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Meet the Tutors

Vanderbilt Tutoring Services Tutors 2023-2024

Meet the Tutors

Alexa Betjemann

Alexa is a senior majoring in Biology and Medicine Health and Society, with a minor in Anthropology. She tutors in biological sciences and general and organic chemistry. On campus, Alexa is involved in Friends of MSF, Running Club, and works in the Bastarache research lab. In her free time, Alexa enjoys volunteering, being outdoors, and exploring Nashville with friends!

Allison Westerbeek

Allison is a sophomore from Grand Rapids, MI pursuing a pre-med degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology with a Chemistry minor. She tutors in General Chemistry and Biology. She is a part of the Friedman Lab, which focuses on Genetics using the telomeric components of yeast. One of the clubs on campus you will see her in is the Vanderbilt Commodore Orchestra as she has a passion for all things music. Some of her hobbies include reading, trying new coffee places and pickleball.

Anna Vinnedge

Anna is a first-year mathematics PhD student with a bachelors in mathematical sciences from the United States Military Academy, West Point. She tutors in various fields of mathematics. In addition to math, Anna is passionate about health and fitness and is a certified personal trainer and CrossFit coach. She spends her free time training herself and others.

Ben Share

Benjamin is a senior from Maryland majoring in education and chemistry. He tutors chemistry, physics, and math. In his free time, he enjoys binging Netflix, making terrible jokes, and beating his friends in Mario Kart Wii.

Brian Li

Brian is a sophomore from Toronto, Canada planning to major in Molecular and Cellular Biology on the pre-med track. He tutors general chemistry and introductory biology. In his free time he likes to get active, reading, and explore places with friends. Brian is also a big fan of the sport badminton and is involved with the Vanderbilt Badminton Club.

Brian Morton

Brian is a doctoral student in the Department of Mathematics with research interests in fluid mechanics, PDEs, and number theory. He holds bachelor degrees in aerospace engineering and mathematics from Purdue University. He has experience in defense research for the United States and tutoring mathematics at all levels.

Bryan Han

Bryan is a senior from Gainesville, Florida. He majors in biology with a minor in chemistry and political science. On campus, he is involved with VSG and his research lab. Outside of class, you can find him in the gym working out, fencing, or swimming.

Bryce Pollock

Bryce is a sophomore from Houston, TX. He is double majoring in Engineering Science and History and is involved in Greek Life on campus. In his free time, Bryce likes to workout, scuba dive, and spend time with friends and family.

 

Caroline Sicard

Caroline is a junior from Charlotte, North Carolina majoring in math on the pre-med track. She tutors in math and chemistry. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with friends, running, and watching TV.

 

Declan McSherry

Declan is a sophomore from Seattle, Washington majoring in Neuroscience and on the pre-med track. He tutors in General Chemistry and Econ Stats. In his free time he likes to practice/teach martial arts, go to the gym, and hang out with friends.

 

Demos Negash

Demos is a junior from Louisville, Kentucky majoring in Mathematics and Physics. Demos tutors in math and physics courses. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his friends, listening to music, and training BJJ.

 

Emre Bilge

Emre is a junior double majoring in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Emre tutors in Mathematics and Physics courses. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer, ping pong, spending time with friends and family, and traveling throughout different countries. Emre is also interested in exploring other cultures and trying their unique foods.

Elizabeth Grimm

Elizabeth is a sophomore double majoring in Molecular & Cellular Biology and History of Science, Medicine, & Technology. She tutors in General Chemistry, Biology, and Calculus. On campus, she is involved with Every Nation Campus, Brain Exercise Initiative, and undergraduate research in the Knapik lab. A proud coffee addict, Elizabeth enjoys exploring local coffee shops near campus. 

Eshani Arumalla

Eshani is a junior from San Jose, California majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology & MHS. She tutors in biology, chemistry (general and organic), physics, and math courses. On campus, she enjoys advocating for individuals with special needs through AutismTN, Next Steps, and research at the LASR lab and shows high school students around campus through ‘Dore for a Day. In her free time, Eshani loves cooking, exploring Nashville brunch spots, watching basketball, and being outdoors!

Fabian Circelli

Fabian is a first-year doctoral student in the Department of Mathematics, originally from Adelaide, Australia. Fabian has tutored previously at the Australian National University, for real analysis and proof-based linear algebra. In his free time, Fabian is an avid fan of hip-hop, and enjoys cooking Italian food, finding good coffee spots, spending time in nature, and spending time with friends.

