PrepNow Tutor - Thomas C.
Having taught college-level physics, engineering statistics, dynamics, and mechanics for almost a decade, Tom is adept at explaining especially tricky concepts to students of varying backgrounds and abilities. He holds a BS in physics and mathematics, an MS in nuclear engineering, and a PhD in nuclear engineering—all from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he worked as a teaching assistant and later, a professor. He taught courses in engineering and physics and ran labs that focused on circuitry, modern physics, and control systems. In addition to tutoring, he works as an aerospace engineer, running flight simulations and recreating conditions in space to ensure electronics can handle various amounts of radiation.
Thomas’ tutoring style challenges students to approach learning with agency and drive. “I strive to foster an environment where students have significant involvement in their own learning,” he says. By relating course material to accessible experiences and concepts, he is able to break down especially challenging concepts. Thomas focuses on process instead of answers because, he notes, “if you understand the process you can apply it to different situations when different aspects change.” He wants his students to walk away from each session feeling empowered and eager for the next opportunity to prove their skills. “Like most things in life, the best way to learn something is to do it,” he states.
In 2007 and 2012, the engineering student council of the University of Wisconsin-Madison awarded him with the Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award. Much of his research has been published in esteemed journals dedicated to advancing the fields of physics and engineering.
When he’s not teaching or tinkering with the latest tools in aerospace engineering, he enjoys sailing, windsurfing, biking, and climbing. He’s a huge fan of the Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers.
