"My name is Wes, and I’m a Neuroscience PhD candidate at Arizona State University.

Over the years, I’ve gained experience in many different subjects and have had the chance to tutor students in a variety of fields.

I began my academic journey at California Lutheran University (CLU), where I graduated with honors in Psychology. During my time at CLU, I helped lead or assist with three research projects in social psychology, which sparked my passion for research—a passion that continues to motivate me today.

After that, I went on to earn a master’s degree in biology at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). While there, I worked in regenerative medicine, researching potential treatments for a disease called ataxia. Earlier in my time at CSUN, I also worked in entomology, studying cockroaches and their feeding habits. It was at CSUN that I first got involved in teaching, working as a Teaching Assistant (TA) and a “Peer Learning Facilitator” (a type of in-class tutor for difficult courses like cell biology and genetics). I also tutored students one-on-one during my time at CSUN.

Currently, I am working toward completing my PhD in Neuroscience at Arizona State University, and I plan to graduate in Spring 2025. At ASU, I’ve continued to teach and tutor, and I’ve had the chance to mentor younger students who have gone on to pursue their own PhDs and research careers. I also worked with the National Academy of Sciences to help mentor a student from Romania, guiding them through the process of applying to science programs in the U.S.

In addition to my university teaching, I’ve had the chance to give continuing education lectures at CLU, and I hope to continue that as my schedule allows.

Through all of this, I’ve learned not only how to teach and conduct research, but also how much I enjoy helping people understand new concepts and grow their knowledge in subjects they’re passionate about." less...