Michael K.
Loveland, CO
PhD professional for Math, Physics, and Computer Tutoring
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
PhysicsRensselaer Polytechnic Institute
PhDAbout Michael
I have tutored in mathematics and physics during my graduate years while earning my PhD in experimental particle physics. I have a passion for mathematics and physics and love continuing to learn myself. I find it rewarding to see others learn in these areas as well. I have a large base of subjects for which I am qualified to assist in. My motto
Policies
Cancellation
8 hours notice requiredI can do group rates if requested. Please contact me for details. I am also flexible with rates if necessary.
Travel Radius
Travels within 30 miles of Loveland, CO 80538Michael offers online lessons
Michael is approved to conduct lessons through Wyzant Online. Wyzant Online allows students and tutors to work remotely via video, audio, and collaborative whiteboard tools. For more information about how online tutoring works, check out Wyzant Online.
If you’re interested in online lessons, message Michael to get started.
"Very helpful"
- Zach, Fort Collins, CO on 1/22/15Michael was a great tutor to have for computer science. Each time that we met he came well prepared and had a solid understanding of the subject. He also took the time to make sure that you actually understood the concept instead of just showing you the steps to do a problem. When I did have a hard time understanding stuff he was able to explain it in different ways that made sense, and related things to the real world which was very helpful. He is definitely the best tutor I have had.
"Extremely helpful tutor"
- Cole, Fort Collins, CO on 4/7/17Michael helped me a lot with my computer programming homework. he was very patient and was able to walk me through each step while making sure i understood. i will be using him as much as i can in the future!
"Made a difference in the first lesson"
- Susan, Fort Collins, CO on 12/8/16Michael is a fantastic tutor. My daughter was amazed that she actually knew what she was doing after meeting with him. He offered her other strategies that work for her. Awesome!
"Very knowledgable and helpful"
- Steven, Fort Collins, CO on 9/20/16Michael was able to help me understand concepts I wasn't quite sure of before. He explained some things I had already understood but in a simpler and more concise way that will make programming in the future significantly easier. He is a great tutor that I will be working with again!
"Excellent tutor!"
- Michelle, Longmont, CO on 4/28/16Michael is a very good teacher! He is very knowledgeable and knows how to explain concepts thoroughly in different ways. He's super passionate and enthusiastic when it comes to teaching. Now I am definitely more confident in my math skills!
"Outstanding experience"
- Suzanne, Windsor, CO on 2/21/16Michael met with my son to cover Trig identities. His method of relating complex math theory into everyday life examples makes it much easier to understand and retain. He takes great pride in sharing his love of math and it's evident in the interest level of his students. Keep up the good work Mike, your making math cool one student at a time.
"Michael is awesome!"
- Megan, Greeley, CO on 11/9/15Michael helped me to understand the fundamentals of Trigonometry much better so that I can grasp the concepts better in class. He was great!
"Great Tutor!"
- Kristi, Fort Collins, CO on 2/28/15I sent Michael an agenda ahead of time, which was a homework assignment I was struggling with. Michael diligently prepared a mock-up of a possible solution to my homework assignment. We went over his mock-up and I gained a better understanding of how the logic works and how to put all the pieces together and simply tasks using methods, etc. We didn't waste one minute of the 2 hour session.
"Thank you - very happy with first meeting!"
- Jen, Windsor, CO on 2/17/15Michael was here on Sunday. When it came to the end of the lesson, I entered the conversation. My son was so happy - it was obvious that he had learned and made meaningful connections in trig. I am very thankful for the time Michael spent with my son. It made trig a positive. A++++++ to Michael for connecting with my son, and meaningfully teaching him. EXCELLENT INSTRUCTOR!!!!! :)
"Awesome Tutor"
- Cynthia, Fort Collins, CO on 8/6/14Michael was an excellent tutor for my son with his Calculus II class. He was extremely patient and had a fabulous way of relating math concepts to real life examples. It was obvious he cared that my son understood the materials covered. We would highly recommend Michael!!
"Fantastic!"
- Alex, Fort Collins, CO on 5/11/14Michael is an overall great tutor. He really knows and understands math and its applications. With Michael's help I was able to turn my grade in Differential Equations around completely, and I feel like when topics come up later on down the road I'll actually remember how to use them. My only complaint is that Michael can be somewhat difficult to schedule with - he's just really busy! Nonetheless, he makes every effort to work you in, and even a single hour-long lesson a week proved very beneficial for me.
"Great tutor, highly recommend"
- Ryan, Fort Collins, CO on 1/4/14Michael is a great tutor. He's very patient, has a good attitude and is knowledgeable. I highly recommend Michael, especially if your difficulties lie anywhere in a computer related field.
"Excellent Computer Tutor"
- Norah, Fort Collins, CO on 12/9/13Michael tutored me for two semesters; I took different computer classes in each semester. The first one was a Linux class and the second one was a Java class. He was an excellent tutor for both of those classes. He knew the material very well, always came prepared, and explained every step we do on assignments while we are working on it. Michael will do whatever it takes to help, I highly recommend him for computer classes.
"Great Calculus Tutor"
- Shaun, Longmont, CO on 2/19/13Michael tutored me through calc I & II. He was very patient, spending whatever time was needed to make sure I understood the material and could complete the assignments. He explained difficult concepts clearly. He also took the time to email with me on questions when I was out of town. I highly recommend Michael as a math tutor.
Approved subjects are in bold.
Approved subjects
In most cases, tutors gain approval in a subject by passing a proficiency exam. For some subject areas, like music and art, tutors submit written requests to demonstrate their proficiency to potential students. If a tutor is interested but not yet approved in a subject, the subject will appear in non-bold font. Tutors need to be approved in a subject prior to beginning lessons.
ACT Math
I am fluent in various levels of Mathematics (I have a Ph.D. in experimental particle physics).
Algebra 1
I have studied more than 15 years of mathematics from algebra to partial differential equations as part of my Ph.D in experimental particle physics. Algebra is an important beginning foundation for learning mathematics.
Algebra 2
Algebra 2 is a continuing part of learning mathematics and its uses in today's world.
Astronomy
Looking up at the sky (at night) gives us a rare opportunity to see and understand the world beyond on normal experience. Astronomy gives us some of the basic tools to learn about our world and our universe (from the viewing of comets, asteroids, and moons) to understanding why stars die and what can happen during a stars death-throws. Armed with fundamental skills and knowledge, we sit upon the shoulders of our ancestors (visualizing start constellations) and analyzing the wonderful and exotic place we call our universe.
C++
In my current job, C++ and its interaction with other languages via APIs (Tcl, Perl, MATLAB, etc.) is an essential skill. Using the STL as building blocks to producing complex software is one of the many skills, but also understanding how to use the language (public versus private variable/functions), multiple inheritance, factory or decorator patterns, and a variety of other techniques help to produce software which is agile, extensible, and maintainable for current and future applications.
Calculus
Calculus is a staple of knowledge to understand how many principles and idea work in mathematics. With my background in experimental particle physics (I have a Ph.D), I have used calculus throughout my education college career and beyond. Calculus is understanding of how mathematics works.
Computer Programming
Having a PhD in experimental particle physics, my thesis revolved around programming (Fortran/C/C++) to do data-mining and analysis. Furthermore, as part of my tenure in the work force, I have had the opportunity to work on target tracking for the government (using complicated tracking algorithms coded into software) and currently work on Digital Signal Processing (DSP) for a semiconductor manufacturer writing IDE software for many major technology companies.
Computer Science
Having a PhD in experimental particle physics, my thesis revolved around programming (Fortran/C/C++) to do data-mining and analysis. Part of this responsibility was in algorithms used to accomplish different tasks and to discern which algorithms work best for specific tasks. Analysis of complexity and usefulness in algorithmic development was essential (big-Oh notation and error analysis).
Differential Equations
Differential equations (both ordinary and partial) are a foundation for learning methods used to solve ODEs (for example Bernoulli and Euler style solution methods). Learning how to apply methods to apply to rate reperesentation of physical systems is part of learning how to deal with differential equations. Wronskian, Lyapunov style, predator-prey relationships, Euler 1st and 2nd equations, homogeneous and heterogeneous style, transformation -- Like Laplace, and Fourier) are some of the ways to assist in understanding how to solve these problems.
DOS
DOS is the basic operation system for Windows. Comfortability with batch processing, understanding how to use command-line executables, and even navigating the GUI frontend (explorer) continue to be important skills. Althought DOS does not change very much from version to version, the ability to command the language (and its intricacies) to produce expected results in batch scripting is important to automate clerical tasks and remove error-prone steps in processing.
Elementary Math
In order to feel comfortable with math, elementary skills must be mastered before moving onwards and upwards. A firm grasp of the basics -- addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions -- are essential. Accordingly, interpretation and comprehension of word problems is a vital component of decoding a problem statement into a solvable equation. These and other basic skills form the core to all future mathematical endeavours.
