Miles Backer

Biography

I have always loved storytelling. Whether it’s The Lord of the Rings or a biology textbook, as long as it has something to say, I’m intrigued. Throughout high school and college, my time as a peer tutor and summer camp counselor taught me that often the most effective way to share awesome information with people is by telling a story. I firmly believe that there is little difference between a lecture on quantum chemistry and a saga from ancient Babylon: both are trying to teach, and both are trying to keep you enthralled long enough for you to learn. 

My scholastic journey led me to UC Santa Cruz, where I studied bio-molecular engineering for two years before realizing that my true passion was more the amazing concepts than anything else. I wanted to find a major that focused on engaging people with complex information in creative ways, which led me to history and anthropology. My work as a history major taught me advanced research and writing skills, while my minor in anthropology helped instill an objective, analytical view on data. 

My work as an educator has been continuous since I first started saying, “Hey, did you know…?” to my classmates on elementary school playgrounds. I have worked alongside countless professors and teachers as a teaching assistant, taught natural and local history to campers, and worked at a museum to engage the public in history and art. These diverse experiences have all helped shape my teaching philosophy, with the main constant being that people everywhere desire to learn! As a tutor, I want to facilitate my students’ joy in uncovering new information, not endlessly lecture at them.

When I’m not tutoring, I love taking hikes in the redwoods, reading sci-fi and fantasy books, playing guitar, and watching anything animated.