Pursuing Ph.D. at UNSW, IIT Patna Alumni. Helping student to excel in Geotechnical engineering

Find out more about PUSHPRAJ

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

  My interest in private tutoring began during high school. I’ve always had a strong inclination toward mathematics since childhood. Later, while preparing for the GATE exam, I developed a deep appreciation for geotechnical engineering, which ultimately shaped my career direction.

• 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 primarily teach Mathematics and Civil Engineering, with a special focus on Geotechnical Engineering. It’s a subject I truly enjoy discussing, especially its real-world applications. While I enjoy most topics, I sometimes find that highly theoretical parts can be less engaging unless connected clearly to practical examples.

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

  Yes, absolutely. In high school, I had a teacher who taught me Mathematics and Physics. His way of teaching transformed my perspective toward learning. His clarity, enthusiasm, and support were deeply inspiring and played a major role in shaping who I am today.

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

  A good tutor needs to be an excellent communicator, someone who can relate concepts to the real world and simplify complex ideas into digestible parts. Adaptability is also key — being able to change teaching styles based on the student’s needs is essential.

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

  I was confident in Mathematics up until Year 8. However, in Year 9 and 10, I struggled and began to believe that maybe I wasn’t as good at the subject as I thought. Things changed in Year 11 when I had an exceptional teacher for both Math and Science. He explained concepts so clearly that I not only understood them but also regained my confidence. I scored well, and that experience made me realize that the problem wasn’t me — it was the way the subject was taught earlier. That turning point inspired me to become a tutor who could make a difference the way my Year 11 teacher did.

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

  Some mathematics problems — especially the complex, multi-topic ones — can be challenging to approach at first. The same applies to geotechnical engineering. These situations require patience and a structured approach, which I’ve developed over time.

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

  Yes, teaching is a true passion of mine. I genuinely enjoy sharing knowledge and helping others understand and grow. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see students succeed

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions)?

  I may not know if I’m a Superprof yet, but I do know that I’m deeply committed to helping my students excel academically and achieve their goals. Their success is my priority, and I always strive to make learning engaging, effective, and meaningful.