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James P.

PHD Geneticist and Pharmacological Discovery specialist teaching Math

PHD Geneticist and Pharmacological Discovery specialist teaching Math

$40/hour

5.0 (583 ratings)

  • 1,188 hours tutoring

About James

Bio

As a molecular geneticist working in pharmaceutical discovery, I spent my career understanding and applying math, chemistry and biology in a real world context. Through WyzAnt, I now share this experience with many successful students who benefit from my practical and pupil-specific explanations of how things work and how they make sense to anyone if presented in a manner that makes sense to a particular individual.

I have worked as a research scientist and executive in Biotechnology for...

As a molecular geneticist working in pharmaceutical discovery, I spent my career understanding and applying math, chemistry and biology in a real world context. Through WyzAnt, I now share this experience with many successful students who benefit from my practical and pupil-specific explanations of how things work and how they make sense to anyone if presented in a manner that makes sense to a particular individual.

I have worked as a research scientist and executive in Biotechnology for thirty years and put four children through college in the United States. I know how to explain apparently complex issues to people at many levels of sophistication without distorting the truth and being friendly, approachable and flexible. My experiences with WyzAnt students have all been very positive and I really love it when I hear "Oh, now I get it!," which I hear a lot. The essence of these subjects is that they have to make sense and require understanding, not rote memorization.

Becoming proficient in math and science requires directed practice and problem solving on the part of students and should be actively enjoyed by both the student and the tutor. There is nothing in science and math which cannot be explained to an open mind and these subjects are actually aimed at making the enormous complexities of our world comprehensible. Math and science are therefore very accessible to anyone who wishes to come to grips with them. Honest.

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Education

Trinity College Dublin (Ireland)
Genetics
Trinity College Dublin (Ireland)
PhD

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $40
  • Rate details: I will never charge for more than one hour for a single lesson, but I will always stay until a lesson is complete.

  • Background check passed on 12/12/2013

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Subjects

Homeschool

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

Algebra frustrates many people because they don't get the point -"dealing with real numbers is hard enough, why make it more difficult with letters?". The point is, of course, that the letters let you know where you stand in any given situation much more easily than the numbers alone can, just ask a banker, bookie, engineer or doctor....
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

The simple process of keeping both sides of an apparently complex equation equal to each other leads to many applications of algebra which describe real world processes and make it possible to land probes on mars or build the Eiffel tower. Algebra 2 is really a series of explorations of the concepts developed in algebra 1. It remains essentially the same thing - do anything you like to both sides of an equation and as long as you do it accurately, the equation remains true. Never a problem, so long as you have algebra 1 securely in your mental locker.
Biology,

Biology

Biology has changed from being a largely descriptive process to a predictive and quantitative science in the sixty years since the structure of DNA was shown to explain the underlying nature of heredity. Of all the fundamental sciences, this is the one which has changed most significantly over that time period. Understanding biology at the molecular level is demanding but but holds tremendous promise for the future and the subject is a joy to study. It is, however, no refuge from mathematics or the physical sciences, even if it is a lot more fun for most of us to learn!
Chemistry,

Chemistry

Chemistry is a mature science with a firm theoretical and practical basis which nonetheless continues to present novel and intriguing research areas like hydrogen cells for the future. To enjoy it, students must employ significant spatial imagination and reasoning allied to accurate calculation and deduction. Chemistry has a small number of unifying themes which, once understood, form a coherent basis for deductive and inductive reasoning. It is a beautiful subject once you get past the sticker-shock of balancing equations and apparently intimidating nomenclature, but it is not user-friendly if you don't really get the fundamentals. On the other hand, once you've got these fundamentals down, you can get very good quite rapidly.
Geometry,

Geometry

Logical, simple and clear, geometry is an exploration of the world using fundamental principles in imaginative ways. It is a very accessible branch of mathematics for anyone who can avoid being put off by the terminology and can learn to use a compass and straight edge. Elementary geometry is just plain common-sense applied to straight lines and circles and is fundamental to our understanding of the world and universe around us. More useful and more fun than video-games and a whole lot cheaper!
Prealgebra,

