I see a certain magic in helping someone understand something about the world, and I want to experience that magic over and over again. I have had experience working with students at many levels of education, from elementary school through students working on graduate degrees. I have a bachelor's in chemistry from Reed College and a Ph.D. in radiochemistry from the University of Missouri, where I also took a minor in college teaching. I currently tutor elementary, middle school, and high school math and science subjects. Chemistry is my first love, and I enjoy tutoring chemistry and biology because explanations in these fields involve telling a good story about why weirdly different things are actually the same thing. My teaching philosophy is founded on being a good listener: I cannot help you learn something new unless you can tell me what you already know, so I am ready to listen to you. Outside of academia, I'm into woodworking, other arts and crafts, exploring my city, and gardening. I have two children who do a good job of showing me the world through their fresh eyes.