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Michael D.

4.9 (115 ratings)

919 hours tutoring

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Hourly Rate: $60
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About Michael

Bio

I have an MS in physical chemistry awarded by Purdue University for work performed in the study of chemical physics. I have successfully completed Michigan State University’s teaching program course work. I am a certified trainer for operation and calibration of analytical and robotic instruments. I have held the following positions: Conejo Valley Tutor; Associate Professor Grand Valley State University Physics; Michigan State University Education Program honor student; Purdue general...

I have an MS in physical chemistry awarded by Purdue University for work performed in the study of chemical physics. I have successfully completed Michigan State University’s teaching program course work. I am a certified trainer for operation and calibration of analytical and robotic instruments. I have held the following positions: Conejo Valley Tutor; Associate Professor Grand Valley State University Physics; Michigan State University Education Program honor student; Purdue general chemistry and physical chemistry lab instructor; Purdue ‘Mathematics for Physical Chemistry’ course instructor- a short course in non-Euclidean geometry, linear algebra, group theory, and tensors; and lab instructor for general chemistry and physics during my junior and senior years at Central Washington University in pursuit of my double major in Physics and Chemistry with minor in Mathematics.

I taught algebra at both the high school and college level to a wide variety of learners. I have a current continued daily familiarity with algebra, statistics, calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, and group theory as a part of my “light” reading and the “tools” I use to accomplish my work. My Michigan education program course work includes understanding the psychology of education and a variety of learning modalities. I use that understanding to present the concepts required in a way that makes sense. I can teach physics principles with and without the calculus tools. I have taught calculus for the business student. I have taught finite math.

Currently, my schedule is quite flexible for a tutoring session. Selecting me gives you the best advantage in today's schools, getting you the best grades possible!

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Education

Central Washington University
Physics and Chemistry
Purdue
Masters

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $60
  • Rate details: The full fee is charged for a cancellation that has not been approved. Informing me after I have begun to drive for the session is not an approved cancellation.
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 2/21/2016

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Algebra 1

Algebra 1

I use these tools daily: determining what I am spending at the grocery store or might need later for gas; making predictions from sets of data in the chemistry lab; and predicting costs of an operation. The Michigan State Teachers Education courses I completed showed me better ways to present algebra to students that need a different approach. I struggled in high school understanding these concepts, so I can really identify with those that are also having a difficult time. I think I can change your algebra experience to complete success!
Algebra 2

Algebra 2

I use these tools daily: making predictions from sets of data in the chemistry lab, and predicting costs of an operation. What is algebra II as opposed to algebra I? It is of course an extension of the concepts first explored in algebra I. My mastery of the tools required for my career require a pretty strong ability with all of the ideas that fall under the umbrella ‘algebra’. That ability extends to “you only really know something when you can teach it”. I have to admit I had to refresh my memory when it comes to the mechanism of dividing a polynomial by one of its factors to obtain another polynomial. It’s not something I do regularly, but the rest of the tools are used daily. Solving polynomials for roots was once a ‘game’ as is Sudoku with prizes. My ‘lite’ reading is books on the development of mathematics; the origin of the logarithm, the origin of complex numbers, the origin of zero, etc. I am able to tell my students the why rather than just the how to do it. I think I can change your algebra experience to complete success!
Calculus

Calculus

Taught Calculus applied to business problems. Taught general calculus as applied to physics applications. Taught Purdue graduate students advanced calculus techniques for chemistry and physics applications. GRE preparation tutor Math component. Developed theoretical physics calculations of Green's function solutions and stochastic solutions to Boltzmann energy distributions. Recent students are working on AP B/C Physics and physical chemistry requiring calculus and extension to differential equations and discussion of series solutions and limits.
Chemistry

Chemistry

I teach these concepts as a matter of course in training employees to handle materials in the laboratory. I am very current with the science. My career is chemistry and physics applications to research in environmental, material, pharmaceutical science, and medical device engineering. I tutor students learning in both vocational and academic environs. My career as an instructor started in being paid by my school to teach while yet an undergraduate student. Instructor titles have been lab assistant, graduate fellow, adjunct professor, and in the industry senior engineer.
Differential Equations

Differential Equations

I have taught differential equations as part of graduate student program at Purdue University to fellow Physical Chemistry students in the program. I have mastered graduate-level physics mechanics, quantum mechanics, and electromagnetics materials that use differential equations in the general solution of the associated field equations.
Geometry

Geometry

My educational background includes study and teaching geometry to colleagues to enable calculation of areas and volumes that typically are involved in chemistry and physics. This includes proofs of relationships between angles and line segments found in constructed triangles, cylinders, spheres, etc that are used to bound fields. I have strong understanding of non-Euclidean concepts ands consequently a strong grounding in Euclid's geometry and construction of proofs from the elements. Successful analysis of physical systems requires a fundamental grounding in the principles of geometry and ability to teach this analysis and the proofs that are associated that follow from the theorems.
Organic Chemistry

Organic Chemistry

I have a career in using organic chemistry principles to solve chemical problems in pharmaceutical research and development. I completed coursework at the graduate level in this subject.
Physics

Physics

I am an Associate Professor of Physics having held that position while teaching students at Grand Valley State University. My career is chemistry and physics applications to research in environmental, material, and pharmaceutical science. I have performed research on electromagnetic systems in an industrial setting. I have a mastery of Physics at a graduate level where most of my study involved classical and quantum mechanics, eletromagnetic theory, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, optics, special and general relativity, and the associated mathematics. I have been tutoring students learning in both vocational and academic environs since having mastered the materials as an undergraduate student.
Prealgebra

