Search
Michael K.'s Photo

PhD Chemist & College Dean: 30 Years Teaching STEM
Michael K.

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Hourly Rate: $100

About Michael


Bio

With a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry and a Master's of Science in Information Technology, I bring nearly three decades of chemistry instruction at college, university, and high school levels. My teaching experience spans introductory chemistry through physical chemistry, as well as high school physics. I have taught introductory computer science as well. Over my career, I have taught more than 13,000 students in classes ranging from as few as 3 students to as many as 650. I have mentored high...

With a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry and a Master's of Science in Information Technology, I bring nearly three decades of chemistry instruction at college, university, and high school levels. My teaching experience spans introductory chemistry through physical chemistry, as well as high school physics. I have taught introductory computer science as well. Over my career, I have taught more than 13,000 students in classes ranging from as few as 3 students to as many as 650. I have mentored high school science and mathematics teachers. My commitment to educational excellence has been recognized through teaching awards from students and colleagues, and I have authored a textbook in my field.

Fifteen years ago, I provided personalized tutoring in science and math to over fifty students ranging from high school through college level. These students, including multiple siblings, studied chemistry, physics and calculus with me. My tutoring philosophy focuses on building deep conceptual understanding rather than simply completing assignments. I strive to supplement and enhance classroom instruction by explaining challenging material from different perspectives, helping students develop critical thinking skills needed for long-term academic success.

I am currently serving as a dean at my local college, which has taken me away from direct classroom instruction. However, I miss the daily interaction with students and am returning to tutoring to reconnect with that rewarding aspect of education. What sets me apart is my combination of advanced subject knowledge and proven communication skills, including professional science writing for organizations such as Disney, the Smithsonian Institution, and the National Science Foundation. While I am not primarily a mathematics instructor, my extensive use of mathematical applications in science allows me to help students see practical connections between abstract concepts and real-world applications. My goal is to help students develop confidence and independence in their learning


Education

College of St. Benedict / St. John's University
Chemistry
Iowa State University
PhD
The George Washington University
Masters

Policies


Schedule

Loading...

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat


Approved Subjects

Algebra 1

Algebra 1

While not primarily a mathematics instructor, my 30 years of teaching chemistry and physics have required mastery of fundamental algebraic concepts including linear equations, graphing, factoring, and solving systems of equations that form the core of Algebra 1. With a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry and experience teaching over 13,000 students, I understand how crucial these foundational skills are for success in all future mathematics and science courses. My tutoring approach emphasizes building solid conceptual understanding of algebraic principles by connecting abstract mathematical ideas to concrete scientific applications, from calculating chemical concentrations to analyzing motion in physics. Through my proven communication skills, developed through professional science writing and recognized teaching excellence, I help students develop confidence with equation-solving techniques and algebraic reasoning. My goal is to ensure students master these essential mathematical building blocks while showing them how algebra serves as the language of science and a powerful tool for logical problem-solving in everyday situations.
Algebra 2

Algebra 2

While not primarily a mathematics instructor, my 30 years of teaching chemistry and physics have required extensive use of algebraic concepts including quadratic equations, exponential functions, logarithms, and systems of equations in real scientific applications. With a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry and experience teaching over 13,000 students, I excel at helping students understand how Algebra 2 concepts apply to practical situations, from chemical reaction rates to physics problem-solving. My tutoring approach focuses on building conceptual understanding by showing students the connections between abstract mathematical ideas and their real-world applications in science and technology. Through my proven communication skills, developed through professional science writing and recognized teaching excellence, I help students develop confidence with algebraic manipulation and problem-solving strategies. My goal is to make Algebra 2 accessible and meaningful by demonstrating how these mathematical tools serve as the foundation for advanced scientific thinking and everyday problem-solving.
Chemistry

Chemistry

With a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry and nearly three decades of teaching experience, I have instructed over 13,000 students in chemistry courses ranging from introductory level through advanced topics including organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physical chemistry at both high school and college levels. As an author of a chemistry textbook and recipient of teaching awards from students and colleagues, I bring proven expertise in making complex chemical concepts accessible and understandable. My previous tutoring experience includes working with over fifty students who progressed from basic chemistry through advanced coursework, with many families continuing to work with me for multiple years. Currently serving as a college dean, I combine deep subject knowledge with refined communication skills developed through professional science writing for organizations like Disney and the Smithsonian Institution, enabling me to explain challenging chemistry concepts from multiple perspectives to help students achieve lasting understanding and academic success.
Data Analysis

Data Analysis

I have taught both Introductory and Physical Chemistry for over 30 years. I am proficient in use of Excel for data analysis and can apply this tool to lab questions. I am proficient with Power BI as well.
Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365

I have taught introductory computer science for nearly 30 years. I teach all aspects of the Microsoft Suite. I am conversant with the desktop applications as well as online versions of 365.
Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Excel

With a Master's of Science in Information Technology and experience teaching computer science courses, I bring comprehensive Excel knowledge spanning both technical applications and practical business use. My role as a college dean has required extensive use of Excel for data analysis, budgeting, enrollment tracking, and administrative reporting, giving me real-world expertise in advanced functions, pivot tables, and data visualization. Over my 30-year teaching career, I have helped students at all levels master Excel for academic research, scientific data analysis, and professional preparation. My unique combination of IT education, administrative experience, and proven teaching ability allows me to explain Excel concepts clearly while demonstrating practical applications that students will use in their academic and professional careers.
Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Outlook

I used the Microsoft suite of products as the basis of my masters thesis over 25 years ago. We demonstrated how the different products could be integrated and used together. This was accomplished before it was an everyday thing. I am still a power user and trainer for Microsoft products.
Physics

Physics

With a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry and 30 years of teaching experience, I bring deep expertise in physics concepts ranging from classical mechanics through quantum physics and thermodynamics. My doctoral training in physical chemistry required mastery of advanced physics topics including quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and molecular dynamics, giving me comprehensive understanding of both theoretical and applied physics principles. I have taught high school physics and have experience helping students navigate challenging concepts such as wave-particle duality, atomic structure, and energy quantization that form the foundation of quantum physics. My proven ability to explain complex scientific concepts clearly, combined with professional science writing experience for organizations like Disney and the Smithsonian Institution, enables me to make even the most abstract physics topics accessible and engaging for students at all levels, from introductory physics through advanced quantum mechanics.
Quantum Physics

Quantum Physics

I have taught P-Chem at the undergraduate level. I am a clear communicator of difficult concepts and approach the questions from a concept level first and add in the required mathematics after developing an understanding of the problem.
Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics

I taught P-Chem at multiple universities. I am able to explain difficult ideas clearly allowing for deeper understanding and improved problem solving.
Michael K.'s Photo

Questions? Contact Michael before you book.

Still have questions?

Hourly Rate: $100
Contact Michael