Online Tutoring: Physics PhD + postdoc/Math BS - Programming: C/C++/Java/python/C# -- Physics, Math and CS
Peter D.
Online only (My Zoom is preferred for sessions), by appointment only.
Time zone: CST/CDT.
Please check your spam for CL email communications if you do not receive an email response. Then include your email address or phone number.
For businesses (industry, research labs, and private businesses for software engineering consulting/training/scientific programming/tutoring), the rate is $65/hour.
I have about 4 years of part-time tutoring experience in St. Louis, MO, for a private company and in Edwardsville, IL, for SIUE. I also have about 1.5 years of part-time and occasionally full-time experience (2016 - 2017) with online or primarily online tutoring employers. I began this tutoring business in June 2017, and it has been a full-time job. For math, physics, and, if necessary, CS, I provide PDFs of all notes I write with my tablet.
Subjects Tutored
Computer Science: Java, JavaFX, Java Swing, AP Java (both semesters), AP computer science, AP CS with Python (both semesters), C, C++, Python, FORTRAN (77, 90, 95, higher by request), MATLAB or Octave (1st semester engineering), data structures and algorithms (C, Java, C++, python), discrete math, C# (first semester), algorithms, SQL (first semester), Linux OS, Unix (vi, vim, regular expressions), PHP(beginner), HTML5, CSS3, JS (beginner), shell scripting (bash, csh).
Physics: College physics (without calculus), university, or engineering physics (with calculus), AP Physics (all versions), physical science, IB Physics, computational statistical mechanics, and possibly other, more advanced physics courses by request.
Mathematics: SAT math test prep, ACT math test prep, elementary math, algebra 1 and 2, geometry, trigonometry, statistics or business statistics (intro using Excel or a TI-84+), AP statistics, probability and statistics for engineers, pre-algebra, pre-calculus, honors pre-calculus, college algebra, calculus (1-3), AP calculus (AB and BC), IB calculus, differential equations, complex variables (depending on the text), linear algebra (intro), time series (heart rate variability (HRV)), signal processing for time series for HRV, Heart Rate Variability research, and certain other more advanced math classes by request.
I am open to helping with research projects, theses, or dissertations in any field (especially HRV) requiring math, physics, programming, and certain areas of engineering if there is a good fit. I do not proof dissertations or theses. I do not provide statistical help for dissertations or theses.
Students of all ages are welcome. I have had C programming students as young as 10 and 14. I have a Python student who is 10. In Java (AP CS), I have tutored 8th grade, 9th grade, and HS students. I had a 12th grader learning Java enterprise apps who then moved to C# asp.net web forms. I have had one 8th grader and two ninth graders in (relatively) advanced math classes. For several years, I have tutored an elementary student in math and science. I have had students in research, students working on their Ph.D. dissertation, students working on their MS thesis, and students working on their MS or MBA, as well as elementary students, HS students, and undergraduates in CS (mostly) or engineering. I have also helped a Ph.D. industrial research professional in C and C++.
I have a B.S. in Mathematics (SIUE), an all-but-thesis graduate coursework toward an M.S. in physics (SIUE), an M.A. in Physics (Washington U St. Louis), and a Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics (Washington U St. Louis). I also have a postdoctoral fellowship in Theoretical Physics in Germany (Universitaet Tuebingen, Institut fuer Theoretische Physik – Department of Theoretical Physics) in my background. I took the required classes for a B.S. in physics during and after my B.S. in math but did not receive a degree. I am two classes away from completing an M.Ed. in Secondary Education/Mathematics (UMSL), but it is now too late to complete.
As an adjunct professor, I taught Introduction to Statistics, physical science, and college physics. I have been a former teaching assistant or teaching fellow in physics for 5 years in graduate school. I am also an author or co-author of about 40 refereed journal publications and about 40 refereed abstract publications (mostly in medical research).
I am a former part-time software engineering consultant using C++ for a US industry in PA (2019). In addition, in industry, I have 6.5 years of professional experience as a programmer or software engineer. I have 12 years of professional programming experience in a scientific research lab at Wash U School of Medicine in St. Louis. My dissertation and postdoc provided me with 5 years of FORTRAN programming experience. At Wash U School of Medicine, I have 8 years of part-time UNIX system administrator experience. The programming languages C, C++, FORTRAN, Python, and Java are my computer programming specialties.
