All of
Maria’s current tutoring subjects are listed at the left. You
can read more about
Maria’s qualifications in specific subjects below.
ACT Math
Math sections for standardized tests may seem a bit scary, but they don't have to be! It is very likely that you already have the ability to answer every ACT math question right. The problems most students have difficulty with are those dealing with classes which they have taken a few years ago (i.e. algebra, geometry, pre-calculus), and so may have forgotten some of the basics. To help students prepare for the ACT math section, I help them identify the type of problems which are difficult or puzzling for them. We focus on practicing these problems, and do a brief review on test taking strategies.
Astronomy
I LOVE astronomy. At Colorado State University, I taught Intro to Astronomy labs for 4 semester, as well as aided astronomy students with their homework. My chosen field of study is Solar Physics, so I have special expertise in all things Sun related.
Calculus
I took three semesters of Calculus (Calc I, II, III) in college, and also took multiple math methods courses for physics in both undergrad and grad school. In the past, I have helped students with their calculus homework, and also aided high school students in preparing for their AP Calculus exam.
Microsoft PowerPoint
A very important part of a successful career is being able to communicate ideas and/or research results successfully to a broad audience. One of the most effective ways to do this is through the use of a PowerPoint presentation. I have been using PowerPoint consistently since my freshman year of high school. I give multiple talks a year as part of my research requirements, and I use PowerPoint for all of them. Additionally, with the aid of my PowerPoint presentations, I have won multiple awards at conferences for giving one of the best student presentations.
Philosophy
I have an undergraduate degree in both philosophy and physics. In philosophy, my expertise is philosophy of science, which goes hand-in-hand with my physics degree. I have taken classes in ethics, epistemology, philosophy of science, ancient Greek philosophy, modern philosophy, fundamentals of neuroscience, and basic symbolic logic.
Physics
Yay Physics! Physics has been my passion since my junior year of high school. I like physics because it challenges me every day. It is interesting, exciting, and describes how the world around us works. I have a bachelor's degree and master's degree in physics, and am currently working toward my Physics PhD. I have been tutoring and teaching physics to students for nearly six years. I am familiar with all realms of physics from mechanics to electricity and magnetism to quantum mechanics. In addition to tutoring high school and college physics students, I have also aided many students in preparing for their AP Physics Exams.
SAT Math
Does the thought of preparing for standardized tests fill you with dread? With a little practice and preparation, I'll show you that the math section problems really aren't that bad! It is very likely that you already have the ability to answer many of the SAT Math questions right. The problems most students have difficulty with are those dealing with classes which they have taken a few years ago (i.e. algebra, geometry, pre-calculus), and so may have forgotten some of the basics. To help students prepare for the SAT math section, I help them identify the type of problems which are difficult or puzzling for them. We focus on practicing these problems, and do a brief review on test taking strategies.