I am a physics and mechanical engineering student interested in energy production. I didn't discover my passion for the sciences until my sophomore year in college, so I understand what it is like to lack purpose when studying these subjects. But I also know that particular classes and teachers can totally change your perspective on a subject. I hope I can do that for the students I tutor.

The most satisfying part about tutoring is seeing the light bulb go off for students. That "ah ha" moment is addicting if you can find it often enough. There is inherent pleasure in new understanding. These light bulb moments can happen anytime for students and at any age.

I began studying physics at Earlham College in Indiana. I chose this school because it is relatively small. I never had classes larger than 10 students. Along the way I decided not to pursue graduate school in physics, but rather to come to Columbia to study Mechanical Engineering. I did this for a number of reasons, mainly because I want to go directly into industry and an ME bachelors suited this purpose well. That said, I will have two degrees, a BA in Physics from Earlham College and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Columbia University.

I tutor subjects outside of Physics and Math. I spent a year living in Germany studying German, so I tutor that as well.

My favorite subjects to tutor are Physics and Calculus. The reasons for this are quite simple. Calculus is the bedrock of Physics and Physics is our most accurate understanding of physical reality. Math is the language of physics, physics and quantum mechanics formulate chemistry. Chemistry is used to understand biology and so on. The beginning of the chain sits with mathematics and physics.

My teaching philosophy and tutoring style are straightforward. I am convinced that everyone understands introductory physics, they just don't recognize it mathematically. I make sure to relate every mathematical statement to a physical interpretation so that the student can begin to gain mathematical literacy and maturity.

My interests outside of academia mainly consist of some sport, such as skiing, skydiving and motocross. However since I've moved to New York I have sacrificed these hobbies. Fun hobbies aside, I am committing my life to energy production and renewable energy. I believe it is absolutely necessary that our country move in this direction.