First-principles STEM mentorship in Portland

Years of university research and classroom teaching taught me that academic friction usually stems from skipped foundational steps. My practice focuses on rebuilding those first principles so students can derive formulas independently rather than memorizing them.

Whether meeting at a quiet table in Hawthorne or collaborating across an online shared whiteboard, we work at your natural cognitive rhythm to transform anxiety into genuine intuition.

A structured three-phase approach

Diagnostic Review

Conceptual Derivation

Autonomous Application

We identify exact conceptual gaps in prerequisite math or physics rather than treating surface symptoms of a low grade.

We work through core physical laws and mathematical proofs from scratch so the underlying mechanics make intuitive sense.

Students explain the solution back in their own words, building the independent problem-solving confidence required for exams.

Proven grade improvements and reduced stress

Our son went from dreading AP Physics to actually explaining rotational kinematics at the dinner table. The first-principles approach changed everything.

Parent in Northwest Portland

Working through multivariable calculus on the shared whiteboard felt like having a patient colleague rather than a harsh judge.

University student, PSU

Sessions are calm, structured, and deeply thorough. Midterm scores improved significantly within two months of weekly meetings.

Parent in Hawthorne

Session Materials

AP Exam Timelines

Cancellation Policy

Students should bring their current textbook, recent tests or homework problem sets, and a dedicated notebook for derivations.

We begin targeted AP review cycles in February, focusing on past free-response questions and pacing strategies for May exams.

Cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance incur no fee, ensuring schedule flexibility for busy student households.