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2006-2026 Celebrating Twenty Years of Helping Kids Learn to Succeed! ❖

Meet TWK Tutor

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Jacob Smothers

Mountain In Fog

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My Degrees & Education 

❖ Current Ph.D. Student In Biomedical Engineering

❖ B.S. in Chemistry

❖ B.A. in Biology

 My Subject Expertise 

❖ Chemistry

❖ Biology

❖ Math

❖ French

Tell us about your research.

My current research involves new methods for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). I focus on applications in body imaging both clinically and pre-clinically. The goal of my dissertation work is to (1) identify novel imaging biomarkers for rare genetic diseases, (2) develop methods for in vivo pH assessments using contrast-enhanced MRI, and (3) implement ultra-high resolution pre-clinical MRI methods for a mouse model of breast cancer.

I was inspired by my high school AP chemistry teacher to pursue an undergraduate education in chemistry. During this training, I participated in two major undergraduate research projects that drew me into MRI research. The first, and most significant of these, was work in organic chemistry synthesis that involved using MR spectroscopy to characterize and identify dozens of distinct chemical compounds. This exposure to MR led me to a summer research internship in pre-clinical and clinical MRI that furthered my interest in and commitment to the field.

I believe strongly that tutoring is an interactive engagement between tutor and learner. I do not approach tutoring as me doing the students’ work for them; rather, I always have the people I tutor work through problems themselves to identify their points of understanding and misunderstanding. I believe that this gives the learner more ownership over the process and helps to best highlight what each individual student needs.

I am most proud of being able to present my undergraduate chemistry research at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

In my free time, I enjoy exploring Cleveland’s parks, restaurants, bookstores, libraries, and museums. I love spending time with my significant other and our dogs.

My favorite author is, by far, Agatha Christie, and I am currently reading The Mysterious Affair at Styles.

I love to travel and have visited 26 U.S. states and 4 foreign countries so far. Exploring new places is one of my favorite ways to learn about the world. I’m always planning my next trip and hope to expand that list in the years ahead.


Interested in working with Jacob and rest of The Whole Kid team? Contact us to learn how we can help your student reach their full potential!






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