Based on 40 hours per week of programming, I have about 6.5 years of experience with C, 4 years of experience with C++, 2 years of experience with Java, and 1 year of experience with Python (primarily tutoring Python). I have several years of experience with shell scripting. I have coded GUI’s in MFC/C++, JavaFX, and Java Swing. I might be able to help with Python programming in an ML class, if it is a beginning applied course. In total, I have been programming for about 30 years.
In addition to math and physics, I tutor C, C++, FORTRAN, Java, JavaFX, Python, SQL (first semester), basic UNIX/Linux, and shell scripting. I can teach beginning to expert levels in all programming languages, except for Java, C#, and Python. Currently, I can help beginning and intermediate-level Java and Python students (I am currently studying data science). I can also help with beginning C#, JS, HTML5, CSS3, SQL, and PHP. I have recently tutored several times a first course in MATLAB for engineering students. Over the past few years, I have had many students in data structures and algorithms. Recently, I have helped with courses in algorithm analysis, applied ML, and computer systems design, but I am not an expert in any of those courses.
I work with students online. I will offer classes online (Java, C, C++, and Python), where students can connect from different locations, and they may share the burden of my default rate. The default rate becomes $40 + $10 for each additional student. E.g., four students would each pay 1/4 of $40 plus $30. Twenty students are the preferred maximum for an online class. With My Zoom, 100 students can join an online class in real time. (Students must come together first and then request a class).
I practice patience and a perfectly positive attitude toward my students, striving not to judge others. In sessions, providing clear explanations of concepts is a focus, if there is a need. Otherwise, practice is the focus. Active learning is best in any subject. Teaching strategies in test taking is beneficial to many students. Teaching error-free programming techniques is valuable in CS.
I want to help students learn problematic material. It is possible to beat the fear of success through achieving small successes. The only real teaching/tutoring goal is to teach a student everything the teacher/tutor knows so that the teacher/tutor is no longer necessary.
Learning technical subjects requires problem solving, and learning programming languages requires specific programming practice. Reading programs, if done carefully, is helpful, but there is no substitute for programming. Like mathematics and physics, one must read and actively practice (program) to master the subject. With sufficient programming practice, there is no need to do rote memorization of code idioms -- such things will come automatically. Programming is problem solving, and I think it is more like problem solving in math than in physics. Learning programming is ideally like learning to play a musical instrument. Learning math and physics also requires significant practice to bypass rote memorization, develop problem solving speed, and develop intuition.
I primarily write original code to solve problems. The student should assimilate discussed or developed code during a session. It is essential to read and understand code in the relevant programming language.
Note that High School physics teachers with a B.Ed. have the weakest background in physics courses. A High School teacher with a B.S. in physics is much better prepared to teach physics. An M.Ed. high school teacher does not take as many physics courses as an M.S. physics teacher, and could still know less physics than a B.S. physics teacher. A Ph.D. in education teacher is like an M.Ed. in physics teacher in terms of physics courses, unless an M.S. in physics was earned. A Ph.D. in physics has the most experience in physics courses, and a Ph.D. in theoretical physics could be even better prepared. Postdocs also add to a Ph.D.'s preparedness to teach.
Education:
Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville (Mathematics) B.S. with Honors
Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, (All but Thesis - straight A's in physics)
Washington University in St. Louis (Physics) M.A.
Washington University in St. Louis (Physics) PhD
Postdoc (Physics) University of Tuebingen, Germany
University of Missouri, St. Louis (36 hrs. of math and education courses toward an M.Ed. – straight A’s in upper-level math classes)
Policies:
Hourly Rate: $40/hour for Students;
$65/hour for businesses (industry, research labs, and private businesses for software engineering consulting/training/scientific programming/tutoring.) No three-party arrangements are accepted.
You must provide a verified valid email address before any appointments will be scheduled (email invoices and my zoom invitations are utilized).
Rate Details:
No call - no show - hourly rate is charged.
Minimum cancellation notice requirement: 5 hours.
Tutor's lessons: online only, by appointment only. No cost-free, first-hour lessons, demonstrations, or trials. No cost-free tutoring by email outside of scheduled meetings. Please try to schedule lessons at least 24 hours in advance. No test/quiz taking or test/quiz assistance, please.
Payment: (preferred) (1) Zelle; (2) PayPal or Venmo; (3) check; (4) Email invoice – major credit cards or debit cards accepted and ACH.
