Math Supplemental Instructor, Theoretical Physics Researcher

Jace P.

In Spring 2026, I completed a Bachelor's degree as a double major in Physics and Applied Mathematics from Weber State University (3.98 GPA), and I will be pursuing a PhD in Physics at Oregon State University beginning this fall. My academic preparation includes undergraduate research in quantum gravity at Weber State and numerical relativity at Louisiana State University, giving me a strong foundation in both physics and mathematics up to the graduate level.

My tutoring philosophy focuses on guiding students toward independent problem-solving rather than providing direct answers, an approach that has improved long-term retention for my students, and even for my own learning experience. For the past two years, I have worked as a Supplemental Instruction Leader and Learning Assistant in mathematics, leading structured review sessions three times per week and providing in-class support. In these roles, I have worked with concurrent-enrollment high school students as well as university students in engineering, pre-med, physics, mathematics, and chemistry. My sessions have primarily taken the form of one-on-one and small group instruction, where my students and I engage in productive discussions, breaking down abstract topics in algebra, calculus, and mechanics into more comprehensible pieces while also helping students develop their independent study habits.

Students I have worked with have consistently reported improvement in their conceptual understanding as well as greater confidence in approaching coursework independently. I adapt my explanations to meet each student where they are, whether they need foundational reinforcement or a deeper challenge, and I draw on my background to connect material to real-world applications when it helps with comprehension.