"Hello! I'm Madeline, a PhD student in the Microbiology program at MIT, where my research explores microbial metabolism, rare biochemical pathways, and the ecological and evolutionary forces shaping microbial communities. I completed my B.A. in Molecular Biology at UC Berkeley. Through my research and coursework, I've built a strong foundation in Chemistry, Biology, Ecology, Evolution, Microbial Physiology, and Biotechnology. Chemistry did not come naturally to me at first, and yet it has become a major part of my PhD work. I know exactly what it feels like to be frustrated or stuck, and I'm passionate about helping students move through those moments with clarity and confidence. I also love mentoring aspiring scientists and am always happy to provide guidance on starting academic research or navigating PhD programs.

I bring several years of teaching and tutoring experience. As a graduate student, I've served as a TA for introductory biology, where I led discussion sections, problem-solving sessions, and review workshops. I also hold a Teaching Certificate from MIT's Teaching & Learning Lab, where I trained in evidence-based pedagogy and practiced strategies that support student confidence, understanding, and long-term retention.

My tutoring style is structured, supportive, and student-specific. I focus on building intuition, not memorization, by breaking down complex concepts, connecting ideas across disciplines, and using real scientific examples to reinforce learning. I tailor each lesson to the student's goals, pace, and background and work with them to develop effective study strategies to promote long-term success.

I’m passionate about learning and love helping students develop clarity, confidence, and excitement in the life sciences. Feel free to reach out with any questions or to schedule your first meeting—I look forward to working with you!" less...