PrepNow Tutor - Shannon H.
Shannon earned a BS in both physics and mathematics from Bridgewater State University, and she’s eager to get into a physics PhD program for the fall of 2024. A recent graduate, Shannon knows the struggles of being a student these days; she’s able to empathize with students who might be reluctant to attempt new skills.
An astute student, Shannon began tutoring when her physics professor invited her to help her peers sharpen their skills. She was eventually hired by the physics department as a peer tutor; in this role, which she held for five semesters, she focused on topics in algebra and calculus-heavy courses. “I love working to help students grow in their problem-solving skills,” she attests.
Shannon is all about guiding her students to help build a strong foundation of skills, “I try to teach problem-solving skills more than teaching individual problems,” she clarifies. A physics-teaching seminar in college taught her a method called “Investigative Science Learning Environment (ISLE),” which allows students to learn by following the processes of professional scientists. “Instead of being told information, they are guided through steps that allow them to discover the information on their own,” she adds. Ultimately, she aims to empower her students to think and solve problems with efficiency, creativity, and confidence.
In 2022, she earned a NASA Space Grant to research gravitational lensing. “I worked on this project until I graduated, and I wrote my honors thesis about my work.” Her stellar grades earned her a spot on the dean’s list for six semesters as well as an invitation to join Pi Mu Epsilon, a math honor society. As an undergraduate, she was also involved in the Society of Physics Students, APS Inclusion, and the Diversity and Equity Alliance.
When she’s not musing over the intricacies of gravity, she enjoys planting her nose in a book—especially fantasy novels. One of her favorite activities is hiking with her dad and dog, a Klee Kai named Teddy.
