PrepNow Tutor - Nitya K.
Nitya earned a BS in molecular and cellular biology and medicine, health, and society from Vanderbilt University, where she graduated magna cum laude with honors. Since graduating after just two years, she has focused on gaining hands-on clinical experience while also helping students become more successful learners. “My goal is to combine my knowledge, experience, and love for teaching to make a meaningful impact on students’ learning journeys,” she asserts. In addition to tutoring, she currently works in a hospital, gaining hands-on experience and valuable insights into patient care.
Nitya has been tutoring others throughout her academic career. As an undergraduate, she volunteered with the university’s peer tutoring program, which allowed her to lead study sessions, assist with lab prep and reports, and coach students on test-taking strategies. “My proudest moments are seeing students go from struggling or failing a class to fully understanding the material and earning an A, knowing that my guidance and support made a real difference in their learning and confidence,” she shares.
Nitya’s approach is personalized, patient, and interactive. “I focus on understanding each student’s unique learning style and adapting my approach to help them grasp difficult concepts, whether through step-by-step explanations, visual aids, or guided practice,” she explains. She fosters a supportive, safe environment where students are encouraged to ask questions and learn from mistakes. “My philosophy is that learning should be engaging and empowering, and that with the right guidance, every student can overcome challenges and develop both mastery and a genuine interest in the subject,” she concludes.
At Vanderbilt, she was deeply involved on campus, serving in myriad leadership roles, including Vanderbilt Student Government (VSG) Senator and Resident Advisor. She also gained valuable research and clinical experience working with mentors in various laboratories, where she addressed topics in clinical ophthalmology like diabetic retinopathy and inflammation. Additionally, as a pharmacy technician, Nitya volunteered at health camps in India and participated in summer global health programs, “gaining hands-on clinical experience and a global perspective on healthcare.”
Nitya racked up several accolades as a student. On top of being a Carell Scholar, which granted her a full scholarship to Vanderbilt, her leadership skills earned her the VALE Award in May 2025. Her devotion to humanitarian service also earned her the title of Nichols Scholar. As a high school senior, she was a National Merit Scholar and scholarship recipient; additionally, she was valedictorian of her class and nominated as a Presidential Scholar for being in the top 1% of graduating seniors in the US.
In her free time, she loves dance, particularly choreographing and performing Bharatanatyam, a classical form of dance from Tamil Nadu, India. She also loves exploring her artistic side via crafting projects, “from painting and DIY decorations to creative projects like cake decorating and holiday crafts.” Fun, fearless fact: she once went shark cage diving in Hawaii!
