Roen Rawlings

Biography

I grew up in Pescadero, California, and attended Santa Cruz High School before earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology from UC Merced. During college, I studied biology and chemistry both in the classroom and through undergraduate research. I enjoy tutoring because it gives me the opportunity to share my enthusiasm for science while helping students understand not just what an answer is, but why it makes sense.

My interest in teaching developed during three semesters as a Learning Assistant for introductory biology courses at UC Merced. I worked with students in both large lectures and smaller discussion sections, and I especially enjoyed the personal side of teaching: figuring out where a student is getting stuck and finding a different way to explain the material. Coursework focused on teaching and learning also showed me how important it is for students to be active participants in the learning process rather than simply listening to a lecture.

I enjoy biology because it involves understanding how many smaller mechanisms and systems work together, while chemistry helps explain why matter behaves the way it does, from molecular interactions to everyday reactions. When tutoring one-on-one, I first try to understand what a student already knows and how they learn best. I might ask them to explain a concept in their own words, draw it out, or apply it to a new problem. From there, I can adjust my approach and introduce gradually more challenging practice to strengthen both their understanding and confidence.

My goal as a tutor is to create an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, working through mistakes, and actively engaging with challenging material. I want students to leave each session with a clearer understanding of the subject and greater confidence in their ability to figure things out for themselves.

Outside of tutoring, I enjoy hiking and camping with my partner and our one-year-old chocolate Lab, Clover. I also enjoy learning guitar, reading, and picking up new hobbies.