Evan Gao

Biography

Ever since I was young, I have always been interested in puzzles, games, and all things strategy. Perhaps that is why I was drawn to studying computer science at UC Berkeley, where I developed a strong foundation in programming, problem-solving, and logical thinking. Additionally, through my time in college, I realized how much I enjoyed eliciting strong reactions from my peers and friends, whether it be through showing off a cool project, surprising someone with a thoughtful gift, or even just a well-timed joke. Throughout my academic career, I found great joy teaching others, which was one way to see my actions have a tangible effect on others; there is always something so satisfying about a student having that “aha” moment when the puzzle pieces finally come together in their mind. I believe that learning is most effective when students feel encouraged to ask questions and approach challenges with curiosity and without fear of judgement or failure, and I strive to create that environment in every tutoring session.

Through my time tutoring and teaching throughout high school and university, I have worked with students from K-12 to build confidence in math, computer science, and physics. Initially, I conducted one-on-one private tutoring lessons both in-person and online, and more recently I have been teaching classrooms of 12-16 students in algebra. I especially enjoy breaking down complex ideas into clear, step-by-step explanations that make subjects like coding and physics feel approachable. When teaching, I like to build rapport and get to know my students and their hobbies, and find ways to connect what I’m teaching to their particular interests and make them feel engaged.

Outside of academics, I’m a big fan of strategy games like Magic: the Gathering, and especially minesweeper! I strive to get the fastest minesweeper times possible, and am currently working on achieving a sub-minute expert time.