Coline Couillault

Even when I was back in school myself, I loved sitting down with younger students to help them understand the material. Later while I was working in a biology lab (which I did for over a decade), my favorite parts were continuously learning new things and always having younger students to mentor. That experience developed my pre-existing love of teaching, which led me to teaching. I particularly enjoy 1-on-1 teaching, being able to be there 100% for one student and adapt to their needs and ways of learning.

​

I was born in France, in a town you probably associate with mustard, Dijon. I went on to get a masters and then doctorate degree in immunology in Lyon, France followed by a post-doctoral fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. These experiences led me to working in labs in two countries and five cities. I was able to meet a lot of mentors and students. This highlighted for me the importance of communication and adaptability in teaching and to meet the student where they are.

​

I have always loved learning foreign languages, especially English. Now that I live in the US, I am helping my wife learn French and helping some of my French friends to be more fluent in English. This has given me the opportunity to learn how to explain concepts in both languages and their differences.

​

My passion for biology developed later in high school, but quickly became what I wanted to study in graduate school. My dad was an oncologist with a passion for immunology and research, which sparked conversations and the same passion in me. Sometimes interest for a subject is there from the start and sometimes it is cultivated. I am eager to help more students discover enjoyment in subjects they might not initially have interest in. This is also why I love tutoring K-8 students to teach them how to learn and discover their strengths and interests.

​

Prior to working at Cypress, my main experience in tutoring came from mentoring students in labs, from high school to graduate students. I not only taught them biology and math relevant to the project they were working on, but also coached them on their time management and organization. I have learned that it is important to understand student needs and strengths and to adapt to their way of learning.

​

I believe that listening to students and being patient with them is crucial to their progress, which is made much easier in a 1-on-1 format. I want to know what the student understands and what they struggle with in order to focus on their specific needs. To help them succeed, I also focus on building learning skills to foster their independence and ownership in the future.

​

Outside of teaching, I enjoy biking and roller blading, singing with the No-Stress Choir and playing the piano. I also love playing video games with my wife surrounded by our cats.