I enjoy helping students who feel stuck, frustrated, or unsure of themselves in chemistry, math, or physics. Many students are more capable than they realize, but one confusing explanation, one missing concept, or one bad test can make a subject feel impossible. My goal as a tutor is to slow things down, find the exact point where the student lost the thread, and rebuild from there in a way that feels clear and manageable.
My usual approach is to start by asking the student what they are...
I enjoy helping students who feel stuck, frustrated, or unsure of themselves in chemistry, math, or physics. Many students are more capable than they realize, but one confusing explanation, one missing concept, or one bad test can make a subject feel impossible. My goal as a tutor is to slow things down, find the exact point where the student lost the thread, and rebuild from there in a way that feels clear and manageable.
My usual approach is to start by asking the student what they are currently working on and where they feel confused. I often ask them to walk me through a problem so I can see how they are thinking, not just whether the final answer is correct. From there, I explain the concept in simpler steps, work through examples with them, and then give them a chance to practice while I guide them. I try to create a tutoring environment where it is okay to ask basic questions, make mistakes, and say, “I don’t understand this yet.”
I have a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Rice University, an M.S. and B.S. in Chemistry from Marshall University, and a minor in Mathematics. I have taught science in classroom settings, including chemistry, physics, biology, and middle school science, and I have worked with middle school and high school students for many years. I have also helped students one-on-one when they needed extra support with difficult material. My background in teaching, research, and applied chemistry helps me explain not only how to solve problems, but also why the ideas matter. I welcome class notes, homework problems, review sheets, or any other materials that help me understand what the student is expected to learn.