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Ryan: New Lenox tutor

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First, I'd just like to express that, by far, my favorite things to do are studying and talking about math and science. I truly can't think of anything I'd rather do with my life. And I always find it to be an exciting opportunity to help others learn and gain confidence in these vast and eye-opening subjects. In doing so, I get to discuss the finer details of the things I love, which tends to reinforce and shed light on my own understanding; and, more often than not, I'm able to impart, if not a passion, at least a deeper appreciation of the material to my students.

I have a Master's degree in mathematical and computational physics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I've worked on fundamental neutron physics experiments at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. I've also spent several years working at Applied Research Laboratories, at the University of Texas, Austin, where I developed and tested sonar systems for submarines and submersibles. My focus throughout my career has been on physics, digital signal processing, and software development.

I have over two years of professional teaching and tutoring experience in math and physics, ranging from one-on-one sessions to large classrooms. I've found that my genuine enthusiasm for the subject material, along with providing a calm, comfortable, and respectful atmosphere, has allowed for heightened communication and information flow between me and my students, providing them with very positive results.

I like to remain flexible in the methods and tools I use to convey information, as each student is unique in their overall response. But, despite the particular situation, I strive to uphold four perspectives:

1. A reductionist mindset of breaking a problem or theory into its individual parts.

2. Careful consideration of where to place the current block of knowledge within one's ever-growing mental infrastructure.

3. The connections between one problem space and others that we may already know.

4. A bird's eye view of where the current material falls in the wider scope of the subject or field.

By maintaining these perspectives, I find that one develops a much more intuitive understanding of the subject, leading to greater confidence and less required memorization. And I think it really guides the student in understanding how to deeply learn and study any subject or problem they may encounter, in school, their careers, and elsewhere.

Now, I'd like to include a few additional notes for potential students:

- You will always be treated with the utmost respect.

- I will do my very best to never waste your time, as I know it's very valuable.

- The last thing I want is for you to feel at all uneasy about asking questions. No matter how obvious, redundant, etc. you may think the question is, it is always worth asking, and I will always give you my best answer. I've asked thousands of such questions over the years and have learned something important every time.

- I will always mention if I am at all unsure of any detail of what I'm talking about, so as not to lead you astray.

- I will be available nearly every day outside of tutoring sessions for questions or concerns.

- For any questions during a session that I can't immediately address, and we didn't decide it better to address them in a subsequent session, I will do my very best to email an answer within 72 hours. If I find that I can't meet this timeline, I will promptly communicate to you the situation.

Below are the grades 6-12 and college subjects for which I am currently available.

College (course levels in parentheses):

- Calculus (I, II, III)
- Complex analysis (I)
- Algebra (all levels)
- General math
- Classical mechanics (I, II)
- Electromagnetism (I, II)
- Thermodynamics (I)
- Statistical mechanics (I)
- Quantum mechanics (I)
- General physics
- General science

Grades 6-12 (all course levels; standard, AP, IB, etc.):

- Calculus
- Algebra
- General math
- Physics
- General science

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Ryan’s Qualifications

Education & Certification

Degree: University of Tennessee, Knoxville - Bachelor's, Physics

Degree: University of Tennessee, Knoxville - Master's/Graduate, Physics

Hobbies

I like strategy games, such as chess (mostly rapid time controls, but venturing into blitz) and Polytopia (though it’s been a while). I have a few personal software projects that I work on when I can. I have a very cute cat named Irusu, so I spend a good deal of time playing with and caring for her. I’m always game for learning new things outside of my subject expertise - really most anything can capture my attention, from political and social theory to biochemistry to wandering through Wikipedia rabbit holes. I’m currently reading Dune Messiah and the Picture of Dorian Gray, and of course I’ll watch the occasional TV show or movie (just finished the Shogun series on Hulu). One day, I hope to find time to re-learn some and become fluent in Italian; I enjoyed a couple of weeks in Sorrento and Rome late last year and would like to eventually explore other parts of Italy.

Tutoring Subjects

Algebra

AP Calculus AB

AP Calculus BC

AP Physics 1

AP Physics 2

AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism

AP Physics C: Mechanics

AP Pre-Calculus

Calculus

Calculus 2

Calculus 3

Calculus and Vectors

College Physics

Complex Analysis

Electromagnetism

Elementary School Math

Grade 11 Physics

Grade 12 Physics

High School Physics

IB Physics

Math

Middle School Math

Physics

Physics 11

Physics 12

Physics 2

Pre-Calculus

Science

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