LSU Graduate Specializing in Math and Physics

Ashley P.

I graduated in 2023 with College Honors and completed a thesis in Astrophysics at Louisiana State University. I have 4 years experience working with the LIGO research group at LSU. I have a positive attitude, I am patient, and I value scientific communication at all levels of education.

I was a tutor for 2 years with Upward Bound, a tutoring program geared towards students at local Baton Rouge public high schools who are preparing for college. The format was mostly online through Zoom, and sometimes in-person, so I am comfortable with material in both forms. I tutored in both physics and multiple levels of math.

At LSU, I was on the board of SPS (Society of Physics Students), which did lots of outreach to local schools and within LSU’s Physics and Math departments. Through this, I have contributed to showing science demonstrations to kids ranging from kindergarten to high school. This also allowed me to connect with underclassmen at LSU who needed help in physics classes, whether they were a major or not.

My approach is very much geared towards the student and their relationship with the subject. I teach very logically, and I let the students think for themselves before simply telling an answer. Logic is crucial to both math and physics, and I try my best to instill this in my students. I find it easiest to meet the student where they’re at, usually by reviewing notes they don’t understand from class and homework problems that need reworking. I make sure my tutoring sessions always feel very safe, so the students are more open with questions they have. I reinforce that there are no bad questions, and I encourage students to ask me anything. Lastly, I think that my younger age has appealed to students in the past because they feel less intimidated. It is helpful for them to see young women who know how to solve these problems, and better yet, who can explain things to them in ways they will understand.

I enjoy tutoring and helping the studies of physics and math become more accessible.