Meet the Tutors
Vanderbilt Tutoring Services Tutors 2025-2026
Meet the Tutors
Alberto Magana
Alberto is a first-year math PhD student from Nashville who just recently completed his undergraduate education at Vandy. He is an avid guitar player and amateur photographer!
Alex Lee
Alex is a senior from Seoul, South Korea, pursuing a degree in Biomedical Engineering. She tutors biology, general & organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physics. Alex is also involved in research at the Wilson Immunoengineering Lab and plays the violin in the Vanderbilt Commodore Orchestra. In her free time, she enjoys reading, going to pilates classes, exploring new spots on Beli, and spending time with friends and family.
Allison Westerbeek
Allison is a senior from Grand Rapids, MI pursuing a pre-med degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Medicine, Health, and Society. She tutors in biology and chemistry subjects. She is a part of the Friedman Lab, which focuses DNA replication and repair. Some of the clubs on campus you will see her in are the Vanderbilt Commodore Orchestra as she has a passion for all things music and Alternative Spring Break. Her hobbies include reading, trying new coffee places, and pickleball.
Amanda Dai
Amanda is a junior from Oklahoma majoring in Biochemistry. She tutors in introductory biology and chemistry (general & organic). In her free time, she enjoys drawing and getting a coffee. Language Fluencies: English, Mandarin Chinese (incl. Standard Chinese)
Austin Smith
Austin is a junior from Atlanta, Georgia, pursuing a degree in Physics with a minor in Computer Science and Cello Performance. He tutors in physics, calculus, and introductory macro-econ. In his free time, he enjoys going to the gym, going on walks/hikes, and exploring places with friends. Austin is also a member of the Vanderbilt Commodore Orchestra.
Ava Corbin
Ava is a Sophomore majoring in Child Development and hopes to go to Medical School. She is from Cape Elizabeth, Maine, and loves reading, making ceramics, running, thrifting, and going to the beach with friends. At Vanderbilt, she is part of the CHILL lab and volunteers with Tutor Nashville. Language Fluencies: English, French (basic comprehension)
Bobby Watkins
Bobby is a sophomore from Los Angeles, California majoring in cellular and molecular biology on a pre-med track. He does research at the Vanderbilt Sports Concussion Center and tutors in general chemistry, biology, and math. In his free time he enjoys playing volleyball and pickleball. Language Fluencies: English, French (functional fluency, non-technical).
Brian Li
Brian is a senior from Oakville, Canada majoring in molecular and cellular biology and medicine, health, and society with minors in data science and Asian American and Asian diaspora studies. He tutors biology, chemistry, and biochemistry. Brian is an undergraduate researcher in the Chen lab at VUSM and is involved on campus with several student organizations such as Vanderbilt bioinformatics and Vanderbilt badminton. In his free time, he enjoys getting active, staying current on emerging healthcare and tech innovations, trying new things, and spending time with friends and family. Language Fluencies: English, Mandarin Chinese (incl. Standard Chinese).
Christina Kanyongolo
Christina is a sophomore from Brooklyn, New York double-majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Political Science. She tutors Chemistry, Calculus, and Physics. She is also a member of the Vanderbilt Rowing Team and works as an Ambassador at the Black Cultural Center. In her free time, Christina likes to run, read, and hang out with friends.
Cindy Qian
Cindy is a junior from Shanghai, China, double majoring in Economics and Mathematics. She tutors Calculus, Statistics, Microeconomics, and Macroeconomics. In her free time, she enjoys working out, watching movies, and exploring new cafes. Cindy is also involved in campus investing and business clubs. Language Fluencies: English, Mandarin Chinese (incl. Standard Chinese), Wu Chinese (incl. Shanghainese).
Clara Mannes
Clara is a senior from Atlanta, Georgia majoring in Molecular Biology and Medicine, Health, and Society. She tutors chemistry, biology, organic chemistry, and biochemistry. In her free time, Clara enjoys spending time outside and with friends.
Declan McSherry
Declan is a senior from Seattle, Washington majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology. He tutors in General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Biology. In his free time, he likes to practice/teach martial arts, go to the gym, and hang out with friends.
Ella Tobias
Ella is a senior from Arizona on the pre-med track. She is majoring in Neuroscience and MHS (Medicine, Health, and Society) and minoring in English literature. She tutors in General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Neuroscience, and Calculus. In her free time, Ella loves to read, run, explore outdoors and cafes, and spend time with friends and family.
Jack Schultz
Jack is a molecular and cellular biology major going into his junior year. He is from Long Island, New York and has been a chemistry tutor for the past six years. In his free time you can find him running with friends, sailing, or fishing!
