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PhD Nuclear Engineer & Physicist with AI/ML Experience!
Preston D.

5.0 (39 ratings)

83 hours tutoring

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Hourly Rate: $50
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About Preston

Bio

My educational foundation spans multiple disciplines, beginning with a Bachelor's degree in Physics from UC Berkeley, followed by both a Master's and PhD in Nuclear Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology. Throughout my academic journey, I gained extensive programming experience and developed expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning. My professional career has included work with national laboratories and industry partners, applying theoretical knowledge to...

My educational foundation spans multiple disciplines, beginning with a Bachelor's degree in Physics from UC Berkeley, followed by both a Master's and PhD in Nuclear Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology. Throughout my academic journey, I gained extensive programming experience and developed expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning. My professional career has included work with national laboratories and industry partners, applying theoretical knowledge to solve real-world engineering and physics challenges.
My tutoring experience extends over ten years across diverse subjects and student populations. Starting in high school tutoring students overseas, I learned to adapt teaching methods to different cultural contexts and learning styles. This continued through my undergraduate years at UC Berkeley tutoring mathematics and physics, and into graduate school helping peers with complex engineering concepts. My teaching spans mathematics, physics, programming, machine learning, test preparation, piano, martial arts, and basic Mandarin Chinese, working with students from middle school through graduate level.
My veteran background has instilled discipline and patience essential for effective instruction, while my research experience allows me to provide real-world context for abstract concepts. I believe in breaking complex topics into manageable components using practical examples. Online teaching platforms offer remarkable flexibility that enhances the learning experience, and my interdisciplinary background helps students see connections between subjects while developing critical thinking skills

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Education

University of California - Berkeley
Physics
Air Force Institute of Technology
Masters
Air Force Institute of Technology
PhD

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $50
  • Rate details: My rate is per session, not hourly. Overtime isn’t charged. Rates may adjust for advanced needs—feel free to ask for details!
  • Lesson cancellation: 10 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 7/4/2025

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

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Approved Subjects

AFOQT

AFOQT

AFROTC Detachment 085 alumni. Completed Air Force ROTC while attending UC Berkeley for a bachelor's in physics. Became youngest officer to commission in the USAF at the age of 19 years old. Selected for 1st choice career field as a 61D/61DN - Physicist/Nuclear Engineer.
College Counseling

College Counseling

I bring a unique perspective to college counseling having successfully navigated an accelerated academic path myself, graduating high school at 16, earning my Physics degree from UC Berkeley at 19, and completing both my Master's and PhD in Nuclear Engineering by age 24. My experience working at two prestigious national laboratories—Lawrence Berkeley and Lawrence Livermore—while still in college gives me deep insight into competitive academic and professional environments. Over the past 10+ years, I have mentored numerous students through the college application process and job interview preparation, helping them secure positions at top-tier universities and leading organizations. My combination of personal academic achievement, professional laboratory experience, and extensive hands-on mentoring makes me uniquely qualified to guide students through the complex landscape of college admissions and career planning.
Data Analysis

Data Analysis

My qualifications for teaching Data Analysis stem from my interdisciplinary academic background with a Physics degree from UC Berkeley and advanced degrees in Nuclear Engineering, where I developed expertise in statistical analysis and data interpretation techniques. My PhD specializations in machine learning and deep learning have provided me with hands-on experience building analytical pipelines and applying traditional statistical methods to complex datasets, as demonstrated in my Master's thesis where I analyzed phenomenological data from nuclear reactor facilities. Through over ten years of tutoring experience across mathematics, physics, and programming, I have refined my ability to break down complex analytical concepts into digestible components for students at all levels. My professional work with national laboratories has given me real-world experience applying data analysis techniques to solve engineering and physics challenges, allowing me to provide practical context that bridges theoretical knowledge with industry applications.
Data Science

Data Science

My Data Science teaching qualifications are anchored by my PhD specializations in machine learning and deep learning, where I have extensive experience building and deploying ML/DL architectures and pipelines for real-world research applications. My interdisciplinary background spanning Physics and Nuclear Engineering provides a unique foundation for understanding the mathematical principles underlying data science algorithms and their practical implementation. Through my research work, including my Master's thesis on applying machine learning approaches to identify operational states of nuclear reactor facilities from sensor data, I have demonstrated expertise in the full data science workflow from data collection and preprocessing to model development and validation. My decade-plus tutoring experience combined with professional work at national laboratories allows me to effectively communicate complex data science concepts while providing students with practical, industry-relevant examples that demonstrate how theoretical knowledge translates to solving challenging real-world problems.
Earth Science

