I grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee, and attended the University of Huntsville in Alabama for my undergraduate degree. I graduated with a B.S. in physics, with a focus in astronomy, and a minor in math. I then pursued a master’s degree in physics and astronomy at San Francisco State University, where I completed my thesis on 2-D materials.

During my time at SF State, I worked as a graduate teaching assistant, teaching undergraduate physics and astronomy labs to classes of 30 or more students. Since graduating, I have worked as a tutor for high school and adult students in a variety of subjects, from statistics and calculus, to chemistry and economics.

As a tutor, I structure sessions to allow my students to move through material at their own pace, so that they can develop both their understanding and their confidence. Despite how many incorrect problems a student makes on an assignment, and despite what grades they receive on tests, I believe that every student is capable of learning the material with the right approach and support. I work with my students to develop their study skills and test taking skills, and I will re-explain a concept in different ways until it finally clicks for my student.

When working with younger students, I recognize that the material may not be the only thing they are struggling with. Sometimes a student may have trouble keeping up with schoolwork or taking effective notes and I address these problems along with the material. I believe it’s important to always keep in mind the student as a whole person, not just a machine for doing homework/schoolwork.

Believe it or not, my minor in math wasn’t always in the cards: up until college, math was one of my weakest subjects. When I sought out 1-on-1 support for my coursework, my tutor helped me deconstruct what I thought I knew and to rebuild my knowledge on a stronger foundation. While most students do not need such an extreme approach, I am always looking to help them recognize what they do and do not know and to help them fill in the gaps.

In my spare time, I like to play guitar, go to the gym, and read.