Prealgebra

The topics covered in Prealgebra consolidate the fundamental concepts and mechanics of arithmetic and can give rise to many practical and interesting examples. These concepts should be second nature by the time students tackle Algebra and if they are not properly developed, further math will become an increasingly difficult grind, learned by memory rather than comprehension. Fortunately, structured practice is all that is needed for most people to master the material and it is well presented in a number of internet sites.
Precalculus,

Precalculus

Just as Arithmetic provides the tool kit for the development of Algebra, Precalculus topics prepare students for calculus by providing a comprehensive numerical skill set which allows math to describe dynamic processes concisely and effectively. Each of the component processes (algebra, trigonometry and geometry) is inherently useful and descriptive, therefore interesting and rewarding to study. Trigonometry is an intricate blend of algebra and geometry which is taught at high speed in classes that assume a fluency in both disciplines that many students have not yet developed. I particularly enjoy helping with this topic and find precalculus in general to be my most satisfying math topic to teach.
SAT Math

SAT Math

SAT math exams feature relatively easy questions on a wide range of topics under stress and time pressure. Preparation for these should involve becoming totally confident with the basic mathematical concepts which are being examined - this is achieved by practice and study of the concepts (e.g. area and volume calculations) rather than endless practice of the tests themselves. The test papers are actually very useful indicators of areas needing attention during preparation. "Train hard, fight easy" is the secret for this kind of test - speed and accuracy are the products of confidence and preparation.

Math

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

Algebra frustrates many people because they don't get the point -"dealing with real numbers is hard enough, why make it more difficult with letters?". The point is, of course, that the letters let you know where you stand in any given situation much more easily than the numbers alone can, just ask a banker, bookie, engineer or doctor....
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

The simple process of keeping both sides of an apparently complex equation equal to each other leads to many applications of algebra which describe real world processes and make it possible to land probes on mars or build the Eiffel tower. Algebra 2 is really a series of explorations of the concepts developed in algebra 1. It remains essentially the same thing - do anything you like to both sides of an equation and as long as you do it accurately, the equation remains true. Never a problem, so long as you have algebra 1 securely in your mental locker.
Geometry,

Geometry

Logical, simple and clear, geometry is an exploration of the world using fundamental principles in imaginative ways. It is a very accessible branch of mathematics for anyone who can avoid being put off by the terminology and can learn to use a compass and straight edge. Elementary geometry is just plain common-sense applied to straight lines and circles and is fundamental to our understanding of the world and universe around us. More useful and more fun than video-games and a whole lot cheaper!
Prealgebra,

Prealgebra

The topics covered in Prealgebra consolidate the fundamental concepts and mechanics of arithmetic and can give rise to many practical and interesting examples. These concepts should be second nature by the time students tackle Algebra and if they are not properly developed, further math will become an increasingly difficult grind, learned by memory rather than comprehension. Fortunately, structured practice is all that is needed for most people to master the material and it is well presented in a number of internet sites.
Precalculus,

Precalculus

Just as Arithmetic provides the tool kit for the development of Algebra, Precalculus topics prepare students for calculus by providing a comprehensive numerical skill set which allows math to describe dynamic processes concisely and effectively. Each of the component processes (algebra, trigonometry and geometry) is inherently useful and descriptive, therefore interesting and rewarding to study. Trigonometry is an intricate blend of algebra and geometry which is taught at high speed in classes that assume a fluency in both disciplines that many students have not yet developed. I particularly enjoy helping with this topic and find precalculus in general to be my most satisfying math topic to teach.
SAT Math,

SAT Math

SAT math exams feature relatively easy questions on a wide range of topics under stress and time pressure. Preparation for these should involve becoming totally confident with the basic mathematical concepts which are being examined - this is achieved by practice and study of the concepts (e.g. area and volume calculations) rather than endless practice of the tests themselves. The test papers are actually very useful indicators of areas needing attention during preparation. "Train hard, fight easy" is the secret for this kind of test - speed and accuracy are the products of confidence and preparation.
Trigonometry

Trigonometry

Trigonometry is now taught with a very strong emphasis on the algebraic manipulation of trig functions that is crucial to the mathematical description of curves, vectors and multidimensional motion. Students are often introduced to rather advanced topics in this subject without sufficient preparation and as a result they try to memorize procedures without really understanding what they are doing. This is very unsatisfactory for both students and examiners. I know how to fill in the gaps and enjoy doing so!

