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Engineering, math, and MATLAB tutor with over 6000 hours on Wyzant
Andrew P.

6,519 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Hourly Rate: $79
Response time: 45 minutes
Andrew P.'s Photo

Engineering, math, and MATLAB tutor with over 6000 hours on Wyzant
Engineering, math, and MATLAB tutor with over 6000 hours on Wyzant
Andrew P.

6,519 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

6,519 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

About Andrew


Bio

I'm a very experienced and adaptable tutor. I really enjoy helping people in general, and making math and science feel less intimidating, even for grad students and professionals — there really is no subject that can't be made more accessible with clear explanations and different ways of thinking about problem solving. At the same time, I really enjoy off-beat subjects. I've helped a broadcast meteorologist with her fluid mechanics, an industrial design student understand how his design would...

I'm a very experienced and adaptable tutor. I really enjoy helping people in general, and making math and science feel less intimidating, even for grad students and professionals — there really is no subject that can't be made more accessible with clear explanations and different ways of thinking about problem solving. At the same time, I really enjoy off-beat subjects. I've helped a broadcast meteorologist with her fluid mechanics, an industrial design student understand how his design would fare in the real world, and many niche engineering topics, from modeling highway traffic to decision theory in systems engineering. I'm particularly good at writing computer simulations (finite differences, finite elements, Monte Carlo...).

I have my BSE, MSE, and Ph.D. all in mechanical engineering. I've been a teaching assistant for lots of courses, including Statics and Strength of Materials, fluid mechanics and heat transfer labs, Introduction to Flight (twice), and Theory of Vibrations (twice). My doctorate was in computational fluid mechanics, and I know MATLAB and the C programming languages fairly well. I can help with those kind of upper-level subjects, but also with undergrad-type physics and math subjects.

I grew up in Chestnut Hill and West Newton, Mass. I love to tinker with electronics and cameras. I take infrared and ultraviolet photos, and also thermal infrared photos. I like to read mysteries and fantasy, and I also like history, especially the 17th century. Back To The Future is my favorite movie.


Education

University of Pennsylvania
Mech Engineering
University of Pennsylvania
Masters
University of Pennsylvania
PhD

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $79
  • Rate details: Cancellation fee is 30 min equivalent time. Lessons are charged by time actually spent rounded to nearest 5 min.
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required
  • Background check passed on 10/2/2014

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Computer

MATLAB

MATLAB

I've been a MATLAB user for 24 years (as of 2022), since my undergraduate days. I have many years of experience using MATLAB to solve problems. I also know quite a bit about how to speed up MATLAB programs by taking advantage of the profiling tools and also by writing MEX files in C. I do GUI development also, using either GUIDE or App Designer. I have particularly extensive experience with the Image Processing Toolbox, and with optimization. I've also done a lot of finite element and finite difference codes.

Homeschool

Calculus,

Calculus

I've tutored a number of students in basic calculus with excellent results. I have a lot of practical experience using calculus (speaking as an engineer). I'm very adaptable to the student's needs and I like to explain things geometrically for the students who enjoy visuals. I also know lots of tricks, if you like that sort of thing.
Chemistry,

Chemistry

I'm pretty experienced with physical chemistry and thermodynamics, and I know other things like Lewis structures, trends in the periodic table, etc. from college chemistry. I do not know organic chemistry.
Physics,

Physics

I know all my classical physics because I'm a mechanical engineer specializing in fluid dynamics for my Ph.D. I've presented multiple times at the American Physical Society Division of Fluid Dynamics conferences. I was once teaching assistant and grader for the summer pre-freshman physics course at UPenn. I've kept up-to-date with Coursera courses on quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics for ongoing education.
Precalculus,

Precalculus

I've been teaching pre-calc and calculus on Wyzant now since 2014, and I'm very kind and patient. I try to make sure everyone has the basic skills down well so they don't get lost in solving problems that build on top of those skills. I teach calc and other higher math also, so I know which things are most useful later on.
Algebra 1, Algebra 2

Math

Calculus,

Calculus

I've tutored a number of students in basic calculus with excellent results. I have a lot of practical experience using calculus (speaking as an engineer). I'm very adaptable to the student's needs and I like to explain things geometrically for the students who enjoy visuals. I also know lots of tricks, if you like that sort of thing.
Differential Equations,

Differential Equations

I've tutored a number of people in this topic already with good results. I have a Ph.D. in fluid mechanics, which is the study of the differential equations governing fluid flow, so I have a lot of practical experience too.
Linear Algebra,

Linear Algebra

As a mechanical engineer, linear algebra is a working tool for me. I have a Ph.D. in computational fluid dynamics, and linear algebra is the mathematical background for solving the systems of equations that arise in most computer simulations.
MATLAB,

