Graduate with an MS in Chemistry from OU.

William P.

I received my Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Colorado State University in 2022. In addition to the required biology and biochemistry courses, my electives focused on mathematics, chemistry, and physics. While there I worked in a genetics lab focusing on archaeal transcription. I attended the University of Oklahoma, earning a Masters degree in Chemistry. I worked there towards engineering enzymes to yield more useful biocatalysts, primarily focusing on natural product methyltransferases.

I began tutoring in 2015, first as an employee of the Community College of Denver, and independently since 2018. I have worked with students on high school level curriculum, introductory college classes, and upper level university courses. My main belief is that enthusiasm for a subject leads to success, and that enthusiasm is fostered through familiarity coupled with capability. Familiarity is half the battle, as the more connected a topic can be to a student's interests and experiences, the more passionate they will be about the subject. Capability results from practice. To support these two keys to enthusiasm is the role I play as a tutor.

I strive to meet students where they are, adapting my coaching style rather than expecting them to conform to my expectations. I love working with students hoping to understand subjects on a deeper level and those trying to see where they interconnect. In cases in which there are specific goals in mind beyond school, I direct focus to relevant aspects of a subject, still making sure the course expectations are met. I have enjoyed work with students that struggle in courses due to circumstances beside their control. Nothing makes me happier as a tutor than seeing a student's demeanor change as things finally click into place. This isn't to say that preemptive learning and preparation are outside my interest--another thing I love is emergence of the confidence that comes with a strong framework of understanding.