A Memorable Teaching Experience: I tutored a student during her second semester of geometry. She had made Bs and Cs during her first semester and was stressed out by geometry. We discussed strategies for approaching proofs, and I saw her confidence in writing proofs increase. I showed her techniques for memorizing and applying a variety of theorems, and she became more comfortable solving advanced geometry problems. It was a pleasure to see her confidence grow and stress level decrease throughout the semester. She finished second semester geometry with an A average.

Personal Rewarding Educational Experience: When I was in high school, I had the best chemistry teacher. Mrs. Crawford designed labs and demonstrations that made chemistry fun and interesting, and she explained difficult concepts like thermodynamics clearly. Mrs. Crawford sparked my interest in teaching and inspired me to continue studying science. I strive to be as great a teacher as she was.

Favorite Quote:
“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” ― Mother Teresa

Fun Facts:
My biomaterials research has been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
I have memorized the first 150 digits of pi.

Interests:
Playing the flute
Knitting and crocheting
Baking

Biography: I am a native Houstonian, and I attended the University of Texas as an undergraduate (Hook ’em Horns!). I decided to major in chemical engineering because I have always loved math and science, especially chemistry. After working at a chemical plant as a co-op student for two semesters, I realized that I like theory more than practice. I decided to go to graduate school to prepare for a career in teaching. I attended Vanderbilt University (Anchor Down!), where I joined a research lab and worked on developing biodegradable polyurethane scaffolds that can deliver drugs, proteins, and/or genes to heal skin wounds. As a graduate student, I participated in many programs designed to introduce middle and high school students, particularly underserved students, to science and engineering fields. I also served as a research mentor to several high school students and undergraduates who worked in my research lab. After earning my PhD in chemical engineering, I joined a religious order, the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia, as a postulant for a year. The sisters teach students at all levels (preschool through college) in schools throughout the country. I realized that I enjoy working with students one-on-one more than teaching large classes. I began working as a tutor soon after leaving the order, and I have loved every minute of it!

Future Goals: I am interested in continuing a career as a tutor. I have always been interested in teaching, and one-on-one interactions with students are more rewarding to me than lecturing in a classroom. In addition, I want to learn piano well enough to play classical pieces like Chopin’s Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2 and Mozart’s Turkish March.

Educational Background:
B.S. Chemical Engineering with Highest Honors from the University of Texas at Austin
Ph.D. Chemical Engineering from Vanderbilt University