Isaiah Williams

Isaiah is a junior (Class of 2025) majoring in mathematics and he tutors courses in mathematics and physics. He likes spending his free time exploring Nashville outdoors and also enjoys astronomy, reading, and soccer.

 

Jacob Laan

Jacob is a first-year PhD student in the Department of Mathematics with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Economics from the University of Missouri – Columbia. He tutored for all of his four years at Mizzou, gaining one-on-one as well as larger group experiences. He has tutored classes ranging from business mathematics to introductory proof-based mathematics. In his free time, Jacob enjoys singing in choirs, playing video games, and exploring aquariums.

Jayashree Kalita

Jayashree is a first year PhD student in Mathematics. Her mathematical interests encompass topics in Analysis including complex analysis, probability theory and potential theory. She enjoys getting engaged in mathematical discussion that exposes her to newer and exciting areas. She has served as a Teaching Assistant for courses like Calculus of Single Variable, Probability and Statistics at her previous institute. She also has keen interests in painting and music, and is trained in Indian Classical Dance. In her free time, she loves watching movies or hanging out and meeting new people.

Joel Douglas

Joel is a Senior from Denver, Colorado, majoring in Medicine, Health & Society and Communication of Science & Technology on the Pre-med track. He tutors in General & Organic Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, and Physics. On campus, he works as a research assistant in the Ware pulmonary lab, and volunteers as an EMT through VEMS. He is an avid foodie and enjoys skiing, listening to live music, and spending time outdoors in his free time.

Julia Ahn

Julia is a junior from Rancho Cucamonga, California majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology and MHS. She tutors biological sciences and chemistry courses. On campus, Julia works as an Undergraduate research assistant in the Johnson Lab at the VUMC. In her free time, Julia enjoys cooking and hanging out with friends.

Jun Kim

Juneseek Kim, or Jun in short, is a junior majoring in Economics and Mathematics. In his free time, he likes reading science fiction novels or listening to audio books. He also enjoys walking at the park when the weather is nice. Jun is interested in different cultures around the world and enjoys traveling with his friends and family.

Kevin Liu

Kevin is a junior double majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Psychology. He tutors biology and chemistry. In his free time, Kevin enjoys playing badminton, drawing, cooking, and hanging out with friends.

 

Laura Vaughan

Class of 2025, Laura Vaughan (she/her) is a student in the College of Arts and Science majoring in mathematics and economics. Laura is available for tutoring in the introductory economics sequence. She is involved with numerous on-campus organizations, including Vanderbilt Hillel, Canterbury CIRCLE, the Vanderbilt Hustler, and many other organizations. When not involved in campus-related activities, she enjoys going to Shokku Ramen and Frutta Bowls to treat herself or relaxing at a café near campus.

Lavonte Saunders

Lavonte is a senior from Orlando, Florida majoring in biochemistry and applied mathematics. On campus he is a tutor, math learning assistant, and member of VINSE, Vanderbilt Institute of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, where he works on making robust solar cells; VINSE focuses on studying nanoscopic properties and materials to see how they can be utilized for our world. Outside of this, Lavonte enjoys playing video games, socializing with friends, and planning fun events for said friends.

Madi Sousa

Madi is a doctoral student in the Department of Mathematics with interests in functional analysis and frame theory. She has tutored mathematics both privately and for her previous institution, the University of Denver, in a variety of mathematical topics such as SAT prep, calculus, and differential equations. In her free time, Madi enjoys reading, being outdoors, going to concerts, and spending time with her friends and family.

Maggie Jones

Maggie is a Sophomore 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. 

Marina He

Marina is a Junior from Beijing, China majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Chemistry and minoring in Spanish. She tutors in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics On campus, Marina is involved with VPS, the MLC, and Strike. In her free time, Marina likes to hang out with her friends and explore restaurants.

Mike Jiang

Mike is a senior double majoring in Chemistry and MHS with a minor in German Studies. Mike tutors in biological sciences, general chemistry, organic chemistry, mathematics, and occasionally physics. On campus, Mike is involved in Vanderbilt Student Volunteers for Science, ‘Dore for a Day, and undergraduate research in the Plate Lab. In his free time, he likes to spend time with friends and family, explore food from around the world, and travel!

Nathan Fiedeldey

Nathan Fiedeldey is a sophomore (Class of 2025) majoring in Biochemistry. He tutors in chemistry, introductory biology, and mathematics.

