Dr. Brandy P.

Dr. Brandy S. Pickens is a distinguished biochemist and dedicated educator with extensive experience in scientific research and environmental advocacy. Having earned a BA in Biochemistry from Oberlin College and a Ph.D. from Temple University School of Medicine, Dr. Pickens is proficient in making complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging to diverse audiences.

Dr. Pickens has dedicated over 15 years to biomedical research, specializing in biomedical research studies at institutions including the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. This background equips her with a robust understanding of the STEM disciplines, which she brings to the classroom to inspire and educate future scientists and STEM professionals.

Currently, Dr. Pickens serves as a Toxicologist at the United States Environmental Protection Agency, where she conducts technical analyses and reviews concerning the cleanup of hazardous waste sites. Her role at the EPA underscores her commitment to public health and safety, themes she emphasizes in her educational outreach.

Passionate about fostering a love for science and environmental stewardship among young people, Dr. Pickens actively engages with community groups and schools. She organizes and leads educational programs and STEM initiatives, aiming to instill a sense of enthusiasm for STEM disciplines, particularly environmental science, and stewardship in the younger generation.

Dr. Pickens is not only a scientist and advocate but also a mentor who strives to encourage students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue careers in STEM and public service. Her commitment to education, combined with her expertise in biomedical sciences and environmental sustainability, makes her a great match for organizations dedicated to cultivating knowledgeable, responsible, and motivated students.

Samantha S.

Samantha is an expert in the STEM areas/test prep and has been tutoring for over 10 years. She hopes to eventually be a professor. Her biggest strength is being able to making daunting or complex subjects into simple, understandable material, and show her students that STEM can be applied to any of your passions and isn’t all that scary! She likes to be able to apply her wit and sense of humor to help students feel comfortable as well. She has a BS in Chemistry/Physics from the University of Miami with minors in math and philosophy, and is starting her PhD at Drexel in the fall. In her free time, Samantha enjoys writing and eventually wants to write a book, cuddling her adorable dog, and exploring the city!

Saba H-F.

Saba graduated with high distinction from the University of Toronto’s Physics and Philosophy specialist program, and picked up a minor in Mathematics along the way. Later she attained a Master of Teaching at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education.

She is fluent in the quantitative methods of mathematics and physics, and is eager to offer both enrichment to advanced students, and carefully scaffolded support to those struggling.

After completing her initial teacher qualification, she is pursuing further qualifications in Special Education and Environmental Education. As a lifelong learner and serial research conference presenter, she is curious about all disciplines and all skillsets, and aims to grow her facility in all domains. Consequently, she is flexible and eager to assist with today’s interdisciplinary, 21st-century pedagogies which combine STEM approaches with arts-based and humanities-based ones.

Lizzie K.

Lizzie graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. in Human Biology, Health and Society and is currently a medical student at Sidney Kimmel Medical College. She brings 6 years of tutoring and teaching experience in a variety of settings, including private tutoring, student-athlete academic support, and serving as teaching assistant for Cornell courses in biochemistry and educational psychology. Lizzie specializes in all math and science-based school support through college level. Her approach centers on providing an encouraging educational environment for students—ensuring they feel confident and supported as they master challenging concepts. When not thinking about medicine, you can find her at a park with her golden retriever puppy Henry.

Dr. John J.

John Jaros is a highly experienced mathematics teacher with an AS in Respiratory Therapy, a BA in Mathematics, an MS in Physics, and a PhD in Computer Science. His extensive teaching background includes helping students in elementary school, middle school, high school, and college. If you are having difficulty with arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or calculus, he is confident that he can answer your questions, eliminate your confusion, and set you on the road to mathematics excellency. Dr. J. loves math because it is one of the few areas of knowledge that has both practical applications as well as theoretical investigations. In addition to enjoying teaching, Dr. J. is an avid computer programmer, a big admirer of his and his wife’s cat Copernicus, and an “exercise junky” on his home treadmill.

Ella M.

Ella is a third year honours biochemistry student at McGill University planning to pursue medical school after graduation. She is also a student researcher working in the Huang Lab at McGill studying ovarian cancer. She is passionate about teaching fundamental studying skills and solidifying students’ knowledge in the scientific field. She has past experience tutoring high school science for a non-profit organization. Ella is available for online or in person tutoring sessions and looks forward to collaborating with her students!

JOHNSON W.

Johnson moved from China to Canada in 2019 and can communicate in Mandarin and English. His educational journey was unique: from middle school in China to high school in Canada, from a public school to a boarding community, he is now studying life sciences at McGill University. His passion for teaching sprung out of leading his physics class when the teacher was away. He enjoyed delivering knowledge and seeing the smiles on the students’ faces. Ever since that day, he can often be found in the library or common room helping people out with math and science questions.
Johnson has also worked in a summer camp, instructing canoeing and camping skills. During his previous tutoring experiences, he has worked extensively with students from grades 9-12, teaching high school math and science. He passionately believes in the value of confidence and encouragement, and he loves having casual conversations with his students outside of class. As a result, he often becomes close friends with students, although his age may be the main contributing factor. Johnson feels honoured to accompany his students on their learning and witness them shaping their own educational journeys.

Thad F.

With a bachelor’s degree from the Air Force Academy and a master’s from theUniversity of Dayton, Thad’s credentials and experience run broad and deep. For over 30 years he has taught math, science, and English at the university level–all the way down through first grade. Thad’s passion and joy is helping students and their families overcome academic challenges and grow to thrive at the highest levels of their potential.

In his free time, Thad enjoys his six children and three grandchildren, tennis, hiking, photography, swing dancing, and food with his wife, Beth. He almost never meets a student with whom he does not enjoy working, and he hopes to continue teaching as long as his health allows–at least 50 more years!

Iqbal F.

Iqbal graduated in Physics in 2001 and obtained his Master’s degree in Aerospace Science from the University of Toronto in 2015. He taught Physics at High School level for 5 years before migrating to Canada where he worked in the corporate world while doing Physics tutoring.

His main aim is not only to help students reach their academic goals but to enable them in understanding the fascinating world of Physics.

His professionalism, courteous demeanor and motivating skills ensure students find great value working with him over the years. He believes Physics is not hard as long as it is taught in the proper way and with the appropriate support which is exactly what he brings to the table.

In his spare time, Iqbal enjoys playing badminton, practicing guitar and listening to rock music.

Marilyn I.

Marilyn is a Texas certified secondary education/ biology/ chemistry/composite science teacher since 1992. She has taught many different sciences and medical courses to diverse students in high school and college. She has a Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, a M.A. in Molecular Biology, and a B.S. in Honors Zoology. Her passion is teaching the wonder and literacy of science to students and helping them to reach their educational potential. Marilyn is also a dog lover and owner, a nature lover and hiker, an avid reader of health/environment-related articles and books, as well as an online scrabble and sudoku enthusiast. She enjoys spending time with friends and family.