Earth Science

As a physicist with advanced degrees in Nuclear Engineering, I bring a unique quantitative perspective to Earth Science that bridges fundamental physical principles with planetary processes and phenomena. My background in physics provides deep understanding of the mathematical models, energy systems, and physical laws that govern everything from plate tectonics and atmospheric dynamics to radioactive decay processes in geological dating. Through my research experience with national laboratories and expertise in data analysis, I can help students understand how scientific measurements and modeling techniques are used to study Earth's complex systems, from seismic wave propagation to climate patterns. My interdisciplinary approach allows students to see Earth Science not just as memorization of facts, but as an applied physics laboratory where they can discover how fundamental forces and energy transformations shape our planet's past, present, and future.
Elementary Science

Elementary Science

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from the University of California, Berkeley, where I built a strong foundation in core scientific principles such as mechanics, thermodynamics, energy systems, and introductory chemistry — all of which are highly relevant to teaching science at the elementary level. I continued my academic journey by earning both a Master’s and a PhD in Nuclear Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology, where I developed advanced problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of scientific inquiry and experimentation. With over 10 years of tutoring and mentoring experience, I have worked with more than 30 students, ranging from elementary school learners to graduate students. This breadth of experience has helped me master the ability to adapt lessons to different learning styles and educational needs. I specialize in breaking down complex scientific concepts into simple, engaging, and age-appropriate lessons that spark curiosity and build confidence. My teaching style emphasizes making science fun and relatable by connecting classroom topics — such as ecosystems, energy, or basic forces — to real-world examples and interactive activities. By blending my technical expertise with a passion for education, I create an environment where younger students can develop a strong scientific foundation while learning how to think critically, ask questions, and enjoy the process of discovery.
Essay Writing

Essay Writing

My essay writing qualifications are built upon rigorous academic training through multiple advanced degrees, where I have successfully crafted research proposals, thesis documents, and scholarly publications that require clear, persuasive, and well-structured written communication. My interdisciplinary background has honed my ability to adapt writing style and tone for different audiences, from technical research papers to accessible explanations of complex scientific concepts. Through over a decade of mentoring students on college applications and academic pursuits, I have developed expertise in helping others organize their thoughts, strengthen their arguments, and refine their writing voice across various essay formats and purposes. My veteran background has instilled attention to detail and systematic thinking that translates directly to effective essay construction, while my teaching experience across diverse subjects has given me insight into how to guide students through the writing process from brainstorming to final polish.
Interview Prep

Interview Prep

My interview preparation expertise is rooted in successfully navigating high-stakes interviews for competitive graduate programs, national laboratory positions, and academic research opportunities throughout my accelerated career path. Having conducted interviews from both sides of the table in professional settings, I understand the psychology of the interview process and what evaluators are truly assessing beyond just technical qualifications. My extensive mentoring experience includes coaching students through job interviews for prestigious positions and academic interviews for top-tier programs, helping them develop confidence, articulate their value proposition, and handle challenging questions with poise. I focus on building authentic interview skills that showcase each individual's strengths while preparing them for various interview formats, from technical assessments to behavioral questions, ensuring they can perform at their best when it matters most.
Machine Learning/ AI

Machine Learning/ AI

Graduate level work requires an interdisciplinary approach to solving real-world problems. Two of my PhD specialties are in machine learning and deep learning; specifically building and applying machine/deep learning architectures and pipelines to research in accordance with physics expertise principles. For example, within my Master's thesis (https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/trecms/pdf/AD1176046.pdf), I applied traditional machine learning algorithms and deep learning approaches towards identifying the operational state of two different nuclear reactor facilities from varying phenomenological data collected from sensors surrounding the facilities.
Personal Statements

Personal Statements

My expertise in crafting compelling personal statements comes from successfully navigating my own accelerated academic journey and helping countless students articulate their unique stories for competitive college and graduate school admissions. Having completed applications for top-tier institutions like UC Berkeley and specialized graduate programs, I understand what admissions committees seek and how to highlight individual strengths while addressing potential concerns. My decade-plus experience mentoring students through the application process has given me deep insight into transforming raw experiences and aspirations into polished, authentic narratives that resonate with admissions officers. I specialize in helping students find their authentic voice, structure their stories effectively, and create personal statements that stand out in highly competitive applicant pools while staying true to who they are.
Physical Science

