I am passionate about helping students because I remember when I first went from being a straight-A student, to being one of the struggling kids. I remember how it felt like a heavy blow to my self-image, and I began to doubt my capacity for learning and success, and to believe that I had reached my peak performance, and would never achieve my much larger, more difficult dreams. But I also remember the tutors and teachers from Idaho State University who helped me struggle through until I managed to graduate with my bachelor's degree in chemistry, and the deep admiration and affection I developed for them. I want to be that tutor for someone else, and help them get through what is potentially one of the hardest times in their life, so that they can know their capacity to learn and to overcome obstacles is so much greater than they supposed.

Chemistry is by far my favorite subject to learn and teach, but I also delight in many aspects of physics and biology, and I have a heavy appreciation for algebra and calculus in making these sciences possible. When tutoring, I like to lead the student with questions that they can answer, so that they learn a logical, step-by-step problem-solving process which can be used for other problems of the same type.

Outside of academia, I love chemistry research and hands-on laboratory time. Being able to change and control chemical reactions with my own two hands is a really special experience that leaves me feeling powerful and fulfilled.