Make Math Make Sense | PhD Tutor

Tal R.

Hi! My name is Tal, and I love helping students discover that math and physics can actually make sense. Many students feel intimidated by these subjects or think they are “just not math people,” but in my experience that is almost never true. Usually, students simply need someone who can explain things clearly, patiently, and from the right angle. Different angles work for different people! One of my favorite parts of tutoring is watching students go from feeling stuck or anxious to feeling confident and capable.

I hold a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry and, until recently, worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Columbia University, where I used mathematics, statistics, and scientific intuition to build mathematical models. My background includes advanced work in math, physics, chemistry, and data analysis. I started tutoring at a very young age, teaching math to older kids in the neighborhood (yes, I was quite nerdy), and I never really stopped. I later served as a teaching assistant throughout graduate school and now teach as an adjunct professor at Berkshire Community College. Whether I am explaining quantum mechanics to undergraduates or pre-algebra to a 7th grader, my goal is always the same: helping students build understanding, confidence, and curiosity.

As a tutor, my focus is not just on getting the right answer, but on helping students truly understand why something works. I try to identify where confusion begins and then build step-by-step bridges over those gaps in understanding. Memorization may help in the short term, but intuition and logical understanding create lasting success.

I enjoy working with all kinds of learners, from students rebuilding confidence to advanced students looking for extra challenge. My goal is to create a relaxed and supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, thinking out loud, and growing into confident, independent problem solvers.