Most Popular

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

Algebra frustrates many people because they don't get the point -"dealing with real numbers is hard enough, why make it more difficult with letters?". The point is, of course, that the letters let you know where you stand in any given situation much more easily than the numbers alone can, just ask a banker, bookie, engineer or doctor....
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

The simple process of keeping both sides of an apparently complex equation equal to each other leads to many applications of algebra which describe real world processes and make it possible to land probes on mars or build the Eiffel tower. Algebra 2 is really a series of explorations of the concepts developed in algebra 1. It remains essentially the same thing - do anything you like to both sides of an equation and as long as you do it accurately, the equation remains true. Never a problem, so long as you have algebra 1 securely in your mental locker.
Biology,

Biology

Biology has changed from being a largely descriptive process to a predictive and quantitative science in the sixty years since the structure of DNA was shown to explain the underlying nature of heredity. Of all the fundamental sciences, this is the one which has changed most significantly over that time period. Understanding biology at the molecular level is demanding but but holds tremendous promise for the future and the subject is a joy to study. It is, however, no refuge from mathematics or the physical sciences, even if it is a lot more fun for most of us to learn!
Chemistry,

Chemistry

Chemistry is a mature science with a firm theoretical and practical basis which nonetheless continues to present novel and intriguing research areas like hydrogen cells for the future. To enjoy it, students must employ significant spatial imagination and reasoning allied to accurate calculation and deduction. Chemistry has a small number of unifying themes which, once understood, form a coherent basis for deductive and inductive reasoning. It is a beautiful subject once you get past the sticker-shock of balancing equations and apparently intimidating nomenclature, but it is not user-friendly if you don't really get the fundamentals. On the other hand, once you've got these fundamentals down, you can get very good quite rapidly.
Geometry,

Geometry

Logical, simple and clear, geometry is an exploration of the world using fundamental principles in imaginative ways. It is a very accessible branch of mathematics for anyone who can avoid being put off by the terminology and can learn to use a compass and straight edge. Elementary geometry is just plain common-sense applied to straight lines and circles and is fundamental to our understanding of the world and universe around us. More useful and more fun than video-games and a whole lot cheaper!
Prealgebra,

Prealgebra

The topics covered in Prealgebra consolidate the fundamental concepts and mechanics of arithmetic and can give rise to many practical and interesting examples. These concepts should be second nature by the time students tackle Algebra and if they are not properly developed, further math will become an increasingly difficult grind, learned by memory rather than comprehension. Fortunately, structured practice is all that is needed for most people to master the material and it is well presented in a number of internet sites.
Precalculus

Precalculus

Just as Arithmetic provides the tool kit for the development of Algebra, Precalculus topics prepare students for calculus by providing a comprehensive numerical skill set which allows math to describe dynamic processes concisely and effectively. Each of the component processes (algebra, trigonometry and geometry) is inherently useful and descriptive, therefore interesting and rewarding to study. Trigonometry is an intricate blend of algebra and geometry which is taught at high speed in classes that assume a fluency in both disciplines that many students have not yet developed. I particularly enjoy helping with this topic and find precalculus in general to be my most satisfying math topic to teach.

Science

Biology,

Biology

Biology has changed from being a largely descriptive process to a predictive and quantitative science in the sixty years since the structure of DNA was shown to explain the underlying nature of heredity. Of all the fundamental sciences, this is the one which has changed most significantly over that time period. Understanding biology at the molecular level is demanding but but holds tremendous promise for the future and the subject is a joy to study. It is, however, no refuge from mathematics or the physical sciences, even if it is a lot more fun for most of us to learn!
Chemistry,

Chemistry

Chemistry is a mature science with a firm theoretical and practical basis which nonetheless continues to present novel and intriguing research areas like hydrogen cells for the future. To enjoy it, students must employ significant spatial imagination and reasoning allied to accurate calculation and deduction. Chemistry has a small number of unifying themes which, once understood, form a coherent basis for deductive and inductive reasoning. It is a beautiful subject once you get past the sticker-shock of balancing equations and apparently intimidating nomenclature, but it is not user-friendly if you don't really get the fundamentals. On the other hand, once you've got these fundamentals down, you can get very good quite rapidly.
Genetics

Genetics

I have a PhD and BSc in Genetics from Trinity College Dublin. I have published patents and scientific papers and have worked as a molecular biologist in the Biotechnology industry for more than twenty years. I really know and understand genetics and I know how to explain it.