 

Paige Thorpe

Paige is a fifth year doctoral student in the Department of Chemistry. She studies organic chemistry, and she is currently working in the Johnston research lab. Paige’s research is focused on developing therapeutics for varying heart diseases. She tutors in both general chemistry and organic chemistry, and she has been a TA for organic chemistry I and II as well! She enjoys working out in her free time and visiting her family. Her biggest study tip is to study a little bit each day, rather than cramming the day before the exam.

Parker Cannon

Parker is a junior from San Clemente, California studying Economics with minors in Business and Data Science. Parker tutors in Economics. In his free time, he enjoys skiing, hiking, playing basketball, bratwurst, and Nashville hot chicken.

Paul Kim

Paul Kim is a Sophomore currently planning to major in Neuroscience and minor in Data Science on the Pre-Med track. Paul will be tutoring Gen Chem (CHEM 1601&2) and Gen Bio (BSCI 1511) this upcoming fall semester. Some of Paul’s hobbies/interests include cooking, reading, hiking, coffee, and fencing.

Rishik Bethi

Rishik is a junior from Dallas and New Orleans, majoring in Neuroscience and MHS. He tutors in chemistry, biology, math, and neuroscience courses. On campus, Rishik also works as a research assistant, is part of the Vanderbilt Climbing Team, and is an active volunteer for VSVS. He also enjoys listening to music, going on bike rides, playing volleyball, and eating all types of food!

Sadie Pullen

Sadie Pullen is a sophomore from Jackson, Mississippi majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering with minors in digital fabrication and computer science. On campus, she’s involved in Reformed University Fellowship and Theta Tau, and in her free time she loves playing tennis, reading, running, baking, and exploring Nashville with friends. Sadie tutors in chemistry, calculus, and physics.

Sagnik Yarlagadda

Sagnik is a junior from Tampa, FL majoring in Biological Sciences and Anthropology. He tutors in general and organic chemistry, biology, and biochemistry. In his free time, Sagnik enjoys playing basketball, eating good food, and reading books.

Sam Lee

Sam is a junior from Johns Creek, Georgia and Seoul, South Korea, majoring in Neuroscience and Data Science. He tutors in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Physics, and Neuroscience. Sam is an undergraduate researcher in the Department of Urology and also serves as the First-year Relation Chair for the Multicultural Leadership Council. Beyond academics, he finds solace in reading, playing the piano, and indulging in well-deserved naps!

Shuxian Song

Shuxian is a first-year PhD student in the Department of Mathematics with interest in geometric group theory. She tutors calculus. In her free time, she likes to listen to music, travel, swim and play ping pong.

Sophia Chung

Sophia is a senior from Jackson, Mississippi double majoring in Cognitive Studies and Neuroscience. She tutors in biological sciences, general chemistry, neuroscience, physics, and mathematics. On campus, she is a research assistant and is involved as an AASA Family Head and the Co-President of Heart Strings (an organization that works on fiber arts projects benefiting the Nashville community). In her free time, Sophia enjoys hiking, reading, crocheting, climbing, and going to concerts.

Tierah Macon

Tierah is a senior from Columbus, Mississippi (birthplace of playwright and screenwriter Tennessee Williams). She plans to major in chemistry and graduate in the spring of 2024. She tutors in general chemistry, organic chemistry, and single- and multivariable calculus. She is an undergraduate researcher in the Walker lab where she investigates natural products deriving from common soil bacteria. In her free time, Tierah enjoys reading, crocheting, and hanging out with friends.

Timothy Egbonim

Timothy is a senior from Austin, TX majoring in History and Medicine, Health, and Society (MHS). He tutors General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Neuroscience. On campus, Timothy is involved in Hearts for the Homeless and Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students. In his free time, Timothy enjoys listening to music, playing video games, and discovering new shows and movies.

Tristan Sealy

Tristan Sealy is a Junior from Texas. He is a biochemistry major. He tutors in general chemistry, biology, organic chemistry, and mathematics. In his free time, Tristan enjoys swimming and watching terrible movies.

Will McDermott

Will is a first-year student in the mathematics PhD program with interests in mathematical relativity and partial differential equations. Originally from New Mexico, he completed his bachelor’s studies at Lewis and Clark College and his master’s studies at the Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen. Outside of mathematics, he enjoys playing tennis and rock climbing.

Ysabel Gomez

Ysabel is a Sophomore from Columbus, Ohio. She is majoring in biomedical engineering on the pre-med track. She plans on graduating in 2025. She is also involved in the Association of Latin American Students. In her free time, she enjoys reading and hanging out with friends.