Jina

 

Hi! I’m Jina, and I have always been curious about the workings of our world. My brimming curiosity has led me into a colorful education of science. Starting from a young age, I’ve taken deep wanderings into topics that pique my interest—from astronomy to cellular biology to quantum chemistry and finally to geology, which is where I am today. I’m currently a geoscience graduate student at Princeton University, working on cutting-edge computational research on mineral phases that exist in the interior of Earth—an environment so close to home, yet as remote and untouchable as the depths of outer space!

As a tutor and teacher, I hope every student gets to experience joy in learning. But I also recognize that school is often very stressful because many students need more support than is provided in our existing educational system. For this reason, it is my guiding principle to make learning accessible to all and tackle barriers to success.

Among my interdisciplinary interests, my teaching expertise primarily lies in chemistry and earth science, with experiences in private tutoring and TAing remote/in-person classes in college. In addition to reinforcing class materials, I focus on accommodating for students’ learning styles, establishing effective studying strategies, and overall boosting self-confidence by giving students access to the right resources.

I have also helped numerous students on college application essays, which I view as a unique opportunity for students to harness their personal stories and shine. In my practice, I create an open space for students to exercise introspection and explore their feelings and passions, crucial for crafting a vibrant and compelling story for the college essay!

College:

Education: California Institute of Technology
Undergrad Major: B.S. Geochemistry
Other Degrees/Minors: Graduate Degree in Geoscience (Princeton University)

High School:

Class Rank: Top 10
Awards & Honors: 1st place School Winner of ACS High School Chemistry Exam Competition (1st year test 2015), National Merit Scholarship Finalist (2018), National AP Scholar (2018), Science Olympiad Orange County Regionals Division C: 5th Place: Fermi Questions (2017)
Interests & Activities: Vice President of Math Club (2016/2017), President of Science Olympiad Club (2018), Special Affinity Group Organizer of She++ Club (2014/2015), Student researcher at CSULB with Yu group (2017), CTY Intensive Studies (Astrophysics course), Member of Mu Alpha Theta, Coach of McAuliffe Middle School Math Club, Volunteer/Teacher’s Assistant for Los Alamitos School District Summer School for Elementary School Students, Computer Science Instructor in student-organized BYTE Summit, Participant of the Los Angeles Computing Circle (LACC), Junior Varsity Golf, Junior Varsity Long Jump and Triple Jump, First Violinist in Los Alamitos High School Orchestra
SAT Scores: 1570 (770 Verbal, 800 Math)
AP Exams: 5 Computer Science A, 5 Calculus BC, 5 Chemistry, 5 World History, 5 English Language & Composition, 4 United States History, 5 Physics C Mechanics, 4 Biology, 5 Computer Science Principles, 4 English Literature & Composition, 5 Statistics
SAT Subject Tests: 800 Math Level 2, 800 Chemistry

Other:

Other Awards: American Geophysical Union Outstanding Student Presentation Award (2022, in grad school), NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (2023, in grad school), Fritz B. Burns Prize in Geology (2022), Howard Reynolds Memorial Prize in Geology (2021), Taylor W. Lawrence SURF Fellowship (2021), Ernest H. Swift SURF Fellowship (2019)
Other Interests & Activities: At Caltech, I was involved in: GPS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee Undergraduate Representative (undergraduate member in the division-wide DEI committee for Caltech Geological and Planetary Sciences (GPS) division), Peer Advocate program (trained peer mental health resource for Caltech undergraduate community), Equity and Title IX Advocate (trained peer resource for providing support for issues relating to equity, inclusivity, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and other forms of discrimination), Womxn in GPS Undergraduate Representative (student leadership in Caltech Geological and Planetary Sciences "Womxn in GPS" affinity group), Health Advocate (trained peer health resource for the Caltech undergraduate community, includes Emergency Medical Responder certification), Conduct Review Committee Representative (student representative in hearing cases of non-academic breaches of Caltech’s Honor Code and any other policy violations), Student Faculty Conference GPS Undergraduate Co-chair (student leadership for hosting a conference and establishing communication with GPS faculty members to discuss academic and curriculum related issues), Violinist in Caltech Chamber Music Program.
At Princeton, I am involved in: Leader of Unlearning Racism in Geoscience (URGE) program
Location: Princeton, NJ

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