Summer

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

Algebra frustrates many people because they don't get the point -"dealing with real numbers is hard enough, why make it more difficult with letters?". The point is, of course, that the letters let you know where you stand in any given situation much more easily than the numbers alone can, just ask a banker, bookie, engineer or doctor....
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

The simple process of keeping both sides of an apparently complex equation equal to each other leads to many applications of algebra which describe real world processes and make it possible to land probes on mars or build the Eiffel tower. Algebra 2 is really a series of explorations of the concepts developed in algebra 1. It remains essentially the same thing - do anything you like to both sides of an equation and as long as you do it accurately, the equation remains true. Never a problem, so long as you have algebra 1 securely in your mental locker.
Biology,

Biology

Biology has changed from being a largely descriptive process to a predictive and quantitative science in the sixty years since the structure of DNA was shown to explain the underlying nature of heredity. Of all the fundamental sciences, this is the one which has changed most significantly over that time period. Understanding biology at the molecular level is demanding but but holds tremendous promise for the future and the subject is a joy to study. It is, however, no refuge from mathematics or the physical sciences, even if it is a lot more fun for most of us to learn!
Chemistry,

Chemistry

Chemistry is a mature science with a firm theoretical and practical basis which nonetheless continues to present novel and intriguing research areas like hydrogen cells for the future. To enjoy it, students must employ significant spatial imagination and reasoning allied to accurate calculation and deduction. Chemistry has a small number of unifying themes which, once understood, form a coherent basis for deductive and inductive reasoning. It is a beautiful subject once you get past the sticker-shock of balancing equations and apparently intimidating nomenclature, but it is not user-friendly if you don't really get the fundamentals. On the other hand, once you've got these fundamentals down, you can get very good quite rapidly.
Geometry,

Geometry

Logical, simple and clear, geometry is an exploration of the world using fundamental principles in imaginative ways. It is a very accessible branch of mathematics for anyone who can avoid being put off by the terminology and can learn to use a compass and straight edge. Elementary geometry is just plain common-sense applied to straight lines and circles and is fundamental to our understanding of the world and universe around us. More useful and more fun than video-games and a whole lot cheaper!
SAT Math

SAT Math

SAT math exams feature relatively easy questions on a wide range of topics under stress and time pressure. Preparation for these should involve becoming totally confident with the basic mathematical concepts which are being examined - this is achieved by practice and study of the concepts (e.g. area and volume calculations) rather than endless practice of the tests themselves. The test papers are actually very useful indicators of areas needing attention during preparation. "Train hard, fight easy" is the secret for this kind of test - speed and accuracy are the products of confidence and preparation.

Test Preparation

ASVAB,

ASVAB

ASVAB math is appropriately concerned with fundamentals - solving equations, time and distance, rate to completion of tasks, etc., with a little bit of exponents thrown in for differentiation purposes. If you get the basics, the tests will pose no problem. If you think you get the basics and have not really mastered them, the test will find that out real quick. I can help with understanding the fundamentals in a way which is totally obvious to you and showing you how to practice so that the test seems easy (it is). Train hard, fight easy is my tutoring mantra. This is particularly true for ASVAB-type tests, which are all about performance of the basics under pressure. The better-trained you are, the better you'll perform on the day!
PSAT,

PSAT

Whether you're interested in feedback or National Merit Scholarship qualification, PSAT is an examination of your all-round numeracy and literacy. Preparing for it means working on the appropriate areas of your all-round skills, learning to identify the pit-falls of ambiguity in the language section if you're not a fan of classical grammar and fixing any weaknesses in your basic arithmetic and algebra skills should these exist. It ought to be fun, not trauma and you'll do better if it is.
SAT Math,

SAT Math

SAT math exams feature relatively easy questions on a wide range of topics under stress and time pressure. Preparation for these should involve becoming totally confident with the basic mathematical concepts which are being examined - this is achieved by practice and study of the concepts (e.g. area and volume calculations) rather than endless practice of the tests themselves. The test papers are actually very useful indicators of areas needing attention during preparation. "Train hard, fight easy" is the secret for this kind of test - speed and accuracy are the products of confidence and preparation.
TAKS

TAKS

I am currently certified to tutor algebra1, algebra2, geometry, trigonometry, pre-calculus and SAT Math. Much of my tuition time is spent on various mathematical topics with grade 10 and 11 students. TAKS is about understanding the basics of of a subject and being able to apply them effectively under some time pressure and stress. I can build students' basic skills and examination readiness simultaneously using sample questions to identify issues and tackling any underlying "gaps" or misconceptions.

