MS, Pure Mathematics, Purdue University
High School Mathematics courses, with a focus on accelerated students.
Areas of focus
ISEE Lower / Middle / Upper Level — all sections
SSAT Middle / Upper Level — all sections
HSPT — all sections
ERB, Grades K–4
HiSET Mathematics / HiSET Language Arts - Writing
Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II — Honors and Regular
High School Geometry — Honors and Regular
High School PreCalculus — AP and Regular
High School Trigonometry — Honors and Regular
High School Calculus — AP AB/BC, CAS, and Regular
College Mathematics — PreCalculus, Calculus I, II, III, Linear Algebra, Discrete Mathematics, Intro. to Real Analysis, Number Theory, Differential Equations, Statistics I, II, Probability I, II, and hybrids of any of these course
CSET Mathematics — Exams I, II, III
High School Statistics and Probability — AP and Regular
Elementary School Mathematics — all levels and age groups
SAT Digital — Mathematics
ACT — all sections
Integrated Math — Levels I, II, and III
SHSAT — Mathematics
High School Test Prep for Entrance to Honors and AP Courses
Test Prep for All Hybrid Math Subjects — Grade 4 through Calculus II and Differential Equations
GRE General Test — Quantitative Reasoning
GRE Mathematics
Background
MS, Pure Mathematics, Purdue University
Applied Generative AI Specialization, Purdue University
21 years of math-tutoring experience
Published abstract mathematician, with experience presenting at conferences
Former teaching assistant, Purdue University, Kalamazoo College, and University of New Mexico
Recipient of multiple scholarships, including Cowen, Honors, Handelsman, and AMIGO
Recent outcomes
AP PreCalculus | 11th grade | AP Score: 5
ISEE Upper Level | 8th grade | MA 2 → 5, Q 3 → 5
ISEE Upper Level | 8th grade | MA 6 → 8, Q 6 → 9
AP Statistics | 12th grade | AP Score: 5
High School Physics | 10th grade | Grade: B → A-
Approach
Many advanced math classes focus on memorizing lists of formulas, which can be draining when students are taking several other advanced courses. When students have a deeper understanding of Trigonometry, AP Calculus, Honors Geometry, and similar courses, they don’t need to memorize as much—which often only lasts in the short term—and instead, can apply their understanding to quickly derive formulas as needed. Focusing on concepts to lighten the memorization load can make a dramatic difference in stress levels, as well as course success. As a math tutor with 20+ years of experience adapting to each student’s individual learning style and as a published mathematician in abstract math, the depth of my understanding and experience has led me to emphasize understanding over memorization.
Q&A
A resource you’d hand a curious student?
Math Medic is a wonderful organization of past AP Statistics and Calculus AB/BC exams. Working through old FRQ's can make an incredible difference in the preparation for these exams.
The mistake you see most often?
In AP Calculus, students often focus on the units in order, but the questions are a combination of several the units. Linear approximations aren’t connected to the limit definition and tangent lines, relationships between the first and second derivatives aren’t fully realized, etc., but these connections are key to full understanding.
What you look for in a good-fit student?
Students should relate to their tutors, which is why I often tutor high-achieving students—in athletics and/or academics. I'm very comfortable fitting into their busy schedules while still challenging them with the material.
What parents or students get wrong about prep?
Especially in the algebras, teachers encourage students to approach problems in one way only, and students get discouraged because these methods make exams more difficult. Understanding why that method works, as well as encouraging differing methods (based on visual and other learning styles), can make a world of a difference.