Alex O.

Alex’s research experience spans molecular biology and clinical informatics. In the Lefkowitz Lab at Duke University, he studied β‑arrestin–mediated signaling pathways relevant to cell survival and proliferation. During college, Alex participated in the Yale Summer Undergraduate Medical Research (SUMR) program through a National Institutes of Health- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Grant. He later worked at the Yale School of Medicine as a clinical research assistant and postgraduate associate. While at Yale’s Center for Clinical and Translational Research (CTRA), he helped design an automated, EHR‑integrated calculator to improve the diagnosis of pediatric chronic kidney disease. These experiences have led to first‑author publications and the development of tools now used in clinical settings, and shaped his emphasis on connecting mechanisms to outcome. 

Alex specializes in helping students build strong conceptual foundations while developing efficient, strategic problem-solving skills in basic science, social sciences, and reading comprehension. Students he has tutored have scored as high as 526 on the MCAT. He is known for breaking down material into clear, manageable steps and tailoring his explanations to each student’s learning style, whether that means drawing analogies or walking through examples methodically. Students appreciate his patient yet encouraging demeanor and his ability to distill tricky problems into simple knowledge points and one-step applications.

Above all, Alex makes sure his sessions are enjoyable. While he emphasizes a rigorous, thorough understanding of all MCAT concepts, Alex aims for his students to find genuine enjoyment while preparing for the exam.