Biology and Chemistry

Janice Battistuta - Biology, Chemistry

I mainly tutor students in BIO-1100 and CHEM-1010, but I can also help with CHEM-1300. I’m a former public-school science teacher with a bachelor’s in biology and a master’s in education. I also earned an associate degree in nursing from Tri-C, which led to a career working with behaviorally challenged children.

Evelyn Bradshaw - Biology, Chemistry

I’m a retired chemistry teacher who tutors students in BIO-1100, CHEM-1010 and CHEM-1300. I was a research/production chemist before becoming a teacher. My goal is to create an interactive environment that leads students to a better understanding of scientific concepts. We will use technology as a tool and resource during our sessions.

John Dew, M.D. - Anatomy and Physiology, Anthropology, Biology, Chemistry

I’m a former U.S. Army Medical Service Corps Captain with nearly 30 years of teaching experience and 15 years of research and field experience in hospitals and clinics. I hold degrees in forensic anthropology, microbiology and biology and am able to provide tutoring services in a variety of subjects. My interests include cooking, music, collecting antiques and gardening.

Richard Emmer - Biology, Chemistry

Greetings! I’m a retired aquarist/zookeeper with a special interest in poison dart frogs. I hold a master’s degree in biology from John Carroll University. I’m also a published author, having written a series of books about cryptozoology (Sasquatch, Nessie, Kraken, etc.). My wife says I have big feet; however, as I operate two compost bins and ride my bike everywhere I can, my “footprint” is actually quite small!

LaVonne Heisser - Biology

I hold a Bachelor of Science in biology with a minor in psychology and sociology from the University of Cincinnati. I’m currently pursuing a master’s degree in psychology at Tiffin University. I enjoy going to the gym and taking a daily jog. Staying actively involved in something is important, especially during times like these. I wish you all the best of luck in your studies, and I hope I can help!

Virginia Hellstern — Biology, Chemistry

I’ve been a tutor at Tri-C for the past 13 years, assisting students with all levels of chemistry as well as introductory biology. Most of my 30-year teaching career was spent at Cleveland Heights/University Heights High School, where I served as chair of the science department for many years. Prior to that, I taught GED classes at a U.S. Army base in Germany.

James Jamison - Biology, Chemistry

I tutor students in all levels of biology and chemistry. I taught high school chemistry, physics and math before earning a master’s in ecology and a Ph.D. in cell biology. I then founded a basic research laboratory that produced more than 150 publications, received numerous grants, obtained more than 10 patents, trained dozens of students and spun off multiple start-up companies.

Matthew Jirka — Biology, Chemistry

I graduated from Kent State University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry. Since then I’ve worked as a biochemistry research assistant at Case Western Reserve University and as a medical scribe at the Cleveland Clinic. I’m currently pursuing licensure to teach integrated science to grades 7-12. I enjoy helping students achieve their academic goals, and I look forward to working with you!

Susan Vaziri — Biology, Chemistry

I’ve been with Tri-C for four years now. Prior to joining the College, I worked in experimental therapeutics at the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center. I earned my pharmacology degree from the University of Toronto. I enjoy volunteering for Meals on Wheels with my family.

F. Eugene Welsh — Chemistry

I have a Ph.D. in chemistry with an emphasis in molecular spectroscopy.

Anne Wright — Biology

I tutor Tri-C students in Anatomy & Physiology I and II (BIO-2331 and 2341), Microbiology (BIO-2500), Human Biology (BIO-1050 and 1500) and Medical Terminology (MA-1020 and 2010). I previously tutored anatomy and physiology courses at Lakeland Community College and taught a college study course in conjunction with anatomy and physiology, physical science and pre-algebra at Ursuline College. I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in pre-med from Hiram College, where I was a member of the Alpha Honor Society. I enjoy line dancing, jitterbugging and gardening.