All of
Kristy’s current tutoring subjects are listed at the left. You
can read more about
Kristy’s qualifications in specific subjects below.
Algebra 1
My expertise is in the field of analytical chemistry. However, while my Ph.D studies were focused in chemistry, the sciences require an understanding of and a good set of math skills. My goal is to provide a simple explanation to complex ideas at the student's level to help them master math and science skills and concepts.
As a teaching assistant for four years in graduate school and a tutor as an undergraduate, I have tutored various levels of math as well as chemistry. Concepts in pre-algebra, algebra 1, and algebra 2 are necessary for proper equation manipulation in the sciences, especially in upper level courses of high school and college.
During my doctoral studies I participated in a program where I worked in the high school classroom setting with a science teacher. Two years in this program not only helped me better my communication of science and math concepts to youth, but also gave me more experience in tutoring high school level science and math.
Algebra 2
Algebra 2 continues the basic principles learned in algebra 1 regarding equations and functions. My goal is to provide a simple explanation to complex ideas at the student's level to help them master algebraic skills and concepts.
I will work with the student to obtain a better understanding of more complex equations, inequalities and functions that use quadratics, polynomials, logarithmic, and radical expressions.
Problems using sequences, series and data analysis are other concepts I can help to clarify for the student studying algebra 2.
Chemistry
My expertise is in the field of analytical chemistry. While my Ph.D studies were focused in the analytical area I have significant experience in both areas of organic chemistry and biochemistry as well.
As a teaching assistant for four years in graduate school and a tutor as an undergraduate, I have a solid base of experience in tutoring undergraduate students in various levels of chemistry. The material I have covered ranges from general chemistry (for majors and non-majors) to analytical chemistry courses such as quantitative analysis and instrumental analysis as well as organic chemistry.
During my doctoral studies I participated in a program where I worked in the high school classroom setting with a science teacher. Two years in this program not only helped me better my communication of science to youth, but gave me more experience in tutoring high school level science.
In addition, local families contacted me to tutor students in high school level chemistry and help with AP Chemistry exam preparations.
Geometry
Providing a simple explanation to complex math principles at the student's level is how I work with students to help them master geometry skills and concepts.
Determining parameters, such as perimeter, area, surface area, and volume for circles, triangles, and quadrilaterals will become a simple task as I work with the student through extra examples and simplified explanations.
While the basic understanding of shapes and size is fairly straight forward, students often find themselves overwhelmed by the various rules for proofs in geometry. I aim to help the student understand what the theorems and axioms mean physically, so the student will better understand the concept theoretically and ultimately feel comfortable solving a geometric proof.
Organic Chemistry
My Ph.D studies, while focused in analytical chemistry, required me to synthesize my own compounds for research. Two years of my graduate research was focused in the study of organic chemistry.
Part of my graduate teaching assistant duties included an organic chemistry laboratory, which included tutoring my students as needed. I also tutored students in organic chemistry in following semesters as well.
During my undergraduate years at the I earned A's in all of my organic chemistry courses and laboratories. While attending, I also tutored fellow undergraduates in organic chemistry.
Prealgebra
The first pre-algebra topic to focus on is knowing and understanding types of numbers, such as integers, fractions, decimals and negative numbers. Once that is clear you will be able to use various operational properties like the commutative, associative, and distributive properties.
Generally, the topics most students have issues with and that I can help to demystify are how to identify constants and variables in basic equations, properly using exponentiation, ratios, logarithms, and simplifying radicals. Science related math concepts in pre-algebra that I can clarify for students include scientific notation and use of significant figures.