Maddie Housh

Biography

My passion for the natural world originated from exploring the tide pools and evergreen forests of the Pacific Northwest as a child. I was captivated by the complexity and novelty of these ecosystems and was eager to learn more about them. I went on to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Aquatic Biology at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), where my classroom learning was supplemented by field trips to remote research stations, scientific SCUBA diving, and surfing. While volunteering for the Snowy Plover Docent Program, I discovered a new fulfillment in teaching and effective science communication.

After college, I gained technical research experience while working in a laboratory monitoring ocean acidification and continued my involvement in scientific community outreach through the Family Ultimate Science Exploration (FUSE) program, where I lead middle school students and family members through hands-on science activities related to physics, chemistry, and biology. I was gratified to provide a fun and engaging environment for students and their families to gain familiarity with the practice of science and deepen their curiosity of the world.

I continued to pursue teaching and scientific research through the Master of Science program at California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo. In addition to my thesis research on reproductive endocrine regulation in the Amargosa River Pupfish, I worked as an instructor for undergraduate biology laboratory courses. This work allowed me to practice different teaching modalities such as leading hands-on activities for full classrooms and tutoring students 1-on-1.

In progressing through my academic journey, I realized that my greatest impacts have not come from the results of my research but from teaching. I am excited to continue making a meaningful difference in students’ exploration of biology and chemistry at AJ Tutoring. Through my teaching, I aim to utilize each students’ unique learning styles in demystifying complex concepts while reinforcing self confidence and appreciation for these subjects that promotes future independent learning.

In my spare time, I enjoy beach combing, hiking, sharing home cooked meals with my housemates, making jewelry, and hanging out with my cat Chickpea.