Schedule (CDT or CST) (only a rough approximation)
Sunday 12:00 PM--12:00 AM
Monday 12:00 PM--12:00 AM
Tuesday 12:00 PM--01:00 PM 04:00 PM--12:00 AM
Wednesday 12:00 PM--12:00 AM
Thursday 12:00 PM--01:00 PM 04:00 PM--12:00 AM
Friday 12:00 PM--12:00 AM
Saturday 12:00 PM--12:00 AM
Subjects
Computer:
C, C++, C#, python, computer programming, computer science, data structures and algorithms, FORTRAN (90,95 2003 possible), general computer, MATLAB, Java, JavaFX, Java Swing, C# (beginning), SQL (beginning), JS (beginning), PHP (beginning), HTML5/CSS3 (beginning), Unix, Linux, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, Unix/Linux shell scripting (bash, sh), regular expressions, vi, vim.
Corporate Training:
C++, Java, general computer, Java, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, statistics, grammar, FORTRAN, UNIX, Linux
Elementary Education:
Elementary math, elementary science
Homeschool:
Algebra 1, Algebra 2, AP calculus, geometry, AP physics, prealgebra, precalculus, statistics, reading, SAT math, AP Java, python
Science:
Physical science, university or engineering physics (physics with calculus), college physics, elementary or middle school science, AP physics, mechanics, E and M, quantum physics, quantum mechanics
Former tutoring company stats and a partial list of feedback:
245 hours tutoring; 55 students
ratings: 5.0/5.0 (110)
“Excellent!
Very knowledgeable. Excellent service. Very professional. I would recommend Peter to anyone who wants a very smart and knowledgeable tutor. Thank you, Peter.”
-- Mike; 3 lessons with Peter
“Very knowledgeable
Peter knows many different ways to approach things, and find the one that he is most knowledgeable with -very intelligent man”
-- Beckie; 1 lesson with Peter
“Extremely knowledgeable and patient...
He volunteers additional information about the discipline. His recommendations for additional reading were very useful. He has devised a very effective curriculum plan for my son.”
-- Lori; 7 lessons with Peter
“Knowledgeable and patient tutor
He helped me better understanding C programming. He knew the subject and he was very patient. I would definitely recommend him for anyone taking a programming class.”
-- Matt; 7 lessons with Peter
"Really patient and very knowledgeable about Bash Scripting"
-- Elizabeth
“First, I would like to thank Peter for being patient. I was having some trouble with my microphone and he was really patient with me. He is a great tutor. I had a hard time understanding what my Instructor was asking for the assignment. Peter explained the assignment in depth and made sure I got it. He takes extra time to make sure I understand. I can't wait for our next tutoring session. Thank you, Peter!”
"Patient tutor."
--unknown
“He helped me learn about navigating in Vi editor in Unix and He answered my questions. He also made sure I if I had any more questions or needed any more tutoring.”
-- Brenda
“Knowledgeable, patient, and proactive tutor!
Peter was the only tutor who reached out to me even if during the weekend. When we started having problems exchanging communications by XXXXXX, he proactively contacted me by phone. Considering that we live in different states, I considered it a great act of kindness and availability. He is extremely patient, and transmits, with calm confidence, that the goal will be achieved. In a moment so overwhelming, and full of homework to do, he was able to reassure me that I can do it. Overall, I could not be happier, and I strongly recommend him. I will definitely require his help for the rest of the course and for my future math classes. Two thumbs up!”
-- Fabio; 6 lessons with Peter
“Knowledgeable C++ tutor
Very knowledgeable and uses visuals to help you see projects; very prompt and reliable and very reasonable rates. I recommend him highly.”
-- Blair; 34 lessons with Peter
“BTW, Erika and I were both very impressed with how well you understood the assignment and at your very compact yet also simple, straight-forward coding style.”
--not disclosed; Sept 25, 2017; 2 long lessons, continuing;
feedback edited for grammar only (> 10 lessons)
“You are a great tutor!” (verbal comment during an online session)
--Richard: May, 2018. HS senior, last semester, IB test prep in calc and physics. (>20 lessons)
“Thanks a ton!!! Its nice to have a great teacher like you.”
--Reshu; Sun, Sep 2, 2018
“Thank you very much for all your lectures.
Great work!”
