Lenox Hill Tutors Come To You

Rockefeller University, in the Lenox Hill neighborhood of Manhattan, New York, was founded in part on unfortunate circumstances. The grandson of benefactor John D. Rockefeller, Sr. contracted scarlet fever and died from the disease in 1901. It was, after all, an era of infectious diseases—typhoid fever, tuberculosis, and others—which were viewed as the most important threats on human health. Yet Rockefeller channeled his grief into good and moved forward with plans for a biomedical research center. Biomedical research institutions had already been established in Europe. Rockefeller Institute, located in Lenox Hill, became America’s first.

Rockefeller Institution contributed to the knowledge base for medical conditions right from the start. After a few years, an adjacent hospital was opened. This set-up allowed researchers to view patient reactions to treatment. Diseases initially studied included polio, diabetes, and heart disease. Rockefeller researchers also invented a vaccine for pneumococcal pneumonia, discerned DNA’s role in transmitting genetic information, and correctly ascertained the function of a cell’s cytoplasm.

About fifty years after it opened its doors, Rockefeller Institute expanded its mission to include education, admitting its first class of graduate students in 1955. Ten years later, the institute changed its name to Rockefeller University.

RockEdu, anyone?
The university has collaborated with impressive medical staff, expert biomedical researchers, and other elite research universities, but it has also made mentoring younger students part of its strategy. Through its RockEdu Science program, Rockefeller University brings science programs to K-12 students as well as educational workshops to local teachers who learn dynamic methods for science teaching and tutoring in Lenox Hill.

Rockefeller University’s most ambitious programs are perhaps geared toward high school students. Besides lectures and discussions on topics meant to make students think, there are also more intensive, hands-on programs, including a seven-week summer research program. During the school year, middle and high schools that want to foster an interest in science in their students can plan field trips to the university’s education center, where students meet with scientists and try some lab bench activities.

By bringing students into their facilities Rockefeller scientists can spark students’ interest in science at an early age. Many students think science is boring, but they often change their minds once they realize how important continued science education is in making the world and its communities healthier.

Rockefeller University also supports teachers by offering free one- or two-day workshops. These classes help teachers make science fun and relevant to students.

Lenox Hill teachers and students realize that Rockefeller University is an important asset within their community. Parents who engage the help of a Lenox Hill tutor specializing in science can ensure that their student’s newfound interest in science (thanks to a Rockefeller University lecture or field trip) is nurtured and developed.