Elizabeth G.
Private tutor in Portland, OR
Education
Reed College, BA awarded May 2015
Experience
Hi! I'm Liz. I am an approachable and enthusiastic physics major with a strong background in mathematics. This past summer, I worked at Columbia as a particle physicist, using advanced statistical methods to predict the error in the amplitude of neutrino mixing. The summer before that, I worked in engineering, using a technique called interferometric lithography for the nanofabrication of wavelength-scale patterns in silicon chips. These past four years, I was a student at Reed College, where I completed courses in Nonlinear Dynamics (also known as Chaos), Quantum Mechanics, Electrodynamics, Astrophysics, and Scientific Computation (i.e., programming methods for physics), to name a few. I was familiar with differential equations by the end of the first semester of my sophomore year; I completed math classes in calculus, multivariable calculus, and linear algebra, but working knowledge of differential equations and three different forms of statistical mechanics is assumed for most physics classes. I also worked as a nuclear reactor operator for three years. This summer, I'm working on a continuation of my thesis on the star forming regions in the Whirlpool Galaxy. I've been studying classical piano since the age of four, first with my mother and then starting with a professional at the age of seven. When I was 12, I entered the competition circuit, where I placed in national and international competitions. As a result, I have a lot of experience with managing high levels of pressure, which has translated into useful and teachable stress management skills for test-taking. I scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT for reading and writing, and in the 93rd-97th percentile for mathematics (depending on the test date). I received national recognition from College Board for my score on the PSAT, which I took without preparation. I scored above the upper limit of the Cognitive Skills Quotient (CSQ); the upper limit of the CSQ corresponds to an IQ of 145. However, I don't believe that aptitude measurements such as the IQ, CSQ, and SAT are reliable; intelligence, much like every other physiological quality, is dynamic and will evolve. The brain is a muscle, and it needs exercise! Qualifications aside, I love working with students! Since I am a recent college graduate, and have been a student for most of my life, I have the benefit of being able to relate to students at many ages. This past year, I worked with students in Multnomah County on mathematics problems in a way that made the problems more approachable and more interesting. I love to help my friends with classes that I've taken, and I have a clear and approachable communication style, even when dealing with complex ideas in quantum mechanics or chaos. I also strongly believe in the ability of women and girls to be successful scientists and mathematicians. :) My availability is extremely flexible, since I am doing part-time research on my own schedule. If you're interested, please don't hesitate to contact me and set up a time to chat! It is so important to find a tutor that you think will click with your student. I am ready to give your son or daughter the specific attention they deserve!
Subject Expertise
10th Grade math10th Grade Reading10th Grade Writing11th Grade math11th Grade Reading11th Grade Writing12th Grade math12th Grade Reading12th Grade Writing1st Grade math1st Grade Reading1st Grade Writing2nd Grade math2nd Grade Reading2nd Grade Writing3rd Grade math3rd Grade Reading3rd Grade Science3rd Grade Writing4th Grade math4th Grade Reading4th Grade Science4th Grade Writing10th Grade11th Grade12th Grade1st Grade2nd Grade3rd Grade4th Grade5th Grade5th Grade math5th Grade Reading5th Grade Science5th Grade Writing6th Grade6th Grade math6th Grade Reading6th Grade Science6th Grade Writing7th Grade7th Grade math7th Grade Reading7th Grade Science7th Grade Writing8th Grade8th Grade math8th Grade Reading8th Grade Science8th Grade Writing9th Grade9th Grade math9th Grade Reading9th Grade WritingAlgebra 1Algebra 2Algebra 3/4AP Calculus ABAP Calculus BCArithmeticAstrophysicsCalculus 1Calculus 2Calculus 3College AlgebraCollege EssaysComputational Problem SolvingElementary MathCosmologyAstronomyElectromagnetismElementary AlgebraEnglishEssay EditingGiftedGrammar and MechanicsHSPTIntermediate AlgebraIntermediate AlgebraLaboratoryMiddle SchoolLinear AlgebraMiddle School MathSSATSSAT- Elementary LevelSSAT- Middle LevelSSAT- Upper LevelWritingTrigonometryMultivariable CalculusMusicNewtonian MechanicsPhysicsPSATPSAT Critical ReadingPSAT MathematicsPSAT Writing SkillsPianoPre-AlgebraPre-CalculusQuantitative ReasoningQuantum MechanicsQuantum PhysicsQuantum TheoryReadingRelativitySATSAT Critical ReadingSAT MathSAT MathematicsSAT VerbalSAT WritingScientific ProgrammingStudy SkillsStudy Skills And OrganizationSummer TutoringTechnical WritingComputer Skills
Availability
Any day at any time
Can Meet
Up to 1 hour away for no additional charge
Hobbies
In addition to piano, I enjoy playing classical guitar, biking, hiking, gardening, reading, and writing in my journal. I spend my free time exploring the skies in my backyard with my telescope.
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