As a lifelong learner, I enjoy helping others not only enjoy learning, but also discover and develop their interests and abilities for good purposes. I welcome opportunities to prepare students to learn what is needed to address the challenges facing our world. My curiosity about the world and how things work led me to major in physics with engineering at M.I.T., and my interest in advancing learning led to an M.S. in Learning Sciences/IT from Carnegie-Mellon University.
I have tutored students in-person and online in high school math and physics; taught Algebra 2 as an interim substitute teacher at a private high school; an introduction to engineering and labs course at a community college; and middle and high school math, science, reading and writing at a learning center. I also served as an academic advisor to aspiring engineering students, mentored student robotics teams, and participated in efforts encouraging education and outreach to underserved high school students.
Drawing from my work experiences in technology and in education, I like coming up with fun and creative ways to present and explain often-difficult concepts to a variety of audiences and helping students make the connections and transitions between what they are learning in school to the real-life applications of those concepts in the world of work. I believe students are more motivated to learn by goals that mean something to them personally, and as I get to know them, I tailor subsequent lessons according to their needs and learning styles.
I see math as the language of science and engineering and physics as being all about the rules of nature. Learning math and physics opens your eyes to see the world with new appreciation and understanding. I also support Bill Hewitt's sentiment that "An abiding curiosity and an insatiable desire to learn how and why things work are the hallmarks of innovation. Creativity is nurtured by being receptive and encouraging."
I look forward to helping students learn and do their best.