Jean-Luc Rabideau
Jean-Luc is a first-year PhD student in the Department of Mathematics. He is originally from Florida and graduated from Duke University with a degree in Math and Computer Science. Outside of class, Jean-Luc likes to play the cello and explore Nashville.
Kimber Wolff
Kimber is a first-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Mathematics. She earned her master’s degree in mathematics from Georgia Tech. Outside of her studies, Kimber enjoys exploring Nashville’s coffee scene.
Liam Marshall
Liam is a senior from Rome, Georgia majoring in neuroscience with minors in mathematics and scientific computing. He tutors in mathematics, chemistry, biology, and physics. In his free time, he enjoys soccer and pickleball.
Luis Ortega Hanco
Luis is a sophomore from Cusco, Peru, pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering. He tutors General Chemistry and Single Variable Calculus I-II. Luis is part of the DREAM Lab and is involved with ASCE and SHPE. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music, learning new skills, traveling, and taking pictures of campus.
Maddie Polanskyj
Maddie is a sophomore from Verona, New Jersey planning to major in Mathematics and Economics with a minor in Business. She is tutoring in calculus and introductory economics. In her free time, she enjoys running, reading, trying new restaurants, and spending time with friends and family.
Maggie Jones
Maggie is a junior on the pre-med track double majoring in Neuroscience and English. She is from San Antonio, Texas, and when it’s not unbearably hot outside, she enjoys playing soccer, hiking, or going for a run. She likes to read a wide range of books, and she loves listening to music. She is an undergraduate researcher in the Carl Johnson Laboratory, and she is a member of the College Scholars Honors Program.
Mohao Yi
Mohao Yi is a fourth year PhD student in Mathematics. Before joining Vanderbilt, he spent three years at Washington University in St. Louis. He looks forward to meeting you, sharing his experiences studying Mathematics, and supporting your success in college. Outside of math, he enjoys exploring what he may enjoy. Language Fluencies: English, Mandarin Chinese (incl. Standard Chinese).
Paul Kim
Paul is a senior from Bay Area, California majoring in Neuroscience as a pre-med with strong interests in the biotech industry. This fall he will be tutoring gen biology, gen chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and intro to neuroscience. Outside of classes and tutoring, Paul is involved in his research lab, club work, and spending time with friends. Some of his hobbies/interests include cooking, reading, golf, and finding new food spots to try around Nashville. Language Fluencies: English, Korean.
Pratham Dalvi
Pratham is a junior from Atlanta, Georgia, pursuing a degree in Biochemistry on the pre-med track. He tutors Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Calculus. Pratham is also engaged in research at the Castiglione and is also involved in SACE, Vandy Karma, and UNICEF on campus. In his free time, he enjoys going to the gym, playing piano or drums, exploring new spots on Beli, and exploring Nashville with friends and family.
Rebecca Wilson
Rebecca is a sophomore from Nashville pursuing a pre-med degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology with minors in Spanish and Anthropology. She tutors in general chemistry and introductory biology. On campus, she is involved in research in the Lea lab and is a part of Iceberg Theatre Company. She enjoys thrifting, creative writing, cooking, and playing music with friends. Language Fluencies: English, Spanish (low advanced speaking with higher ability in reading/writing).
Rocio Rosa
Rocio is a third-year student in the College of Arts and Sciences and Honors College at Vanderbilt, studying Molecular and Cellular Biology with minors in Spanish and Medicine, Health, and Society. Rocio conducts research in the Department of Nephrology and Hypertension at VUMC and serves on the executive boards of several campus organizations. As an Undergraduate STEM tutor and Physics Department Demo TA, she supports her peers in general and organic chemistry, general and cellular biology, and physics. She is an active member of Kappa Kappa Gamma and a pre-med student passionate about health equity who currently volunteers at Faith Family Medical Center. Rocio plans to attend medical school and pursue a career in pediatric dermatology. In her free time, she enjoys running and exploring new coffee shops! Language Fluencies: English, Spanish.
Rohan Desai
Rohan Desai is a junior from a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio. He is a Pre-med student majoring in MHS. He tutors general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, single variable calculus, statistics, and economics. On campus, he is a part of organizations including Partners in Health, and STEM Speaks. In his free time, he enjoys playing tennis and guitar. Language Fluencies: English, Gujarati.
Sabrina Bucaro
Sabrina is a junior undergraduate student studying Biomedical Engineering and MHS. She is tutoring in General Chemistry, Calculus, Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Neuroscience. Around campus, she is a member in Momentum Dance Company and involved in Greek Life as well. In her free time, she enjoys staying active, trying new foods, and spending time with friends.
