Certified peer tutor at Carnegie Mellon University that has 8+ years of private/public tutoring experience in STEM courses/AP/SAT/College Prep

Find out more about Lucas

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  I developed an interest in my field, data science, during high school when I started exploring how data can tell stories and solve real-world problems. It also combined my passion in math, statistics, and programming in many ways. My passion for tutoring began around the same time when I started helping classmates with math and science. Seeing the "aha!" moments on their faces inspired me to continue helping others understand challenging concepts.

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I teach a range of subjects, including mathematics, statistics, programming, and data science. I particularly enjoy working on topics like math and statistics because they combine creativity with logic. Topics I like less? Maybe memorization-heavy ones like rote math formulas without application-though I still enjoy finding ways to make them engaging for students.

• Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  My high school stat teacher made stat so engaging and interactive that it became my favorite subject. Later, a professor at Carnegie Mellon taught me how to think critically and approach problems methodically. Both inspired me to emulate their passion and creativity in teaching.

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  Patience, empathy, and adaptability are key. A good tutor needs to meet students where they are, adapt their teaching style to the student's needs, and break down complex concepts into manageable steps. Most importantly, showing genuine care and support builds confidence in the student.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  Once, I worked with a student struggling in calculus. After several sessions focusing on breaking down the basics and rebuilding their confidence, they went from barely passing to getting an A in their final exam. That transformation reminded me why I love tutoring-it's about helping students realize their potential.

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still face in your subject?

  In data science, one of the biggest challenges is staying up-to-date with the rapidly evolving field. There's always a new framework or algorithm to learn, but I view it as an opportunity to grow. As for tutoring, the challenge is understanding each student's unique struggles and finding creative ways to address them.

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  I'm passionate about problem-solving, whether it's through data science or helping students overcome academic hurdles. I love teaching because it's a chance to make a tangible difference in someone's life while sharing knowledge I'm passionate about.

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering this interview question :-P)?

  I genuinely care about my students' success. I make learning engaging and tailored to each student, ensuring they build both knowledge and confidence. My dedication, adaptability, and ability to simplify complex concepts are what set me apart-and, of course, my love for what I do!