I have studied Earth Sciences both in school and as a hobby since about 2015, the same year I went to visit a series of mines for the first time to collect rocks and minerals, which I continue to enjo... y today. In high school, I was one of the first in the college-level High School Advanced Geology course in partnership with Grand Valley State University, where I gave weekly lessons on rocks and minerals to the class. Additionally, I spent 4 years on the Science Olympiad team largely focused on Earth Science related events, including writing practice tests. For 4 years, I studied at the Ann Arbor University of Michigan's Department of Earth and Environmental Science, where I graduated with a degree in both EES and Political Science. This included a month long field camp near Jackson Hole, Wyoming to apply learned material in a practical sense. I was an event supervisor for University of Michigan Science Olympiad, where I wrote, administered, and graded tests for earth science events at competitions. I am currently seeking to continue my earth science studies through a graduate program. Since 2015, I have also been a member of the Indian Mounds Rock and Mineral Club to share in my passion for earth sciences. While there, I have spent many monthly meetings where possible tutoring junior members of the club on the basics of earth sciences.read more

Hello! I'm James, and I grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I graduated from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in April 2023 with a degree with distinction in both Earth and Environmental Science a... nd Political Science. During my undergraduate years, I volunteered for organizations such as Model United Nations at the University of Michigan and University of Michigan Science Olympiad. I am currently seeking to continue my earth science studies in a graduate program. My hobbies include rock and mineral collecting, writing, gaming, tabletop RPGs, and jewelry making. I have tutored both peers and younger students since 2015 where I would teach junior members of the Indian Mounds Rock and Mineral Club, of which I am a member, the basics of earth science at club meetings. I have always enjoyed fostering interest and growth in the sciences, especially the earth sciences, and offer the ability to help understand simple and complex concepts ranging from fundamental to advanced. I have also been a firm believer that understanding a process is key to learning, not just memorizing a page. I hope to work with people to grow their understanding of subject material and perhaps kindle a passion for it.read more