Prealgebra

I use these tools daily: determining what I am spending at the grocery store or might need later for gas; making predictions from sets of data in the chemistry lab; and predicting costs of an operation. The Michigan State Teachers Education courses I completed showed me better ways to present algebra to students that need a different approach. I struggled in high school understanding these concepts, so I can really identify with those that are also having a difficult time. I think I can make your pre algebra experience a complete success!
Precalculus

Precalculus

My mastery of the tools required for my career as a physicist requires a pretty strong ability with all of the ideas that fall under the umbrella ‘precalculus.’ That ability extends to “you only really know something when you can teach it.” My 'light' reading is books on the development of mathematics: the origin of the logarithm, the origin of complex numbers, the origin of zero, etc. Cell population exponential or geometric growth and radioactive decay as well as determining what is happing with my investments are daily examples of relationships I must know to predict outcomes in the lab and at the bank that require understanding exponents and logs. Trig relations using Law of Sines or Cosines are used in proofs of congruency of triangles and in some three body analysis of bond angles between atoms in a molecule -- that's probably not a daily concern but it comes in handy when studying for an aptitude exam. Solving systems of equations is routine for chemical equilibria and physical equilibria where use of matrices and substitution is usually invoked to arrive at predictions for motion or rates or concentrations. Predictions of entropy values requires one to have a pretty good handle on how to treat sums of series, the log value of these as the number of values in the series heads to infinity, zero point energy terms as a function of combinations using factorial or permutations. I am able to tell my students the why rather than just the how to do it. I can change your precalculus experience to complete success!
Trigonometry

Trigonometry

My mastery of the tools required for my career as a physicist requires a pretty strong ability with all of the ideas that fall under the umbrella ‘trigonometry,’ and the ability to teach trigonometry. That ability extends to “you only really know something when you can teach it.” I am able to tell my students the why rather than just the how to do it. I can make your trigonometry experience a complete success!
Elementary Math

Examples of Expertise

Michael has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 50 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

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Michael D.'s Photo

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Ratings and Reviews

Rating

4.9 (115 ratings)
5 star
(110)
4 star
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3 star
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2 star
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1 star
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Reviews

Knowledgeable, Strategic and Patient Tutor

Michael is tutoring my son Physical/Molecular Chemistry. Michael has an outstanding ability to communicate very difficult concepts in a simplified manner more often coming up with creative ideas. As an example, he helped my son to use a three dimensional model with beads that helped him to visualize and facilitated a clear understanding of the complex protein and amino acid structure. Michael is patient, passionate, strategic with emphasis on the understanding of the concepts in his tutoring. He is well prepared for tutoring by coming up with a plan that was organized and well thought out with my son . Michael is reliable and conscientious tutor. He provides ongoing feedback as well. I would highly recommend him! Best wishes!

Lalitha, 289 lessons with Michael

Very knowledgeable and can explain concepts so well

Michael boosted my confidence. Organic chem is terrifying and he is so patient. He explains things in the simplest manner and the biggest thing, he makes sure he knows your problems, concerns before you meet. That is a huge time saver and allows direct focus. I will continue to use Michael and recommend him.

Jessica, 2 lessons with Michael

Knowledgeable, reliable and patient tutor!

Michael has been helping me to prepare for one of my college finals in Physical Chemistry. He was able to fill in much of the detail my professor did not, and really clarify the material and ideas behind the problems I wanted to work on. My only regret is waiting for finals time to reach out to him! I'm certain that working with him throughout the course would have made what has been a frustrating class experience for me, a much better one. I would highly recommend him!

Meredith, 5 lessons with Michael

Great tutor!!

Patient, and knowledge! Great with my daughter and helped her to ugh her chemistry final review! Thank you Michael! Would highly recommend for any student needing chemistry help!

Kaitlyn , 1 lesson with Michael

Great session

Micheal was very knowledgeable on what I needed help on for AP Physics and was able to effectively explain the concepts. He helped me immensely!

Sarokar, 1 lesson with Michael

Patient, Exceptional Knowledge, Thoughtful, Super Explanations!

Michael has does a truly exceptional job explaining and breaking down complex mathematical and chemical concepts. He is kind in his approach, thoughtful in his methods, and always reaching for the best way to communicate with our teenage son.

Kris , 7 lessons with Michael

Knowledgeable and patient, kind tutor!

We worked on NMR, for organic chemistry. Solved problems, and he guided me through the reasons why, answered questions. Discussed the science behind the work. Great session.

Skylar, 1 lesson with Michael

Extremely Helpful!

Very Patient Tutor. I have been away from math for 21 years and he is making math seem less scary. I feel like it is doable with his assistance. He is flexible and willing to adjust to make students comfortable.

Ernest, 3 lessons with Michael

Knowledgeable and Patient Teacher

Michael is teaching my son AP physics B/C. I am really happy to find a mentor like him for my son. Not only Michael has great knowledge of the subject but the way he engages is excellent. He let my son know in advance what topic he will be covering, he is going through the concepts; after every session he gives problems and then go over with my son in the following session. I will recommend him anytime for someone who is looking to excell in AP physics

Amit, 13 lessons with Michael

Not-effective and hard to learn from

I needed tutoring with organic chemistry 1 and Michael did not necessarily help with learning the material. He seemed to not know the material as well as I'd hoped and seemed like he was learning with me instead of teaching.

Nicole, 3 lessons with Michael
Hourly Rate: $60
Response time: 2 hours
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