Martyna

I am a graduate of BSc Biomedical Sciences (Anatomy) at the University of Aberdeen and MSc Biological Sciences at the Clemson University (US) who has extensive experience in taking part in biology olympiads both at national and international levels. Therefore, I can help with not only school biology but also prepare you for the British Biology Olympiad and the International Biology Olympiad.

At university, I studied Human physiology, Anatomy, Molecular biology, Biochemistry, Neuropharmacology, and Neuroscience. Moreover, I spent one year studying Medicine at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences where I gained knowledge on Biochemistry, Genetics, Histology, Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, and Immunology.

To foster my analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, I began participating in the Lithuanian National Biology Olympiad (LitBo) where in 2011, 2012 and 2013 I was awarded with gold medals. In the International Biology Olympiad 2012 and 2013 I was awarded two bronze medals.

Because of my inclination toward genetics, I won first place in DNA Day 2012 Essay Competition in Lithuania (for the essay ‘The siRNAs as a prospective cure for cancer‘), the award of the Rector of Vilnius University in DNA Day 2013 Essay Competition in Lithuania and the Honourable Mention in DNA Day 2013 Essay Competition in Europe (for the essay ‘How the sequencing of human genome promotes our understanding of atherosclerosis‘).

Also, I won first-place prizes in the Stem cell bank essay competition 2014 in Vilnius (Lithuania) as well as in the United Kingdom and Ireland Controlled Release Society (UKICRS) Essay Competition 2015 and Essay Competition 2016.

During the summer of 2015 in the Institute of Medical Sciences in Aberdeen I experienced cutting-edge research under the supervision of Prof. Peter Teismann on a project asking ‘Are animals with an extended lifespan due to Nrf2 mediated enhanced antioxidant response less prone to develop Parkinson’s disease? As a participant of Kupcinet-Getz Program, at Weizmann Institute in Israel under the supervision of Dr. Lilach Gilboa we investigated how Stat and ERK signalling cooperate to control cellular extensions of escort cells in Drosophila ovaries.

Tutoring Experience

As an experienced Biology Olympiad tutor, I understand that excelling in competitive exams requires not only a solid grasp of biological concepts but also the ability to think critically under pressure. My teaching approach is tailored to help students develop a deep understanding of the subject, master exam strategies, and build the confidence necessary to succeed.

With several years of experience tutoring students from diverse backgrounds, I’ve helped many achieve their goals, including advancing to the semifinals and beyond in the Biology Olympiad. My lessons are engaging, interactive, and personalized to each student’s unique learning style. I specialize in simplifying complex topics like genetics, biochemistry, and physiology, making them easy to understand and apply.

I pride myself on my professionalism and commitment to student success. My lessons are structured, clear, and designed to track progress effectively, ensuring that students stay on top of their preparation. Whether you’re a beginner looking to build a strong foundation or an advanced student aiming to tackle high-level problems, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

With my guidance, you’ll not only improve your knowledge and problem-solving skills but also gain the confidence to approach any challenge the Olympiad may present.

Through personalized instruction, structured lessons, and consistent support, I aim to guide students to achieve their full potential.

Tutoring Approach

My approach to tutoring is student-centered, focusing on understanding individual learning styles and tailoring the lessons accordingly. I emphasize building a strong foundation in biology concepts, with a particular focus on problem-solving, critical thinking, and exam strategies. Key aspects of my methodology include:

• Interactive Lessons: I use visuals, diagrams, and animations to explain complex concepts like genetics, biochemistry, and physiology.
• Practice-Based Learning: I provide a variety of practice questions, past Biology Olympiad paper question examples, and case studies to reinforce theoretical understanding.
• Active Recall & Repetition: In the class, you will be talking 90% of the time and answering my questions. I will help you learn to USE your material rather than just memorise it.
• Progress Tracking: I use tools like spreadsheets to track student progress, assignments, and areas needing improvement.

1. Typical Length of a Lesson

A typical lesson lasts 1 to 1.5 hours. This duration ensures there is enough time for:

• Reviewing previously covered material.
• Explaining new concepts.
• Practicing questions and discussing answers.
• Answering student queries and clarifying doubts. For intensive preparation closer to competitions, I may offer extended sessions of up to 2 hours with breaks.

1. Qualifications and Experience as a Tutor

Academic Background:
- I hold a strong academic foundation in biology and related disciplines, having studied advanced-level biology topics extensively.
- BSc (Hons) in Biomedical sciences (Anatomy), First class, 2017, University of Aberdeen, UK
- MSc in Biological Sciences, Summa cum laude, 2023, Clemson University, USA.
- 10 years of biology olympiad coaching experience

MY ACHIEVEMENTS

National Lithuanian Biology Olympiad (LitBO) 2011, Gold
National Lithuanian Biology Olympiad (LitBO) 2012, Gold
National Lithuanian Biology Olympiad (LitBO) 2013, Gold
International Biology Olympiad (IBO) 2012, Bronze
International Biology Olympiad (IBO) 2013, Bronze
Molecular Frontiers Inquiry Prize 2012 (Sweden)
DNA Day 2012 Essay Competition, 1st place (Lithuania)
DNA Day 2013 Essay Competition, Award of the Rector (Lithuania)
European DNA Day 2013 Essay Competition, Vienna (Austria), Honourable Mention
Stem Cell Bank Essay Competition, 2014, 1st place (Lithuania)
UKICRS Essay Competition 2015, 1st place (UK)
UKICRS Essay Competition 2016, 1st place (UK)
L’Oréal Baltic Generosity Scholarship, 2012 (Lithuania)
‘Maxima’ Young Talent 2012, Vilnius (Lithuania)
SEB Bank Award 2013 For Best Lithuanian High School Graduates
Aberdeen Endowment Trust scholarship, 2015 (UK)
Kupcinet-Getz International Science School Scholarship, 2015 (Israel)
Coats Foundation Trust scholarship 2016 (UK)
The Sidney Perry Foundation Educational scholarship 2016
2016 HotStart scholarship, University of Aberdeen (UK)
World Changers 2015 Innovation Challenge Best Product Idea (UK)
Converge Challenge 2016 ‘KickStart Top 30’ award (UK)
STAR award, Bronze, University of Aberdeen, 2017 (UK)
Biomedical Sciences Prize for Best Performance in Honours Exams, University of Aberdeen, 2017 (UK)
Public Engagement Bursary by the Pharmacological Society (UK)

1. Who the Lessons Are For

Level: My lessons are tailored for high school students preparing for regional, national, and international Biology Olympiads.
Age Range: Typically, students are aged 14–18 years, though I welcome younger students with a strong interest in biology.
Goals: My lessons cater to both beginners looking to build their foundational knowledge and advanced students aiming to master complex topics for competitive exams.