that two variables occur together (like increased aggression during breeding season and higher testosterone levels) doesn't prove one causes the other. Students often assume correlation equals causation, leading to flawed interpretations of studies. For instance, a study showing that wolves in larger packs hunt larger prey doesn't automatically mean pack size causes hunting success—perhaps larger packs form because they live in areas with larger prey. A tutor can teach you to critically examine research design, identify confounding variables, and distinguish between correlational studies (which describe relationships) and experimental studies (which manipulate variables to test causation). This skill is essential for writing evidence-based arguments in papers and exams.

Strong animal behavior papers move beyond describing behaviors to analyzing them through a theoretical lens and supporting claims with specific research findings. Rather than writing "wolves are social animals," you'd argue something like "wolf pack hierarchies reduce within-group conflict through established dominance relationships, as demonstrated in Mech's longitudinal studies, which suggests pack structure serves an adaptive function." A tutor can help you identify credible empirical studies, extract relevant data and methods, and weave evidence into arguments that address the "why" and "how" of behavior. You'll also learn to acknowledge limitations—such as whether findings from captive animals apply to wild populations—which demonstrates sophisticated critical thinking that strengthens your writing.

Observer bias occurs when a researcher's expectations influence how they interpret or record animal behavior—for example, expecting dominant animals to be more aggressive and therefore overestimating their aggressive acts. This is a significant challenge in behavioral studies because animals don't provide verbal explanations of their actions. Scientists reduce bias through methods like blind coding (where observers don't know which group they're observing), inter-rater reliability checks (comparing multiple observers' records), and using objective measures like latency to respond or frequency counts rather than subjective judgments. A tutor can help you understand why these methodological safeguards matter and teach you to evaluate whether a study's design adequately controlled for observer bias—a critical skill for analyzing research and writing informed critiques.

Comparing behaviors across species requires understanding that similar behaviors may have evolved independently (convergent evolution) or descended from a common ancestor (homologous behaviors), and that different species face different selective pressures. For example, both octopuses and primates show tool use, but the neural mechanisms and evolutionary pathways differ dramatically. Students often struggle to move beyond simple comparisons ("both species do X") to deeper analysis ("species A evolved X because of environmental pressure Y, while species B evolved it for reason Z"). A tutor can guide you through systematic comparative analysis: identifying the behavior, considering the ecological and social context each species faces, and explaining how natural selection would favor that behavior in each environment. This analytical approach strengthens exam answers and research papers.

A common misconception is that hormones directly "cause" behavior in a simple one-to-one relationship—for instance, that testosterone automatically causes aggression. In reality, hormones modulate behavior within a complex system involving the nervous system, social context, and past experience. High testosterone may increase aggression in some contexts but not others; social status and previous victories also influence how aggressively an animal responds. A tutor can help you understand neuroendocrine mechanisms—how hormones affect neural circuits and how social experiences feed back to alter hormone levels—and practice explaining this bidirectional relationship in essays. You'll learn to discuss specific examples (like the challenge hypothesis in birds or stress hormones in primates) with appropriate nuance, avoiding reductionist explanations that lose marks on AP exams or college-level assessments.

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