Sam Smithee
Sam is a junior from Jonesboro, Arkansas, majoring in Biochemistry and Medicine Health and Society. He is on the pre-med track and plans to attend medical school. He tutors in General Chemistry, Calculus, Organic Chemistry, and Biology. Sam is also a member of the Ren lab, where he focuses on the fundamental mechanisms of mRNA nuclear export and how different viruses exploit this critical step of gene expression. Outside of class, Sam is a member of Volunteers for Health, Vanderbilt Student Volunteers for Science, and he is involved in Greek Life. Sam’s hobbies include lifting weights, playing video games, and trying new foods.
Sasha Bandler
Sasha is a pre-med junior from Port Washington, NY majoring in Cognitive Studies and Neuroscience with a minor in History. She is tutoring in Neuroscience, Chemistry, Biology, and Calculus. Around campus, Sasha is in the Peabody Scholars program, a research assistant in the Number Lab, studying the neurocognitive mechanisms of math learning, and the campus policy chair for Active Minds. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, jigsaw puzzles, hiking, exploring new places, reading, and watching movies.
Sasha Saplitski
Sasha is a sophomore from Riverwoods, Illinois majoring in Mathematics. She tutors the Calculus track (Pre Calculus through Multivariable Calculus) and has years of experience working with students through private tutoring, Schoolhouse.world, and as a camp counselor. In her free time, she loves painting, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family. Language Fluencies: English, Russian (spoken with low advanced reading/writing).
Shayna Kar
Shayna is a sophomore from Goldens Bridge, NY planning to major in Neuroscience and MHS on the pre-med track. She tutors in biology, general chemistry, and neuroscience. In her her free time, she enjoys playing the piano, watching movies, and crocheting.
Spencer Hall
Spencer is a senior from Washington D.C. majoring in Medicine, Health, and Society and Biological Sciences on the pre-med track. In his free time, he enjoys hiking in and around Nashville and playing pickleball.
Sriya Kalala
Sriya is a sophomore from Cedar Falls, Iowa, majoring in Medicine, Health, and Society on the pre-med track. She tutors in biology and general chemistry. In her free time, she enjoys exploring coffee shops around Nashville, singing, and playing tennis. Language Fluencies: English, Telugu (fluent receiving speaking with low advanced returning, no read/write).
Summer Sun
Summer Sun is a graduate Math student. She describes her tutoring style as patient and collaborative—she likes to work through problems together and adapt to each student’s pace. When not studying math, she enjoys making videos. She is excited to meet you and help you grow in your math journey! Language Fluencies: English, Mandarin Chinese (incl. Standard Chinese).
Sunny Chen
Sunny is a sophomore from Philadelphia majoring in neuroscience on the pre-medical track. She tutors biology, chemistry, and neuroscience. On campus, Sunny works in the Dani Lab and is involved in the Chinese Association, Hearts for the Homeless, and Volunteers for Health. In her free time, she loves trying new restaurants (boasting a 48-week streak on Beli) and going on long walks. Language Fluencies: English, Mandarin Chinese (incl. Standard Chinese).
Sydney Mayer
Sydney is a first-year Ph.D. Student in the Department of Mathematics from New York. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Washington University in St. Louis. Sydney enjoys crossword puzzles, cheerleading, and trivia.
Tara Chalasani
Tara is a junior from Cincinnati, Ohio majoring in Neuroscience and Communication of Science and Technology. She tutors in chemistry, biology, and physics courses. In her free time, she enjoys reading, going to concerts, and hanging out with friends.
Tenin Dembele
Tenin Dembele is a junior with a double major in Chemistry and Medicine, Health, and Society. She’s a creative person who sings in Melanated Acapella and is Co-President of the Vandy Spokenword. Her creative tendencies fuel her passion for tutoring as she loves finding innovative ways to explain complex content. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, watching movies, and stopping for squirrels.
Victoia Mou
Victoria Mou is a junior from Shanghai, China majoring in HOD and Economics. She really love dancing and trying different styles of food! Language Fluencies: English, Mandarin Chinese (incl. Standard Chinese), Wu Chinese (incl. Shanghainese).
Zach Goldsmith
Zach is a senior from Charlotte majoring in MHS with minors in biology and business. He tutors in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and economics. Zach helps out in the Topf lab at VUMC and is involved with VSVS, VBAM, Gift of Life, and Moneythink. He also enjoys running, watching new movies, and rooting for the Panthers.
Zoey Shen
Zoey is a senior from Shanghai majoring in Chemistry with minors in Legal Studies and Data Science. She tutors General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry (her all-time favorite!), General Physics, and Calculus. On campus, Zoey conducts chemical biology research in the Plate Lab, serves as an Undergraduate Learning Assistant, and volunteers with Vanderbilt Student Volunteers for Science. Outside of academics, you’ll often find her doing pilates, boxing, hot yoga, or hiking. Zoey is passionate about making science feel approachable and is excited to support students wherever they are in their learning journey! Language Fluencies: Mandarin Chinese (incl. Standard Chinese).