Meet Dave: Your Partner in Academic Confidence

I am a retired engineer eager to share my passion for math and science, especially with students who are currently struggling. My educational background includes a BS and MS in engineering. I recently earned my PhD in Systems Science. My research focused on mathematical methods of information analysis and was presented at an international conference. Throughout my career, I have worked for the federal government, large and small corporations, and even started and sold my own business. I have held various security clearances and contributed to critical projects across the defense, nuclear, healthcare, manufacturing, and research industries.

Overcoming the Struggle: My Personal Journey

While my credentials are important, the main reason I am an effective tutor is that I truly understand the struggle. I grew up in a working-class family where graduating high school and finding a job were the only basic requirements. Good grades were optional, and college was not a priority. When I decided I wanted to be an engineer, my initial application to the University of Maryland was rejected due to my poor high school grades. Undeterred, I enrolled in a local community college to learn how to focus on my studies.

After two years of hard work and remedial classes, I transferred to the University of Maryland, graduating three years later with a BS in engineering. A few years later, while working full-time, I was accepted into graduate school for my MS and was awarded a teaching assistant position that covered my tuition. My PhD is the culmination of a journey that began with academic struggles. I know exactly what it takes to turn academic frustration into success.

Real-World Experience That Connects

What sets me apart is a practical approach to math and science. I bring real-world experience showing how math and science are actually used to solve real problems. For me, connecting abstract concepts to practical applications was the key to unlocking the subject matter. When a student asks, “Why do I need to learn this? What will I ever do with it?” I can provide answers that inspire them.

Please note that because I am retired, my rates are lower than most tutors with my background. To ensure we are a good fit, I offer the first hour for just $10. In general, I do not tutor life-sciences (such as biology), honors classes, or Advanced Placement (AP) tracks. I firmly believe those areas are best left to tutors with more recent classroom experience with those topics.

Let's Work Together

If your child is struggling with math or science, let me help. You can use the Contact Form to send me a message, and I will follow up with my phone number.

Best wishes for your child’s success,

Dave

P.S. When my daughter was in middle school and struggling with math, I hired a tutor. Even with my engineering degrees, I quickly realized that tutoring your own child can be stressful and counterproductive. Let me help.

PhD in Systems Science

May 2026

State University of New York at Binghamton, NY

My PhD research required a variety of advanced mathematical and graphical methods.

Elected to Alpha Pi Mu - The Honor Society for Industrial and Systems Engineering

Advanced Graduate Certificate in Complex Systems Science and Engineering

August 2023

State University of New York at Binghamton, NY

MS in Engineering

May 1990

Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA

BS in Engineering

May 1984

University of Maryland, College Park, MD