Physicist spreading an enthusiasm for learning

Nicholas L.

I hold bachelor's degrees in math and physics from the University of Michigan and a PhD in physics from the University of Oregon. I currently work as a particle physics researcher at a national lab in the Chicago area. I am constantly encountering new math and physics concepts, which helps me to understand the mindset of a student and help teach them most effectively.

I've taught a wide range of students from grade school to college age. l taught in the "Math Lab" while I was an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan, where I helped other students with Calculus I-IV. In graduate school, I was a teaching assistant in introductory physics classes that made use of algebra, calculus, and differential equations. While also in grad school I was a tutor for a well known tutoring company. In this position, I tutored grade school students remotely in various elementary math subjects.

My goal with students is to create an environment where they can play with ideas and concepts without pressure. Memorizing formulas has its place, but the act becomes easier when you dive into how and why they work. Math and physics are two subjects in which each new topic builds on lessons learned from those before it. When a student encounters difficulty, I find it useful to take one step back and remind them of what they already know. This helps the student feel confident in their knowledge and ready to take the next step and learn something new.