PrepNow Tutor - Hollie A.
A doctoral student, Hollie has taught high school math, chemistry, chemical engineering, biology, and physics; additionally, she has tutored the ACT and SAT since 2020. She received a bachelor's in chemical engineering (bioengineering track) from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County; later, she obtained a master's in environmental engineering from the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, where she is pursuing a PhD in environmental engineering. "My doctoral work examines how chemicals in tap water affect the helpful bacteria in our gut," she says. Her experience applying advanced chemistry, microbiology, and data analysis, not only reflects her deep knowledge of each subject but allows her to show students how complex concepts contribute to professional life.
In addition to her academic work, Hollie worked as a Research and Innovation Intern at the Great Lakes Water Authority, where she contributed to water quality monitoring programs and regulatory compliance strategies. "This role has allowed me to see firsthand how engineering principles are applied to real-world environmental and public health challenges," she says.
Hollie first started tutoring in high school, where she discovered her passion for helping others understand challenging concepts. Over the past 12 years, she's continued to develop her skills as a tutor, working with students of all ages and backgrounds. "What began as a way to help my classmates has grown into a commitment to guiding students toward confidence and success in their learning journey," she says. Hollie has taught high school math (algebra, geometry, trigonometry, pre-calculus, calculus, data analysis, statistics, and probability), college-level science (chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, biology, microbiology), and test prep (ACT and SAT).
Hollie describes her teaching style as adaptive, student-centered, and interactive. "I tailor my approach to each student’s unique needs, learning style, and goals, creating a supportive environment where they feel confident asking questions and exploring concepts at their own pace," she says. A key part of her approach involves asking students incisive questions to understand their thought processes, pinpoint areas of confusion, and guide them toward solutions. "My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that everyone learns differently, and a personalized approach is essential to unlocking each student’s potential." She wants her students to leave each session with the tools and confidence to tackle challenging problems and achieve lasting success.
Hollie has many accolades from her educational journeys: fellowships from the NIH, NSF, and the University of Michigan; awards from the University of Maryland and the American Chemical Society (ACS); a Certificate of Merit for presentation at 251st ACS National Meeting; and, lastly, 1st place finishes at the AEESP Student Video Competition as well as the Undergraduate Research Symposium in Chemical and Biological Sciences.
Outside of work, Hollie is a competitive cyclist. "My primary disciplines are road and track racing, though I’ve also competed in gravel, cyclocross, and other cycling events," she says. She even competed for Team USA in the Age Group World Triathlon Championships in Montreal, Canada. "It was an incredible honor to represent my country while challenging myself against an exceptionally talented field of women," she proudly shares.
