Hello, I’m Ilinca! I am a Graduate Coach at InGenius Prep and a doctoral candidate at Purdue University studying infectious diseases. I’m also an instructor and have developed curriculum for graduate courses on the philosophy of science, scientific practice and errors, and quantitative reasoning at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
I graduated from the Bronx High School of Science in the Bronx, NY where I was a member of the National Honor Society and a 4-year Varsity tennis and basketball player. I then earned my Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences from Barnard College at Columbia University with a minor in Romance languages. While in college, I conducted laboratory-based research at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and was the recipient of numerous research fellowships. I then pursued my interest in scientific inquiry and received my Master’s degree in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Here, I further developed my skills in research, scientific writing, and teaching.
Some fun facts about myself: I’m a published poet, I’ve won numerous photography awards, and I can speak 4 languages. In my free time, I love to travel and learn about new cultures, especially through food! When I’m not conducting my research or teaching, I enjoy playing tennis, cooking, and spending time with family!
I am passionate about teaching and mentoring and have been working with students for many years! I enjoy encouraging students to pursue their dreams and helping them find enriching experiences. I consider the journey toward higher education a beautiful period of growth and development, and I am grateful for the opportunity to guide students on this path. I look forward to working with you and helping you achieve your goals!