PrepNow Tutor - Angelica D.
A first-generation student, Angelica is passionate about passing knowledge down to the next generation. She holds a BS summa cum laude in biomedical engineering from Rowan University and a PhD in biomedical engineering from the University of Minnesota. During her PhD, Angelic developed a model to study blood clot formation in blood cancers; after graduating, she was hired by her former advisor to train new researchers on how to use the devices she developed. She has also written several journal articles on her research, which she is working to publish while also tutoring test prep.
Angelica started tutoring as a sophomore in college, when she became a coordinator for an engineering learning community on her campus. Through that experience, she helped freshman engineering students acclimate to college life by hosting tutoring hours and seminars on professional development. “My most rewarding experience as a teacher was mentoring a high school student for a summer research project during my time in grad school,” Angelica shares. “After completing the project, she presented it at the Minnesota State Science & Engineering Fair, and it was so rewarding to watch her present her work!” In addition to working as an Engineering Learning Community Coordinator, Angelica has also served as an Organic Chemistry I Learning Assistant, an Advanced Biomaterials Teaching Assistant, and Outreach Coordinator for Women in Biomedical Engineering.
“As a teacher, I recognize that it's important to be patient, and to check in with the student to see if the way you're explaining something makes sense to them,” Angelica says when asked about her tutoring style. “I am a fan of using analogies if they are helpful. I’m not afraid to re-explain something if it doesn't make sense, as the most important thing is communicating to the student why the answer is the correct answer.” More than anything, Angelica wants her students to leave their lessons with a clear grasp of the reasoning behind each problem, not just its final result.
In high school, Angelica played alto saxophone in marching band and jazz band, and flute in concert band. She was also involved in the pit crew for several musicals and plays and was a member of the math honor society. She loves being outside and birdwatching; she also enjoys dancing west coast swing, going for walks with her dog, and having board game nights with friends. “I am a dual citizen of the United States and Portugal,” Angelica shares.
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