A Bit About Me
Hello, I'm Michelle! Thank you for stopping by my website!
To me, math has always felt like solving a puzzle — challenging yet satisfying. Even as a child, I loved it. I remember asking for extra problems to solve in elementary school and eagerly volunteering to help my friends with their work.
That passion led me to earn a B.S. in Applied Mathematics from Marist University. While there, I used math and computer modeling to develop a method to track whales in the Indian Ocean by analyzing recordings of their calls. Alongside my studies, I worked as a tutor on campus, guiding students in courses like statistics and calculus. I also taught elementary, middle, and high school students at Mathnasium.
After graduation, I moved from New York to North Carolina to further my studies. At North Carolina State University, I earned an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a Ph.D. in Biomathematics. During my time there, I created a mathematical model to study how blood flows in patients with heart and lung disease. I also mentored undergraduate research projects and taught calculus and differential equations to hundreds of students.
Now, I am a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Harvard Medical School and Mass Eye and Ear, using computational methods to study glaucoma. I've also continued supporting high school and college students in mathematics through tutoring.
I love math and the positive impact it can have in the world, but more than anything, I love helping students unlock their full potential. For many, math can feel overwhelming and out of reach. My goal is to meet students where they are in their mathematical journey, build their confidence, and empower them to tackle challenges head-on. I believe in creating a positive, interactive space where students can freely ask questions and make mistakes. In addition, by connecting math to real-world applications, I aim to show students that math is not only approachable but also incredibly powerful (and fun!).
With Math with Michelle, I will help students conquer math with confidence!
Education
2024
2021
2019
Ph.D. Biomathematics
North Carolina State University
Winton Rose Research Award, Young Scholars Program, Best Oral Presentation (St. Andrews Soft Tissue Workshop)
M.S. Applied Mathematics
North Carolina State University
B.S. Applied Mathematics (Biology, Computer Science concentration)
Marist University
Excellence in Mathematics Award, Presidential Scholarship
Teaching and Mentoring Experience
2020 — 2024
2023 — 2024
2017 — 2019
2017 — 2019
Mathematics Instructor, North Carolina State University
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Taught calculus and differential equations to classes of 20 – 200 students
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Led and managed 3 teaching assistants each semester to support student learning
Research Mentor, North Carolina State University
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Supervised 5 undergraduate students in mathematical modeling research
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Taught computational fluid dynamics, cardiovascular physiology, coding, and scientific communication through hands-on lessons
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Supported students with Ph.D. program applications, including resume and personal statement development
Mathematics Tutor, Marist University Academic Learning Center/ Math Lab
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Tutored all levels of college mathematics courses one-on-one and in small groups
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Developed personalized strategies to address weak areas, helping students improve their grades by an average of two letters
Mathematics Instructor, Mathnasium of Sayville
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Guided elementary, middle, and high school students in building a strong mathematical foundation and mastering problem-solving skills.
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Used pre-assessments to identify weaknesses and optimize individualized learning plans to best support student success