--Reshu; Sun, Aug 26,2018; Mother of tutored son (8th grade) in conceptual physics, geometry, trig, and calc. (16 lessons).
“Yes, he likes GUI programming. Looking forward to seeing him to write small programs with logical thinking! Thanks again for your passions in teaching Jonathan Java! :)”
--Jimmy: July 3, 2018
“Thanks for updating his progress! Moving on to the GUI for Tic Tac Toe would be interesting! Regarding the future projects, he said to me that he will discuss with you on coming Friday. Thanks again for your passion!”
--Jimmy: July 17, 2018
“First of all, I would like to thank you for teaching Jonathan 2 times a week over the Summer holidays, he has been having lots of fun in programming Tic Tae Toe and Hangman.” (Lessons will continue 1 X/week)
--Jimmy: Aug 29, 2018; Father of a 10th grader tutored in Java and Java FX.
As of December 13, 2020 (Jonathan: > 125 lessons)
“Just want to let you know that you are the best programming teacher ever. I have a very great consideration for you. I was so lucky to have gotten your contact.”
-- Jean-Paul: Nov 7, 2018; C++ and Java student > 40 lessons
“That’s amazing what you did - can you go over it please tomorrow !!!”
--Alan; Aug 2, 2018
“I think when I see how you do and you teach me, i am learning more that way.”
--Alan; Aug 25, 2018; Grad student taking CS bridge course (C++, discrete math, data structs, OS, networking) (> 80 lessons)
--Alan: Nov 6, 2018: “Thank you Peter. I am learning so much from you, despite my struggles. I think you are the best computer science tutor and I hope you can tutor me for couple of years ahead.”
--Alan: Dec 2019: “Thank you Peter! We had another productive year and I learned a lot with you! Let’s do more learning next year.”
--Alan: As of December 13, 2020, > 380 lessons
“Very well! Peter knows very well his subjects and helped our son so easily that we needed few lessons to troubleshoot. We are glad we have this option for the coming years of calculus, trigonometry, physics to come.”
--Luisa: 5/26/20 in reference to her son (copied from AL).
“Just want to thank you. Keani got an A in math this semester and it was a whole years worth of work!”
--Adrienne/Keani: Honors Math 1/13/2021 – 45 lessons as of 12/2020.
“Thanks Peter. I wish I knew you when I was first learning Java.”
“I really appreciate your help. In just two session, my stress level has come down to a manageable level :)”
--Sylvia: Data Structures in Java student. 2/2021
"... you are a physicist and great programmer!"
“I think your debugging skills are really starting to rub off on me.”
--Maiah 12/2020 Data Structures and Algorithms in C, Algorithm Analysis – More than 30 2-hr lessons as of 2/2021.
“You’re a great tutor and a really nice guy.”
--Jeff 8/2022
23 lessons C++ – usually 2hrs.
“Thank you, so much, you are AWESOME!”
--Debra 10/2023
I have not asked for feedback recently…
6 lessons Statistics
Lately:
The number of lessons provided to a student is an interesting measure of performance at this point (1/19/23). One student had about 350 sessions and another had about 200 sessions. Two others had between 130 to 150 sessions (both are still current students). Three other students had between 75 and 100 sessions (one is still current). Seven students had between 25 and 50 sessions (one is still current). Eight students had between 15 and 25 sessions. Twenty students had between 10 and 15 lessons, inclusive. Seventeen students had between six and nine lessons, inclusive. Nine students had five lessons. Eighteen students had four lessons.
(2024): Most students wanted help with discrete math, statistics, AP statistics, AP Calculus BC, algorithms, and Python. One student always requires JS and PHP. Some time was provided to help a student with SQL. Java tutoring was also provided. My newest Python student is 10. AP Physics C and AP CS were also tutored. One student is getting help with college algebra. Another required help with honors pre-calculus. Lately, I have had students in elementary math and algebra. The jc-pdllc.com website is now offline since it brings no new students.
(2023): During the Summer, a significant amount of college calculus and first-year university physics tutoring was provided. I taught Calculus 1 and most of Calculus 2 following Stewart’s text. Most recently, I have been tutoring discrete math, MATLAB, Java, Python, AP physics C, university physics (mechanics and E and M), geometry, AP Calculus, Calculus I and II, college algebra, and precalculus. I have begun helping an MS in physics student with a thesis calculation.
