About
I live in Merced CA, where a new UC campus started not so long ago, and I came here to do my PhD, but ended up not finishing because of medical issues. I've only recently returned to teaching at a loc... al community college in the fall of 2022 as an adjunct faculty. I've realized since then that there are many online teaching opportunities which works out perfect for me since I can just work from home.
I usually try to come up with analogies or references that students can relate to easily, which helps them understand and retain the materials better. I think helping the students to reach the answers themselves rather than giving them the answer is the best way to tutor someone. There is immeasurable reward in reaching the answer oneself, and that reward can only be attained by repeatedly reaching the answer oneself. A tutor's role is making the journey to the answer easier or more interesting.
I'm one of many high-functioning autistic people, and I have the quirks that go along with that like avoiding small talk from time to time, repetitive behaviors some find odd, etc. But over the course of my life, I've learned to overcome much of the problems the autism posed in various interactions. (I used to be selectively mute until I was 4 years old, for instance. I'm no longer mute, just to assure you.)read more
Experience
Adjunct Faculty
Merced College
Aug 2022 - present
Developed and taught Biology 01 for non-bio majors on Canvas LMS online platform
Teaching assistant
UC Merced
Sep 2007 - Jun 2011
Taught Genetics, Gen. Chemistry, and Nutrition
Teaching assistant
UC Irvine
Sep 1999 - Jun 2000
Taught Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology
Peer tutor
UW Seattle
Sep 1992 - Jun 1994
Tutored minority students on STEM subjects