About Me

Who Am I?

My name is Colleen Tacubao, and I am a recent graduate from the University of Michigan with a B.S. in Biochemistry. I also earned a minor in business through the Ross School of Business. My varied passions include teaching, programming, healthcare, and banana ice cream. I have been a leader of several student programs at U-M including the Cooking Club (president), Science Learning Center (overseeing organic chemistry department), and INvent Michigan (VP of Marketing/Communications).

I am open to work in healthcare, technology, and/or business.

Instructor

Scientist

Builder

Tech Enthusiast

What I do?

Here are some of my skills

Teaching

Variety of experiences with students aged 6-24 on topics including chemistry, technology, and literacy.

Programming

Proficient in HTML, CSS, Javascript, Python, and C++.


Leadership

Skilled in working with and guiding teams, training new employees on the job, and public speaking.

Languages

Conversational + advanced writing skills in Spanish. Familiar with Tagalog & Bisaya.

Technology

Familiar with Arduino, CAD with Fusion 360, and 3D printing.


Video Editing

Edited and co-produced videos for the Ford School of Public Policy for 7 months with Final Cut Pro X.

What and where have I learned?

Education

University of Michigan - College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
Graduated May 2020
Ann Arbor, MI

  • GPA: 3.877/4.000
  • Magna Cum Laude | Top 10% of Graduating Class
  • Awards: University Honors, James B. Angell Scholar, Regents Merit Scholarship

Cohort Program at Enlight.nyc
Completed August 2020

  • Built 4 projects in 2 weeks

Complete Python Bootcamp on Udemy
Completed August 2020

  • Learned basics of Python 2 and 3 with understandings of Object Oriented Programming with classes
  • Completed 100 lectures and numerous exercises on Jupyter Notebooks and text editors
  • Built 2 games: Tic Tac Toe and Black Jack

Introduction to Web Development on Shaw Academy
Completed June 2020

  • Learned fundamentals of HTML, CSS, and Javascript
  • Completed 8 hours of lectures + 10 hours of practice in 4 weeks

International Academy of Macomb
May 2016
Clinton Township, MI

  • Earned IB Diploma and high school diploma
Experience

Work Experience

Web Designer & Video Editor August 2018 – May 2020

U-M Ford School of Public Policy | Ann Arbor, MI
  • Managed social media accounts and produced/edited videos to regularly publicize the Ford School
  • Troubleshooted Ford School websites with HTML to make the Ford School website functional and updated

Tutor & Course Leader in Organic Chemistry Jan 2018 – May 2020

U-M Science Learning Center | Ann Arbor, MI
  • Facilitated weekly, two-hour study group sessions to enhance students’ understanding of chemistry topics
  • Supervised 50+ tutors by leading meetings and holding office hours to provide support in tutors’ jobs
  • Created and presented two workshops on professional support and inclusivity to students and staff

Program Assistant & Camp Leader Sept 2017 – Sept 2019

U-M Women in Science and Engineering | Ann Arbor, MI
  • Organized WISE-sponsored events and website to connect students with useful resources
  • Led middle school girls through week-long STEM activities in Chemistry, EE/BME, and Programming to inspire and expose females to STEM fields
  • Co-developed Python curriculum for Python bootcamp to inspire girls and teach basics of coding

Site Coordinator & Classroom Tutor Sept 2017 – May 2019

America Reads Tutoring Corps | Ann Arbor, MI
  • Trained 40+ volunteers how to run activities on topics of tolerance and diversity in elementary schools
  • Cooperated with teachers in classroom activities to help improve literacy of local elementary school students




Extracurricular Experience

President & Secretary Oct 2018 – May 2020

Cooking Club | Ann Arbor, MI
  • Collaborated with executive board during meetings to improve on biweekly events and student involvement
  • Prepared for events and fundraisers by leading practice sessions
  • Interacted with club members through emails and social media to increase club engagement

VP of Marketing/Communications & Instructor Jan 2018 – Dec 2019

INvent | Bogotá, D.C., Colombia & Ann Arbor, MI
  • Taught basics of Arduino, programming, computer-aided design, and 3D printing to students in 5th through 10th grade at two local Colombian schools in order to inspire students to explore technology careers
  • Directed development of technology curriculum through weekly workshops with fellow volunteers
  • Publicized non-profit’s initiatives through online and poster advertising to help recruit volunteers and donors




Research Experience

Chemistry Research Assistant Oct 2018 – May 2020

U-M Chemistry Laboratory for Dr. Aaron Frank | Ann Arbor, MI
  • Investigated computer models to predict substrate ligand binding in biological systems using Linux, Python, Pymol, and quantum mechanical computational methods

Psychology Research Assistant Apr 2017 – May 2020

U-M Psychology Laboratory for Dr. Susan Gelman and Dr. Arnold Ho | Ann Arbor, MI
  • Gathered data for studies at the U-M Museum of Natural History with children participants, with an additional goal to translating complex scientific concepts in ways that are comprehensible to everyone
  • Designed study related to essentialism and created videos to be used as a stimulus for the study