Shirley X
@shirley-x-5818
Software Engineer and Former Medical Student Teaching STEM, premed/medical, and programming subjects
Teaches Biology, Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics, Immunology, Physiology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, General Chemistry, Biochemistry, Mathematics, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-calculus, Calculus, React, Python, Web Development, Physics, Artificial Intelligence, Javascript
Joined Feb 2026
About
I bring a multidisciplinary background that combines software engineering, computational biology, STEM, and tutoring, which allows me to teach complex subjects in a clear, structured, and student-centered way. I graduated summa cum laude from Northwestern University with a BA in biology and chemistry.
I have worked as a full-stack software engineer at leading medical and research institutions, including NYU Langone, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Mount Sinai. In these roles, I designed and built applications used by researchers and clinicians to analyze biological data, manage laboratory workflows, and interpret results. My work frequently involved translating complex scientific concepts—such as genomics, gene expression analysis, and experimental design—into intuitive tools and visualizations, which closely mirrors the process of effective teaching.
I have hands-on experience with Python, JavaScript, React, Next.js, SQL, and Django, as well as machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow and Keras, which I used in computational biology and bioinformatics projects. Academically, I have a strong foundation in biology, medical physiology, neuroscience, and data analysis, and I actively study pre-medical and medical-level material, including physiology and disease mechanisms. This allows me to support students across a wide range of levels, from foundational biology to applied, real-world problem solving.
I have experience tutoring students in biology, science, and technical subjects, including high school–level coursework and exam preparation. I focus on building true understanding rather than memorization, helping students connect concepts across topics (for example, linking physiology to real clinical examples or connecting math and logic to programming). I break material into clear mental models, use visuals and analogies, and adapt explanations to each student’s learning style.
My ideal students include:
High school or early college students studying biology, science, or STEM subjects
Students preparing for exams who want conceptual clarity, not just rote practice
Beginners or intermediate learners in programming or computational thinking
Curious, motivated learners who want to understand the “why” behind what they’re studying
I especially enjoy working with students who feel overwhelmed by complex material or who believe they’re “not good at science or math.” I help them build confidence by making difficult topics approachable, structured, and relevant.
My teaching approach is:
Concept-first: ensuring students understand core principles before moving to details
Personalized: adapting pace, examples, and methods to each student
Practical & real-world: connecting lessons to real applications in medicine, research, or technology
Supportive and encouraging: creating a safe space to ask questions and make mistakes
Ultimately, I offer students not just subject knowledge, but a way of thinking—how to break down complex problems, ask the right questions, and learn efficiently and confidently.
Communities
- STEM (math, biology, chemistry, physics) Premed & Medical Mastery Community Owner · 5 members · Free