McKenzie's
Journey
Discover the story behind the success of Senger STEM Academy!
A Bit About Me
McKenzie Senger is a former pre-medical student with a dual bachelors of science (B.Sc.) degree in Psychology and General Science, along with a minor in Chemistry. McKenzie received a full-ride scholarship and completed her dual degree in only three years. Her psychology degree has an emphasis on education, neuroscience, and developmental psychology, whereas her general science degree has an emphasis on Biology.
McKenzie's distinctive blend of academic studies has provided her with a deep, well-rounded understanding of the sciences, allowing her to approach complex concepts from multiple perspectives. This multidisciplinary foundation enables her to bridge the gap between theoretical principles and real-world applications, making learning both engaging and practical. Her studies have not only honed her analytical thinking but also fostered a creative approach to problem-solving, which she brings into her tutoring sessions. Additionally, McKenzie's extensive volunteer experience in community outreach and educational programs has given her valuable insights into building strong extracurricular profiles, helping students enhance their college applications. With her guidance, students excel academically and develop meaningful extracurriculars that set them apart in the competitive admissions process.
Experience
2015 - 2018
2015 - 2018
2015 - 2018
2015 - 2018
2016 - 2017
2017 - 2018
2019 - current
2019 - 2021
2019 - current
Dual B.Sc. University of Oregon
- Major 1: Psychology (neuroscience & education focus)
- Major 2: General Science (Biology focus)
- Minor 1: Chemistry
Research Assistant - Brain and Memory Lab (3 years) - The research aimed to study memory and attention processes and their impact on higher-order cognition, focusing on individual differences in attention and memory capabilities. The lab conducted computerized experiments to understand retrieval dynamics in recall, with McKenzie contributing to data collection, analysis, and coding the data. Learn more about the findings of this experiment here
Riverbend Hospital Volunteer
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
Nanny / Tutor -McKenzie has extensive experience working as a nanny and tutor for children of various ages, ranging from toddlers to high school students.
Research Assistant - TAP Lab (1 year)- The lab's research focused on studying emotion regulation and dissociation, particularly exploring the neural processes involved in dissociation and their relationship with attention, emotion, and memory using a dense-array EEG with 256 electrodes. McKenzie was responsible for setting up the experiment, fitting the participant with the EEG, monitoring the EEG in real-time, and identifying any artifacts present in the 256 channels.​
Research Assistant - Developmental Sociobiology Lab (1 year) - Birth Your Way is a perinatal research and practice center focused on improving perinatal health outcomes. You can learn more about BYW on their website​. The lab conducted randomized clinical research trials, and McKenzie worked on recruiting and meeting with participants to assist with the trials.
Pediatric Palliative Care Provider & Program Manager of Little Feather Foundation (since 2019) - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam - McKenzie is the program manager of an international NGO focused on providing pediatric palliative care in Vietnam. Pediatric palliative care is for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. It is focused on providing holistic treatment that is focused on alleviating any physical, psychological or social distress by managing their symptoms throughout the course of their illness.
Kindergarten ESL - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam - McKenzie is experienced in providing individualized and comprehensive support for English as a Second Language (ESL) students.
Tutoring & Beginning of Senger STEM Academy - McKenzie has extensive experience offering personalized tutoring for Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), and A-Level programs, along with preparation for the SAT and ACT. She also has significant experience helping students through the daunting college admissions process.
Teaching Philosophy
As a seasoned tutor specializing in science, math, standardized test prep, and college admissions support, I prioritize creating a personalized learning experience for each student. Recognizing that everyone has a unique learning style and pace, I begin by understanding my students' academic goals and challenges. This foundation allows me to craft customized lesson plans and provide tailored notes and resources—completely free of charge!
My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that every student has the potential to learn and succeed, which makes it essential to teach in a way that resonates with them. I foster a collaborative learning environment that encourages curiosity and creativity, working closely with students to identify their strengths and weaknesses while adapting my instruction to meet their needs.
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I strive to make learning engaging, challenging, and fun by cultivating a supportive classroom atmosphere that respects diverse perspectives. I believe students thrive when actively involved in their education, so I encourage them to set personal goals, ask questions, and pursue their interests. Using a variety of teaching methods, including real-world examples and interactive activities, I ensure that my students grasp concepts and retain knowledge for the long term.
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Ultimately, I am dedicated to empowering my students to become lifelong learners and critical thinkers. I am passionate about helping them reach their full potential, providing the tools and support they need to succeed and become engaged members of their communities.
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