Shelli Lewis

Biography

Biology has been my favorite subject for as long as I can remember. I’ve always been fascinated by the processes occurring inside our bodies and in the world around us, especially when I could “zoom in” on a process and explore the chemical reactions and molecules behind it. This interest led me to UC Berkeley, where I majored in Molecular and Cell Biology and minored in Data Science. Throughout my education, I’ve found that having an enthusiastic teacher or mentor can shape the way a student experiences a subject. I hope to bring that same enthusiasm for chemistry and biology to my students, helping them build confidence while discovering their own curiosity and enjoyment of science.

My love of teaching began as a camp counselor, where I discovered how much I enjoyed working with kids. I especially loved getting to know each child’s personality, understanding what motivated them, and finding ways to connect with them and help them feel comfortable. In high school, I also taught piano online during the pandemic, where I enjoyed the one-on-one setting and created engaging lesson plans tailored to each student’s interests and learning style. In college, I continued teaching as an organic chemistry tutor, helping my peers work through challenging material and break down difficult concepts into more manageable pieces.

My approach to tutoring is centered on meeting students where they are and recognizing that everyone learns differently. I like breaking challenging concepts into smaller pieces and helping students connect those pieces to see the bigger picture rather than simply memorizing facts. I want students to feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes because those are often the moments when the most meaningful learning happens. Ultimately, my goal is for students to leave our sessions not only understanding the material, but also feeling more confident in their ability to learn and tackle challenging problems independently.

Outside of tutoring, I enjoy running, playing piano, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends.