PhD Candidate Experienced in Life Sciences & Math Tutoring

Tommy D.

My approach to tutoring is grounded in the idea that every student learns differently, and that effective teaching comes from adapting to meet those needs. I am currently a third-year PhD candidate in microbiology and previously earned my B.S. in both biochemistry and art history, which has given me a strong foundation in math, the life sciences, and interdisciplinary learning. My training has emphasized not only mastering complex material but also communicating it clearly.
My teaching experience began early and has shaped how I work with students today. As an adaptive aquatics instructor, I worked one-on-one with young learners, including children with developmental differences, which taught me how important it is to move beyond one-size-fits-all instruction. As an undergraduate, I tutored elementary school students in math and english, where I saw how access to individualized attention could make a meaningful difference. This led me to adopt a scaffolded teaching style, focusing on building foundational understanding before tackling more complex material.
I continued to refine this approach as a chemistry teaching assistant for three years, where I led discussions and guided students through difficult concepts. Rather than simply giving answers, I encourage students to walk through their reasoning, often helping them arrive at solutions on their own. I aim to create a supportive and approachable environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and building confidence in math and biology. Most recently, I have spent two summers tutoring advanced high school students in science, helping them work through challenging content and prepare for higher-level coursework. I look forward to helping students not only understand the material, but feel more confident approaching new challenges on their own.