PhD in Physics, Pursuing 2nd PhD in Math, Tutoring Both

Tommie S.

I hold a PhD in Physics from Texas A&M University (May 2024). Currently, I am pursuing a second PhD in Mathematics at the University of North Texas. I am passionate about teaching math and physics, receiving excellent reviews from my students. They appreciate my gentle, playful demeanor, my emphasis on mastering fundamentals, and my ability to break down complicated concepts into understandable terms.

My tutoring experience began during my undergraduate studies, where I tutored a small group in college precalculus. Additionally, I served as a counselor at SMaRT Camp, a two-week overnight summer camp for bright high school students, run by the Mathematics Department at Texas A&M. In this role, I guided a group of about half a dozen students in learning, problem-solving, and proving elementary theorems in Number Theory. I have also provided one-on-one tutoring in college algebra-based Physics and served as a teaching assistant for a semester in Electricity and Magnetism for sophomore engineering majors.

I take a student-centered approach, adapting my methods to fit the unique needs of each individual. This is essential, as one-on-one tutoring offers specialized support not available in a large class. There's rarely just one way to explain a concept or solve a problem, yet schools often don't teach these diverse perspectives. I derive great satisfaction from discovering the particular approach that allows a student to grasp a concept or technique. This is why at the start of our first session, I ask new students about their goals and preferred learning styles. In subsequent sessions, I regularly check in to ensure I'm providing the best possible tutoring experience for each student.

I am available to tutor high school, college, and graduate students, and adults in physics and math, and I also welcome middle schoolers taking algebra.