I have tutored several students taking AP CS with Python. There are 2 semesters for this course, and I am helping with the second semester now (03-23). Many of my other students are also learning Python with me - and they are not enrolled in a college or university. I spent about 100 hours expanding and improving the website for JC-PD LLC. The number of webpages for JC-PD LLC was doubled. The website uses HTML5, CSS3, JS, and PHP on a Linux VPS. SEO using web master tools and schema was also implemented. Significant improvements were noted.
(2021-2022): I helped code Python homework in a UAV engineering class - no problem except for control theory. Several of my CS students have graduated and are now employed or going to graduate school. In 2021, I had several students in linear algebra and diffyq. During this time, I have been getting more physics students, and the flow of Python, C++, and Java students has been steady. I have been helping more graduate-level CS students - those beginning CS at that level or doing degrees related to CS. One of my long-time students is beginning graduate school now. I will help them with CS courses. I have helped a student with C in courses that require some systems programming in Linux/Unix. An economics graduate student needed some background math help. That student is up-to-speed now. I helped with an advanced data structures class in Java. Also, I helped with a data science-type CS class (still not my cup of tea). Additionally, I had students in linear algebra, physics (1st year), AP CS, AP Java, AP Physics 1, differential equations, easy JS, java, C++, python, discrete math, and algorithm analysis. I helped with a computer systems design class, C++ data structures, JavaFX, and PHP. Currently I am helping with advanced data structures and algorithm (graduate level class for an IT MS student).
(December 2020)
There was a slight decrease in business due to covid’s influence, but it was reasonable nevertheless. I tutored data structures and algorithms in C, C++, and java (4 students). Also, I tutored SQL (several students), C (several students), C++ (several students), MATLAB, JavaScript, and python. In math, there were several algebra-1 students (advanced or honors), and one college algebra student. I helped with digital fundamentals for ½ of a quarter.
(June 2020)
I tutored a tough differential equations course, a linear algebra course, a discrete math course, and some calculus 2. Also, I tutored, SQL, C#, C++, Python, Java, C, Linux, Linux OS programming (threads and processes), PHP, HTML5, CSS, algebra, prealgebra, and a little Python game programming. I helped some students with data structures and algorithms and ½ of a computer organization course.
Several of my HS students have graduated. They will major in CS in college. Most of my students are CS majors, engineering majors, or economics majors at various levels in university. Some of my students are children in middle school. One student is a professional DDS interested in CS. I received a $100 gift card from the parents of one student.
(Dec 2019)
I just finished this semester tutoring C, C++, Java, python, discrete math, MATLAB, CSS3, HTML5, physics, math, a little C# with asp.net (still learning), and a little SQL. I also tutored a little JS, but still learning that too. The C++ course also had a little MFC with visual studio. My students were primarily college students, an experienced DDS, a seventh grader, ninth grader, and several HS students.
Consulting in C++ with Adept PD LLC was ended due to dubious practices on the part of Adept. Some schools, including junior colleges, are giving difficult or unreasonable (more difficult than the course level requires) homework assignments, presumably to reduce the student CS population.
(Spring, 2019)
I have tutored data structures in C, C++, and Java – multiple times in C++ and Java. There have been many Java students and C++ students, along with occasional C student and MATLAB students. I helped a student with a bridge course for students with a bachelor’s degree not in CS to enter a MS program in CS or a branch of CS (IT or cyber security). One of my HS JavaFX students is changing to ASP.NET C#. A young student of mine has left the country. I am a software engineering consultant in C++ for an industrial company, which will end soon since the project is essentially finished. My DDS CS student is now focusing on web development for the summer. My cardiologist Python student is on break, waiting for another cardiologist to be hired. Currently, I am tutoring and learning JavaScript, CSS3, and HTML5.
(The following was written Jan 2018.)
One of my recent students (Sheldon of VA) always said he learned more from me than his professor for his graduate-level physics class.
One of my current students (Khailen of VA), in 6th grade, only needs me to help prepare for math tests. He only needed four or five regular sessions to become clear with his mathematics.
Most of my Unix/Linux bash scripting students get one lesson and are content. One (Eric) has returned for one lesson again after three months. Once it is clear how to approach these programs, there is no longer any need for tutoring.
My MATLAB student (Lara from MI and my C++, MATLAB, and Python student (Melky) student both got A+’s.
