Thomas Smith

Biography

Since I started school, math and science have always been my strengths, and I’ve always found myself helping those around me who are struggling. So it feels natural to be helping the next generation of students on their own academic journeys.

I grew up in the Bay Area, graduating from Sequoia High School and then going on to earn my BS in Aerospace Engineering at San Diego State University. Throughout my academic career, I saw how powerful simple tools such as organization and consistent study can be, which has shown me that any student can be academically successful with the right mindset and support system. I try to be part of that support system for my own students!

Throughout my time earning my degree, my passion for math and science (the very subjects that inspired me to pursue this path) has only grown stronger. What once felt like abstract concepts gradually became powerful, practical tools. 

By applying techniques such as calculus to model change and motion, linear algebra to analyze complex systems, differential equations to describe real-world dynamics, and statistical methods to interpret data, I began to see how theory transforms into innovation. Concepts from physics and mathematical modeling came together in meaningful ways, turning years of learning into something tangible, like designing a hypothetical plane that could actually fly!

I love bringing this same passion to my students’ learning. Sometimes students feel like math or science isn’t connected to the “real world” but it definitely is! I feel like this approach really helps my students understand how important it is to learn these concepts and find joy for them. 

Outside of school and work, I spend most of my time with music. I am an avid record collector and concertgoer. I also play the electric bass and am currently learning guitar.