MATLAB

I've been a MATLAB user for 24 years (as of 2022), since my undergraduate days. I have many years of experience using MATLAB to solve problems. I also know quite a bit about how to speed up MATLAB programs by taking advantage of the profiling tools and also by writing MEX files in C. I do GUI development also, using either GUIDE or App Designer. I have particularly extensive experience with the Image Processing Toolbox, and with optimization. I've also done a lot of finite element and finite difference codes.
Mechanical Engineering,

Mechanical Engineering

I have BSE, MSE, and PhDs in mechanical engineering. My thesis was in computational fluid dynamics. I've been a teaching assistant for statics and strength of materials, fluid and heat transfer labs, introduction to flight (twice), vibrations, and freshman physics.
Physics,

Physics

I know all my classical physics because I'm a mechanical engineer specializing in fluid dynamics for my Ph.D. I've presented multiple times at the American Physical Society Division of Fluid Dynamics conferences. I was once teaching assistant and grader for the summer pre-freshman physics course at UPenn. I've kept up-to-date with Coursera courses on quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics for ongoing education.
Precalculus,

Precalculus

I've been teaching pre-calc and calculus on Wyzant now since 2014, and I'm very kind and patient. I try to make sure everyone has the basic skills down well so they don't get lost in solving problems that build on top of those skills. I teach calc and other higher math also, so I know which things are most useful later on.
Trigonometry,

Trigonometry

I have a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering. I have a lot of practical experience doing trigonometry, usually as part of some other engineering problem (e.g. free body diagrams in statics and dynamics). The essence of trig is going back and forth between the geometry, the algebra, and the various trig identities, and I can help people learn to do that.
Algebra 1, Algebra 2

Most Popular

Calculus,

Calculus

I've tutored a number of students in basic calculus with excellent results. I have a lot of practical experience using calculus (speaking as an engineer). I'm very adaptable to the student's needs and I like to explain things geometrically for the students who enjoy visuals. I also know lots of tricks, if you like that sort of thing.
Chemistry,

Chemistry

I'm pretty experienced with physical chemistry and thermodynamics, and I know other things like Lewis structures, trends in the periodic table, etc. from college chemistry. I do not know organic chemistry.
Physics,

Physics

I know all my classical physics because I'm a mechanical engineer specializing in fluid dynamics for my Ph.D. I've presented multiple times at the American Physical Society Division of Fluid Dynamics conferences. I was once teaching assistant and grader for the summer pre-freshman physics course at UPenn. I've kept up-to-date with Coursera courses on quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics for ongoing education.
Precalculus,

Precalculus

I've been teaching pre-calc and calculus on Wyzant now since 2014, and I'm very kind and patient. I try to make sure everyone has the basic skills down well so they don't get lost in solving problems that build on top of those skills. I teach calc and other higher math also, so I know which things are most useful later on.
Algebra 1, Algebra 2

Science

Chemistry,

Chemistry

I'm pretty experienced with physical chemistry and thermodynamics, and I know other things like Lewis structures, trends in the periodic table, etc. from college chemistry. I do not know organic chemistry.
Mechanical Engineering,

Mechanical Engineering

I have BSE, MSE, and PhDs in mechanical engineering. My thesis was in computational fluid dynamics. I've been a teaching assistant for statics and strength of materials, fluid and heat transfer labs, introduction to flight (twice), vibrations, and freshman physics.
Physical Science,

Physical Science

I know all my basic physics and chemistry. I know the common stumbling blocks for beginning physics students from being a teaching assistant and grader for the summer pre-freshman physics course at U. of Pennsylvania.
Physics

Physics

I know all my classical physics because I'm a mechanical engineer specializing in fluid dynamics for my Ph.D. I've presented multiple times at the American Physical Society Division of Fluid Dynamics conferences. I was once teaching assistant and grader for the summer pre-freshman physics course at UPenn. I've kept up-to-date with Coursera courses on quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics for ongoing education.

Summer

Calculus,

Calculus

I've tutored a number of students in basic calculus with excellent results. I have a lot of practical experience using calculus (speaking as an engineer). I'm very adaptable to the student's needs and I like to explain things geometrically for the students who enjoy visuals. I also know lots of tricks, if you like that sort of thing.
Chemistry,

Chemistry

I'm pretty experienced with physical chemistry and thermodynamics, and I know other things like Lewis structures, trends in the periodic table, etc. from college chemistry. I do not know organic chemistry.
Physics,

Physics

I know all my classical physics because I'm a mechanical engineer specializing in fluid dynamics for my Ph.D. I've presented multiple times at the American Physical Society Division of Fluid Dynamics conferences. I was once teaching assistant and grader for the summer pre-freshman physics course at UPenn. I've kept up-to-date with Coursera courses on quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics for ongoing education.
Algebra 1, Algebra 2

Examples of Expertise


Andrew has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 1 question submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

Ratings and Reviews


Rating

5.0 (2,049 ratings)
5 star
(2,022)
4 star
(15)
3 star
(7)
2 star
(2)
1 star
(3)

Reviews

Andrew is GREAT and has a secret love for weather.