Fortran
Having a PhD in experimental particle physics, my thesis revolved around programming much of my analysis code in Fortran to interface with software already developed and proven in this language (Fortran-77). Even with the limited capabilities of F77 versus C++ at the time, did not stop me from developing simulation code and utilizing additional f77 libraries to complete my degree and analyze my collected data.
Java
As someone who works with Cloud Software, Java has become the mainstay application development language for internet communication. With it's capability of strongly typed compilation, independence in OS, and Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) paradigm, it is the primary language for students to learn. I have developed in Fortran 77, C/C++, and Java for many years and continue to do so part of my job responsibilities and hobbies.
Linear Algebra
As part of my educational degree for a PhD in physics, linear algebra is an essential component of quantum mechanics and forms the foundations for understanding how particle physics works. From the Schoedinger equation to the Standard Model, linear algebra forms the basis for formulating the mathematics for which to understand the physics. Examples would be Wronskian determination of linear independence to S-Matrix formulation of entrance and exit channels for particle interactions per Feynman diagrams to understand how nature works.
Linux
I write test harness software to facilitate job distribution and management of tasks under the Linux/Unix environment as well as coordination with a Windows (Cygwin) environment. I also use LSF (Load Sharing Facility) to handle job scheduling and do so under a Linux/Unix environment. Management of mounting of disk, accounts passwords,and other compiler specific needs are part of my daily routine.
Martial Arts
I have my 2nd degree blackbelt in International Kenpo Karate and am a avid stick fighter in the Filipino martial arts of Escrima. I am currently working toward my 3rd degree in International Kenpo and hope to have a long career learning in the martial arts.
MATLAB
As part of my previous job algorithm design for target tracking was done with MATLAB using Kalman filtering techniques (and other newer algorithm designs). In my current job, MATLAB is an essential component of our IDE software for which Simulink and many DSP toolboxes provided by MATLAB are used to enable developers to design complicated designs and test. I have also written a toolbox for unit testing within the MATLAB environment which I have submitted as open source to the programming community.
Microsoft Windows
I have worked in various jobs after college using MS Windows as well as in software connecting MS Windows into the linux world (cygwin). MS Windows has been a staple of all the major corporations I have worked with over the years and fluency in using MS Windows for DOS Batch programming and provided software (Visual C++ for example) is an important component to providing developed software.
Perl
I write test harness software and frequently use a myriad of Perl to accomplish parsing/logging and regular expression matching to do data-mining.
Physics
I have a Ph.D. in experimental particle physics. Part of the reason I chose this field is the continually learning to keep on top of the various discoveries and enhancements to the world of science.
Precalculus
Precalculus is the vital stepping stone toward beginning of understanding the work around us via trigonometry, geometry, and algebra. I have tutored high school students whilst a graduate student in preparation for calculus at college. I have many years of formal training (I have a PhD in experimental particle physics) and the years of experience as a teacher.
Python
I write test harness software and frequently use a myriad of Python to accomplish parsing/logging and regular expression matching to do data-mining of big data sets. In addition, python's moduler design allow me write customized routines to be stored and saved for later use in other complex systems. The capability of coding with prepackaged, freely available modules, gives me the basis to interact with remote machines, pickling of data for transfer to remote systems, and an object oriented approach to scripting. The natural use of objects cleanly allow for better development and API design and encapsulation. Language encoding (sytle, etc.) is intuitive and straightforward giving clarity to developed code.
Statistics
I am fluent in various levels of Mathematics (I have a Ph.D. in experimental particle physics). Statistics is a knowledge base used quite often in this scientific field.
Trigonometry
I have a PhD in experimental particle physics and even with a thorough understanding of many of the ideas surrounding and backing Quantum Mechanics, I still find trigonometry and its uses are important traits. Learning about how trigonometry pervades into other areas of mathematics as well as how to use trigonometry to solve problems is essential. It is not just about how to compute, but to understand how these computations come into play in other areas.
UNIX
I write test harness software to facilitate job distribution and management of tasks under the Linux/Unix environment as well as coordination with a Windows (Cygwin) environment. I also use LSF (Load Sharing Facility) to handle job scheduling and do so under a Linux/Unix environment. Management of mounting of disk, accounts passwords,and other compiler specific needs are part of my daily routine.
Other Loveland, CO Tutors
Michael K.
Loveland, CO
PhD professional for Math, Physics, and Computer Tutoring