David B.
Private tutor in Cary, NC
Education
B.A. in Physics - Augustana University, Sioux Falls, SD. GPA: 3.495 Ph.D. in Physics - North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC. GPA: 3.75. Research in phase-change memory materials Postdoctoral Fellow - Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO. Research in Phase-Change materials and Hydrogen storage materials for renewable energy applications.
Experience
I began tutoring college students in a one-on-one setting in both physics and math at my undergraduate institution, and continued throughout my academic career. Following graduation from NC State, I was offered a postdoc position at the university teaching the introductory physics courses for non-majors, and found that to be an extremely rewarding job. With the department chair as my mentor, I learned the basics of university level lecturing, the importance of a varied approach to subject comprehension, and a healthy respect for holding office hours. The students that came to see me outside of class showed marked improvement over the course of both semesters, and as a result, I made a point to open up my office hours to an "always available" model. I would meet with students at almost any time of day throughout the week and the weekends, within reason. This action increased the average scores on the tests I gave by around 10% and built a small community of outside-the-classroom study groups that performed highly in all aspects of the course. In addition to noticing improvements in the students, I noticed that my ability to teach and relate to the students improved as well. That experience remains one of the highlights of my academic career. While a postdoc at the Colorado School of Mines, I continued tutoring, and began advising graduate students on their professional writing and presentation skills. Each of these students has earned their Ph.D. in Physics or Materials Science and has gone on to accept positions at major universities or successful companies. They have written to me thanking me for my guidance, as it was a significant contributor to their current success. I now teach introductory engineering physics at a community college, and I'm quite familiar with the requirements of the courses.
Availability
Weekends at any time, Weekdays after 6PM
Can Meet
Up to 25 minutes away for no additional charge
Hobbies
School is always in! I am a firm believer that there are always new things to learn and new challenges to overcome! I listen to podcasts like Radiolab, 99% Invisible, Stuff You Should Know, 60 Second Science, and The Titanium Physicist Podcast. I'm an avid biker, I love rock climbing and the outdoors, and I try to get one good camping or backpacking trip in every year. At home you'll find me engrossed in a craft/home improvement project, a new recipe, or fixing up a bike. The universe as I see it is absolutely, un-endingly amazing, and I can't wait to explore more of it!
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