Working at a local TV station as a broadcast meteorologist doesn't leave a lot of extra time in my schedule, and the material I study is can be too specific for some...but not for Andrew :) After having graduated years prior, I was nervous about going back to school and taking a master's class that required Calculus I, II, Differential Eqns, Multivariable, and a number of Meteorology prerequisites. Andrew's mastery of fluid mechanics overlapped perfectly into dynamic meteorology. He's quick, and to the point, and when you're working and taking classes, this is invaluable. I'd definitely recommend Andrew. It's nice to have someone to refer to if you get in a pinch, and I hope to work with Andrew in the future, as I pursue a master's degree.

Renee, 9 lessons with Andrew
Tutor responded:

Thanks, Renee! (Note to people with very specialized tutoring needs: I'm super flexible, and I have a pretty wide-ranging math, physics, and engineering background. If you can't find a tutor in a specialized STEM topic, give me a try!)

Good tutor

Great background in mechanical engineering. He is willing to put in the effort to see that you understand concepts of engineering. I recommend him to any student struggling with that material.

Dan, 3 lessons with Andrew

Wholeheartedly Recommend Andrew's Tutoring

I am incredibly grateful for Andrew's exceptional tutoring assistance tackling partial differential equations (PDEs). Without an engineering background, I found understanding the concepts and applications of PDEs in my coursework difficult. However, Andrew was patient, provided clear explanations, and guided me to understand the subject deeply, which helped me excel in my class. What sets Andrew apart is his ability to break down complex mathematical concepts into easily understandable pieces, thus making them accessible even to non-engineering students like myself. He went above and beyond to tailor his teaching approach to my unique learning style, ensuring I fully understood the underlying principles. Moreover, Andrew fostered an environment of encouragement and support, instilling confidence in my abilities and motivating me to push beyond my limits. His dedication and commitment to my success were evident in every session, as he patiently addressed my questions and provided invaluable insights. Thanks to Andrew, I passed my PDEs class and developed a newfound appreciation for the subject. I wholeheartedly recommend his tutoring services to anyone seeking clarity and mastery in mathematics, regardless of their academic background. Thank you, Andrew, for your unwavering support and expertise—I could not have done it without you!

Bradley Ross, 6 lessons with Andrew

very knowledgeable and clear.

Andrew definitely helped my daughter with her physics homework and understanding. I truly appreciate him being on task and on time and his knowledge of the subject matter. Thank you.

Anita, 1 lesson with Andrew

Quick and Efficient tutor

Quick, helped me understand some core concepts of linear algebra that I didn't understand. We went through some problems and he helped me solve them. Very knowledgable in Linear Algebra.

Anthony, 1 lesson with Andrew

knowledgeable and excellent tutor

Andrew was able to explain to me concepts in fluid dynamics I had faults with in an excellent manner. He also covered some exam problems that I struggled with so that I was able to perform better on the next exam.

Justin, 30 lessons with Andrew

great lesson!!

explained everything in a way that made sense and fascinated me and infused the lesson with humor which helped me pay attention despite my adhd!

Porter, 4 lessons with Andrew

great teacher, very adaptable

helped a lot with my understanding of Matlab in just one session and consistently reinforces important topics. 10/10 would recommend

Amalia, 12 lessons with Andrew

Amazed at his flexible knowledge and ability to explain a problem clearly and patiently.

When finding a tutor, it was hard for me to find anyone that would take on a project that required more advanced skills. This task however, was no match for Andrew's years of diverse knowledge which helped me solve my specific problem. While helping me through the problem Andrew went above and beyond and even went as far to add small tips that applied to more general problems outside the project. Andrew really makes sure you understand the problem and is very patient in his explanations. I can highly recommend Andrew and suggest looking to him first when approaching advanced topics that are more specific.

Nick, 3 lessons with Andrew

Knowledgeable and fun

Andrew is not only a fun but also very knowledgeable tutor. He thoroughly knows Matlab and was even able to help me with a very "nichey" oceanographic assignment that involved working with netCDF files.

Carolina, 55 lessons with Andrew
Hourly Rate: $79
Response time: 45 minutes
Contact Andrew