About
For over two decades I have been helping students achieve their academic and personal goals. Although I make sure to prepare students for eminent exams, my larger goals are to help students best understand the course content, gain confidence, and learn to be professional students.
In general, I prefer to use a modified Socratic teaching method and urge students to be highly interactive. However, every student learns differently, so I constantly assess how I can best be of help. Students with whom I meet regularly are encouraged to contact me, within reason, between lessons to answer questions that they may have.
I primarily teach math and science, and help students prepare for the SAT and/or ACT. Almost all of my AP students earned a score of 4 or 5. One of my PSAT/SAT students received the National Merit Scholarship. My regular students generally report a sustained improvement in test scores and graded assignments within a few weeks.
If applicable, all or almost all laboratory experiments, including those that involve a computer-integrated sensors, and demonstrations can be performed – safety – without any charge for materials (extremely few exceptions).
My major at UCLA was Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology. I have about a decade of biomedical research laboratory and instructional laboratory experience, was a TA at UCLA for an organic chemistry course and a biology lab course and have completed most of an MD/PhD program. I have been a full time scientist or engineer at 2 major biotechs, but have been working at a small, not-for-profit biotech for the past 3 years.
References available upon request.
Please call me at any time if you have any questions.
Really, at any time.
Thank you,
Daniel
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
My goal is to develop a relationship of mutual trust with each student, which enables me to better identify, and then overcome, learning barriers. I teach students to teach themselves and show them how to become professional students.
I ask students to provide me with regular feedback so I can make every effort to best help each student
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Almost two decades of laboratory experience. I now work as a Scientist/Engineer at a local, major biotech.
Completion of most of medical school and completion of half of a PhD program.
One of my test prep students is a National Merit Scholar
Math and science tutor for two decades.
TA for a biology laboratory course and an organic chemistry course at UCLA
B.S. in Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology from UCLA
How did you get started teaching?
I began tutoring as a high school student
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students in public, charter and private schools in the Los Angeles area and in the Conejo Valley. Many of my students have diagnosed and undiagnosed learning disabilities, including ADHD and ASD. I have also met with homeschool students 5 days/week and was their primary teacher for math and science.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for someone that knows the relevant subjects and has teaching experience. Tutors and teachers with experience know how to quickly identify the specific needs of each student and have practiced a variety of ways to teach each concept.
As a scientist in an academic laboratory, a teaching assistant at UCLA and a tutor, I have experience teaching concepts in a manner that is best fit for each individual student and can explain how math, physics, biology, chemistry and other sciences are used in practice.