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Organic Chem Tutoring by Emeritus Prof with 40+ Years of Teaching Exp
James D.

2,353 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Hourly Rate: $85

About James


Bio

I am passionate about teaching and equally committed to identifying ways to help my students succeed. Now retired from active college teaching, I aspire to keep that passion alive by tutoring students in the wonders of organic chemistry, be it in helping them learn to think critically about and enjoy the subject, tackle homework problems, study for exams, etc., while identifying their strengths and potential weaknesses. As the first person in my family to attend college, I was inspired by a...

I am passionate about teaching and equally committed to identifying ways to help my students succeed. Now retired from active college teaching, I aspire to keep that passion alive by tutoring students in the wonders of organic chemistry, be it in helping them learn to think critically about and enjoy the subject, tackle homework problems, study for exams, etc., while identifying their strengths and potential weaknesses. As the first person in my family to attend college, I was inspired by a great teacher, namely my organic chemistry professor at Luther College. I earned B.A. degrees, with honors, in both chemistry and mathematics from Luther and eventually a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Oregon.

In all, I have 42.5 years of successful experience teaching challenging organic chemistry courses, primarily, but not exclusively, to traditional college students (i.e., those aged 18–22). Most of my organic chemistry teaching experience has been at Lewis & Clark College (37 yrs), where I was a finalist for "Teacher of the Year," but I have also taught the subject at Reed College (2.5 yrs), the University of Notre Dame (2 yrs), and Boston University (1 yr).

The final 40 years of my organic chemistry teaching was distinguished by holding unique, weekly, and compulsory 1-hour "conferences" in which students worked individually and in small groups at the blackboard on a common problem they had not encountered before. These sessions invariably involved significant tutoring and should serve as valuable experience that I can pass on to you as your tutor. In general, my organic chemistry students found me enthusiastic, highly prepared, accessible, a strong motivator, and able to answer virtually all their questions.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. The experiences I gained in working with and meeting the individual needs of students representing a wide range of skill sets in my conferences, should serve me well in providing an individualized learning experience for you.


Education

Luther College
Chemistry and Math
University of Illinois
Graduate Coursework
University of Oregon
PhD

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Approved Subjects

Organic Chemistry

Organic Chemistry

My study toward a PhD in organic chemistry was supported by a competitive NIH Predoctoral Fellowship, and my expertise in the subject was considerably enhanced by one-year sabbaticals at MIT and the U of Washington. I have taught both semesters of Introductory Organic Chemistry, including lectures, compulsory conferences (that involved significant tutoring on my part), and laboratory, as well as several advanced organic chemistry courses including Physical Organic Chemistry (my specialty). While I have retired from classroom teaching, I keep up to date in the field by continuing to be an active scholar—publishing articles with undergraduate student coauthors in top journals and serving as an active reviewer of organic chemistry manuscripts. My most distinctive publications (2018 article in J. Org. Chem. and 2010 article in J. Am. Chem. Soc.) emerged from my most recent work in the theoretical and computational chemistry of organic chemical reactions, and hence I should be particularly skilled in tutoring the more theoretical aspects of organic chemistry (e.g., atomic and molecular orbital theory) and in how to use computer molecular modeling as a learning tool.
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Ratings and Reviews


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Reviews

Expert Knowledge, Genuine Care

I came into Organic Chemistry feeling completely lost— but working with James changed everything for me. He explained things clearly, step by step, and always made sure I actually understood the why, not just memorized the what. We went through practice problems, mechanisms, and full exam reviews, and I was able to confidently work through the exam, and I know that’s because of his help. What really stood out to me was how much he cared. He went above and beyond — answering any questions that I had, being patient when I was overwhelmed, and helping me feel capable when I really didn’t. It’s rare to find someone who’s that knowledgeable and that supportive. If you're struggling with Organic Chemistry, or even just want to deepen your understanding, I can’t recommend him enough. I’ll definitely be returning for Organic Chemistry 2!

Jessica, 7 lessons with James

An Organic Chemistry I and II tutor who brings a rare level of expertise and depth to lessons.

I cannot recommend James enough. With his 40+ years of teaching experience, he brings a level of expertise and depth to tutoring that is truly rare. James was incredibly thorough and patient with me throughout both Organic Chemistry 1 and 2. Whenever I struggled with a difficult concept, he was always able to break it down and explain it in a way that made sense, often using helpful tricks and real-world analogies to make complex material intuitive. His experience is so vast that, even when I hadn't had a chance to view the material beforehand, he would provide mini-lectures to help me focus on the most important content. He has a unique way of making what is often considered a daunting subject not only bearable but truly enjoyable. I found myself talking to my coworkers and classmates constantly about how appreciative I was of his support. I honestly do not think I would have achieved the grades I did, passing both courses with A’s and B’s, without his help. While I’m not sure how much longer he plans to tutor, he is undoubtedly one of the best educators I have had in my academic career so far. If you are looking for a mentor who is deeply passionate, highly prepared, and genuinely committed to your success, look no further than James.

Shanice, 45 lessons with James

Great Tutor!

He is patient and clear in his tutoring, allows you to pick what you think you need most help with and revisit material as many times as needed. Great at communicating!

Connor, 19 lessons with James

Knowledgeable and patient!

Every tutor is very knowledgeable in the subject that they teach but not everyone can impart the knowledge to students successfully but James was able to do so for my daughter. I really appreciate him and his efforts!

Karen, 6 lessons with James

Quick to reply, accommodating, reduced my daughter’s stress about Organic Chemistry!

It was a pleasure dealing with James. He was so accommodating and quick to reply and schedule a lesson. My daughters’ stress about organic chemistry was appeased.

Daniele, 2 lessons with James

Highly recommend

I highly recommend Professor James D for tutoring in Organic Chemistry! I had him for weekly lessons in Organic Chemistry 1 and 2, and his tutoring helped me because he clarified concepts and provided additional depth that was sometimes missed in class. If there is a concept that did not stick with you, he will research and follow up with additional sources outside of the lesson. He truly cares and wants you to learn. His knowledge and patience makes him a great tutor for Organic Chemistry that I cannot recommend enough!

Kim, 31 lessons with James

worked well with my son in college

Did a great job getting to know my son’s strengths and weaknesses in O-Chem. Helped prep for exam focus. Thank you.

Vic, 6 lessons with James

Fantastic OChem help.

My son recently started tutoring with Professor James D in Organic Chemistry. Professor James is patient, kind and interested in helping my son learn this difficult subject. We feel fortunate to have found him.

Ryan, 4 lessons with James

Best Organic Chemistry Tutor

James was an amazing tutor to me during my Orgo 1 and 2 classes. He was always extremely patient, and would have a variety of ways to help me understand a topic. It is evident that he cares deeply for his students, and this motivated me to excel in the course. He is very knowledgeable and professional. He has helped receive an A!

Pratik, 65 lessons with James

Great Tutor!

James is an absolute professional who obviously is a master of the subject . As a tutor, he is very patient and understanding and has a great rapport with the student-WE will be working with James all year!

Sean, 36 lessons with James
Hourly Rate: $85
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