About Me

My name is Andrew Pranger, and I am ecstatic to bring my tutoring services to Wisconsin following my graduation from Purdue University. 

As a student, I studied Neurobiology and Physiology and engaged in undergraduate research focused on Cryo-Electron Tomography methods. These skills earned me an unforgettable opportunity to participate in a 7-month Co-Op with Moderna based in Cambridge, MA, where I concentrated on the structural biology of infectious diseases. Throughout my time at Purdue, I was also fortunate to teach two years of undergraduate biology for first-year students, emphasizing laboratory techniques. My efforts in teaching were recognized as I became the student director for COSINE: the College Of Science Nightly Enrichment program, which provides free tutoring services to all students at Purdue in 100- and 200-level science classes. Under my direction, we increased our program attendance by over 300% per semester and adapted an online model for tutoring students. Our program prioritized teaching students the method for success rather than just finding the right answers, with success seen through the limited long-term return of students.

FIRST Robotics has been a major part of my life since my freshman year of high school. The FIRST Robotics Competition allows students to engage in demanding challenges met with the energy and enthusiasm of sporting events. After moving to Madison, WI, I had the pleasure of stepping in as Program Director for FRC Team 1306, BadgerBOTS, and began mentoring multiple FIRST LEGO League teams housed within the BadgerBots Robotics Corporation. I dedicate much of my free time to supporting the growth and sustainability of FIRST in Dane County and am a multi-time Woodie Flowers Award nominee as a result of such efforts.

Professionally, I work full-time in neuroscience research. I continue to practice my own skills through this line of work. My research contributions, past and present, have been published in Nature and presented at the Biophysical Society Annual Meeting. I leverage my professional experience to prepare students for rewarding careers in STEM education or to teach just enough to get by if they choose to focus on a different passion.

I believe all students have a place in STEM, whether it is trying to survive a math class or wanting to be challenged through individual projects. My role as a tutor and local STEM mentor is to encourage all students to meet their own goals that we set together. This is reflected in my tutoring style, which prioritizes goal setting and developing the skills for independent success, allowing students to eventually evolve past needing regular tutoring sessions.