Examples of Expertise

James has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 4 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of James ’s answers ›

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (583 ratings)
5 star
(564)
4 star
(16)
3 star
(2)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(1)

Reviews

Show reviews that mention

All reviews understanding patient professionalism thorough helped my daughter

Featured review

Outstanding Algebra Tutor

It is my pleasure to recommend James P as an Algebra tutor. My son was taking a 5 week summer course in Algebra at a local college. The course was extremely fast-paced and less than a week before the final, our son requested that we hire a tutor to explain key concepts. After searching through numerous profiles for Algebra tutors, we settled on Mr. P because of his stated ability to “explain apparently complex issues to people at many levels of sophistication without distorting the truth and being friendly, approachable and flexible.” I can honestly say that Mr. P delivered on this assertion which resulted in a positive experience for our son and in the Algebra class. His professionalism, follow-through, and integrity exemplify his trustworthiness as an instructor. The bottom line is our son was successful on the final and received a B+ for the course. Also, our son requested to continue the tutoring sessions (even though the class is over) due to Mr. P's gift for explaining complicated math issues. This is a first for son and directly related to Mr. P’s guidance and encouragement to learn.

Jim, 4 lessons with James

Absolutely Wonderful!!

Highly recommended! James is extremely patient, kind, and very encouraging. My son has a much better understanding of Pre-Calculus thanks to James...and his confidence level has improved tremendously. Can’t thank him enough!

Maria, 15 lessons with James

Great teacher!

James has been my tutor for over 6 months now. He has been extremely helpful and dependable. He is kind, patient, and a really good teacher. He is great at explaining and takes his time when doing so. On top of it, he has a really cool Scottish accent!

Natalie, 24 lessons with James

excellent teacher

Maira has really enjoyed the lesson and has picked up very well. She has informed me that she is ready for her final exams and is confident that she will pass it with flying colors. Mr. James is a pleasure to interact with very nice and clam person.

Ambreen, 2 lessons with James

Great tutor!!

My daughter is working with James for her Pre-ap math class because she struggles on some subjects and he is great. He takes his time and shows her how to think about the problem and break it down without getting frustrated, work it out and use easier methods. He is super patient and answers all her questions. She loves working with him.

Kynisha, 11 lessons with James

Superb Math & Science Tutor

James really cares about ensuring his students understand their stuff so that they can start working on their own quickly. We had several other tutors before, but James clearly surpasses all of them. Our son finally started to engage and become interested in Math and study in general ! What a difference !

Svea, 61 lessons with James

Great teacher! Very helpful!

My daughter had struggled with understanding her College Algebra class, but James has not only been helpful in teaching her but also giving her the confidence she needs to move forward. I highly recommend him!

Stacey, 8 lessons with James

Chemistry Tutor

This was our first lesson with Jim. He was punctual and earnest. My son felt he explained the concepts well and gained greater insight than what he was getting in the class. We plan to continue with Jim.

Giridhar, 4 lessons with James

Awesome tutor

Great at teaching complex equations in a very simple way, can break down the problems to help easy understanding. Patient and strives for the students best. Stay until you absolutely understand everything, does not mind staying late.

Michael, 9 lessons with James

Very knowledgeable and patient tutor

James obviously masters his subject but he is also an outstanding pedagogue. He took time after the lesson to give us an honest feedback and precious recommendations to suit our child's learning style and challenges. I will recommend him without hesitation.

Isabelle, 2 lessons with James
Contact James

Response time: 2 hours

$40/hour

James P.'s Photo

James P.

$40/hour

  • No subscriptions or upfront payments

  • Only pay for the time you need

  • Find the right fit, or your first hour is free

Contact James

Response time: 2 hours