Hello students!
My name is Melanie (she/her), and I am an experienced mathematics, mechanical and aerospace engineering, and software development tutor. It is my philosophy that everybody can be proficient in STEM fields – there are no inept STEM students, only ineffective STEM teachers. Most students struggling in STEM classes have developed a poor relationship with the subject(s) due to challenges that were not adequately addressed early in their education. This often results in an “I...
Hello students!
My name is Melanie (she/her), and I am an experienced mathematics, mechanical and aerospace engineering, and software development tutor. It is my philosophy that everybody can be proficient in STEM fields – there are no inept STEM students, only ineffective STEM teachers. Most students struggling in STEM classes have developed a poor relationship with the subject(s) due to challenges that were not adequately addressed early in their education. This often results in an “I am just not good at STEM” mentality and a lack of confidence. Regardless of a student’s age or ability, I believe that this relationship can be transformed by addressing deficiencies in their STEM foundation. I subscribe to a basic-principles/from-the-ground-up tutoring approach and avoid the rote memorization approach that serves only as a short-term solution.
I am currently a Mechanical Engineering PhD Candidate at Virginia Tech. Prior to accepting an assistantship at VT, I earned B.S. degrees in both Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Virginia. It was during this training that I realized any problem can be solved with an understanding of the basic principles governing that problem. I have employed this experience as a one-on-one tutor and in-class teaching assistant for 5+ years and have found this philosophy to be effective for subject levels ranging from 2nd grade to graduate level.
Nothing is more rewarding to me than watching my students learn and succeed. I believe in your ability to become a successful STEM student and hope that I can support you to believe in yourself as well!
Fun facts about me!
1. I worked on a satellite that was launched and orbited Earth doing research and technology demonstrations.
2. I am a professional volleyball player for the Washington D.C. Dynasty team. Interested in private volleyball lessons? I coach those too!
3. Most of my PhD research was funded by NASA, allowing me to collaborate with some of the brightest engineers in the world!