Physical Science

PhD Physicist/Nuclear Engineer with +5 years in academia/industry/government
Physics

Physics

PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Background in physics +5 years in academia, industry, and government
Piano

Piano

With over 20 years of piano experience and comprehensive knowledge of music theory including concepts like the circle of fifths, I bring both technical proficiency and deep theoretical understanding to piano instruction. My extensive performance background throughout my schooling years has given me practical stage experience and insight into how to prepare students not just to play, but to perform with confidence and musical expression. As someone who has successfully balanced rigorous academic pursuits with musical development, I understand how to structure practice efficiently and help students progress systematically while maintaining their love for music. My analytical background as a physicist allows me to break down complex musical concepts and technical challenges into manageable steps, making piano learning accessible and enjoyable for students at any level.
Python

Python

Python is the primary programming language I have used to complete work and research for my Bachelor's in Physics from UC Berkeley and both Master's and PhD in Nuclear Engineering. Specifically, I have used python for mathematical modeling, nonparametric simulation approaches like MCMC, creating and implementing traditional machine learning and deep learning pipelines, writing APIs, and much more.
Quantum Physics

Quantum Physics

Nuclear physics is the foundation of nuclear engineering. Quantum physics allows scientists to mathematically apply rules to the environment surrounding a nucleus. My experience working for the Electron Electric Dipole Moment Group (EEDM) at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the Axion Dark Matter eXperiement (ADMX) group at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory utilized quantum physics rules for atomic and particle physics research, respectively. This includes laser cooling, magneto optical traps, cryogenic refrigerators paired with a quantum computer, and quantum sensing devices such as a SERF magnetometer. My most recent experience includes applications in nuclear engineering, of which quantum physics still supplies the foundation.
Study Skills

Study Skills

PhD Nuclear Engineer & Physicist with 5+ years in academia, industry, and government
Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics

My qualifications for teaching Thermodynamics are grounded in my advanced degrees in Physics and Nuclear Engineering, where thermodynamic principles form the cornerstone of reactor physics, heat transfer, and energy conversion systems. Through my PhD research and professional work at national laboratories, I have applied thermodynamic concepts to real-world engineering problems, giving me practical insight into how these fundamental laws govern everything from power generation to material behavior under extreme conditions. My extensive tutoring background across mathematics and physics has refined my ability to make abstract thermodynamic concepts tangible through concrete examples and systematic problem-solving approaches. The combination of my theoretical foundation, hands-on research experience, and proven teaching skills allows me to guide students through the mathematical rigor of thermodynamics while helping them understand its profound applications in engineering and physical sciences.
Thesis Writing

Thesis Writing

Graduate level work requires an interdisciplinary approach to solving real-world problems. Two of my PhD specialties are in machine learning and deep learning; specifically building and applying machine/deep learning architectures and pipelines to research in accordance with physics expertise principles. For example, within my Master's thesis, I applied traditional machine learning algorithms and deep learning approaches towards identifying the operational state of two different nuclear reactor facilities from varying phenomenological data collected from sensors surrounding the facilities.
Track & Field

Track & Field

My track coaching qualifications are built on three years of competitive track experience combined with over eight years of maintaining military fitness standards that demanded consistent running excellence and performance under pressure. Through my military service, I developed deep understanding of training regimens, pacing strategies, and the mental discipline required for sustained athletic performance across various running distances and conditions. My physics background provides unique insight into the biomechanics of running, optimal training load distribution, and performance optimization techniques that can give athletes a competitive edge. Having successfully balanced rigorous academic pursuits with athletic training throughout my career, I understand how to structure training programs that build both physical capacity and mental resilience while helping athletes achieve their personal best times.
Preston D.'s Photo

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Ratings and Reviews

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5.0 (39 ratings)
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Reviews

The GOAT!

Not many tutors genuinely care about giving you the correct information and are willing to challenge you and go the extra mile. Preston is very knowledgeable about the AFOQT material. If you don’t want to be challenged and receive the correct information, then don’t book him.👍

Lamin , 3 lessons with Preston

5 stars - Great First Session!

We just had our first session with Preston, and it was a great experience! He is helping my daughter prepare for her AICE Marine Science exam retake, while also assisting with her current studies in Pre-Calc, and Chemistry. She was overwhelmed at the thought of tutoring, but he put her right at ease. Preston is knowledgeable, very supportive, and professional. Highly recommend!

Becky, 8 lessons with Preston
Hourly Rate: $50
Response time: 2 hours
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