About
Professional Background
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Physics (Magna Cum Laude) from Bradley University in Peoria, IL. My undergraduate work included four years of university-level mathematics, two years of biology, and two years of chemistry coursework.
I have four years of private tutoring experience in physics and related quantitative subjects, and one year of formal teaching experience. While my primary focus is high school physics, I occasionally support students in mathematics, chemistry, or biology when it reinforces broader scientific reasoning. Work related to standardized examinations such as the ACT/SAT or MCAT is approached from the same first-principles perspective rather than as separate test-preparation programs.
My work is based in the Peoria, IL area (61614), and I work primarily with local high school students.
Instructional Approach
Physics is not primarily a collection of formulas to apply to familiar problem types. Strong performance depends on identifying the governing principle when surface details change.
My work focuses on making that reasoning process explicit. Students learn to interpret physical structure, select appropriate models, and construct solutions deliberately rather than relying on recognition or procedural shortcuts.
Sessions integrate systematic error-checking throughout the reasoning process. Students learn to monitor their assumptions as they work, test intermediate steps for consistency, and detect mistakes both during construction and in final review rather than relying on intuition alone.
Instruction also emphasizes how concepts connect across topics. Knowledge organized as isolated procedures tends to be fragile when surface details change. By organizing ideas into coherent structures, students develop understanding that is more durable and transferable across unfamiliar problems.
Scope
My primary focus is high school physics. While my academic background includes advanced coursework in mathematics, biology, and chemistry, I provide instruction in those subjects only when they support a student’s broader scientific reasoning development.
Physics remains the central focus of my work.
Public Physics Reasoning Clinic
I occasionally run a public, no-cost Physics Reasoning Clinic where we analyze a submitted physics question live so others can learn from the discussion. You can submit your question here: