I recently moved to the DC area as a graduate student in Microbiology. During college, I had the chance to work with a number of students, teaching and supporting them as they worked hard toward their goals. Science can be challenging and frustrating, but together I have helped many students have a "light bulb" moment. It's satisfying for me to see, but far more satisfying for them to experience! I have enjoyed working with students from very diverse backgrounds and starting at very different levels. Some students needed intense work to get caught up with classmates, while some were just looking to brush up their level of mastery before a big test. With work and focus, we can set goals and achieve them regardless of where we are starting.

Because of how different each student is, it's important to really consider what works best for you as a learner. For this, being simple and upfront is probably best. Are you a visual learner? Auditory? Let's start with that and consider what works from there. Knowing how you learn, while also being open to new approaches, can make science great fun to learn! One of the great things about science, in fact, is that there are a hundred different resources that will teach you the same material a hundred different ways. Knowing what works best for you, and why, will make mastering material painless and even fun.

Outside of science, I enjoy running, traveling, and volunteering. I have had a chance to hike the Annapurna Mountains of Nepal, and have reached the summit of Mt. Elbert, the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains. While there, I completed a course in mountain medicine. I've also bungy jumped on three continents and have plans to do the remaining three (does Antarctica even count?!) in the next few years.

Perhaps most of all, I enjoy getting to know new and interesting people. If we can work together to help get closer to your goals, even better. I look forward to meeting you, and doing both!