Advanced Chemistry Tutoring

The first step in working with a new student involves identifying the real knowledge gap.  In chemistry, this is often either a visualization (3-dimensional mental picture of molecular structure) or a fundamental math struggle.  I would start by taking a look at the current subject matter assigned to the student and see how they perform on a few problems.  I would then ask them a series of questions to identify how they came to their conclusions, noting places where flawed interpretations of subject matter are present. These flawed interpretations can be present even when a student produces the correct answer, a result that sometimes stems from memorization of methods in the past. Identifying these flaws is important because our mistakes are valuable - they provide important insight into how we approach any problem, let alone a chemistry problem.  I would then develop a method, based on the student's strength in learning (auditory, written, artistic, etc.) to lead the student to a correct interpretation of chemical behavior.  This involves the student developing their own definitions in their own words of physical concepts of matter and the behavior of chemical species.  I would also work with them on developing both note-taking and study habits that benefit their strongest learning styles. Every student has a strength that can be tapped to benefit them, not just in chemistry, but in all subjects.

I have a B.S. in Chemistry and a B.S in Biological Sciences from the University of Missouri - Columbia, a PhD. in Chemistry from Texas A&M University.  I also completed two separate postdoctoral research appointments in chemistry at UC Berkeley and UT Dallas.  I formerlly taught chemistry at Ursuline Academy of Dallas for both sophomores and senior high school students where I was named a Dow-endowed new science teacher fellow.  100% of my students graduated and went to college.  I've taught high school students, undergraduate, and graduate students in chemistry and related fields.  

Note: For high school students only - If your child is housed in section 8 housing or qualifies for hot lunch/other financial assistance services, I offer reduced prices.  

I typically charge $50 and hour, but special topics, such as scientific writing, may cost extra because it will require evaluation outside of tutoring hours.