Fun Facts

I've lived in six states within the past decade.

Before college, I had no clue how to study or find interest in academics, generally! (In retrospect, I wish I had a clue!)

I spent a brief period playing college soccer.

About Me

I'm a PhD student and graduate teaching assistant at the University of Utah, previously earning an M.A. at the chicago">University of Chicago, and B.A. at Rollins College (all of which came after a two-year stint I did as an undergrad at Brandeis University). After completing some former schooling, and before my time as a grad student in Utah, I was a teacher and coach at a preparatory boarding school in Bridgton, Maine. There, I taught courses in History, English (Lit and Comp.), Economics, Logic, as well as SAT test prep. At the University of Utah, I teach courses in Philosophy, logic, ethics, and rational decision making.

I enjoy reading and writing about conceptually demanding topics in Philosophy, Mathematics, Logic, Science, and History. Though, when I'm not working on personal scholarship, or teaching/totoring, I prefer spending my time outdoors, hiking, climbing, picnicking. and just enjoying the fresh air. I strive to find a healthy balance. And, of course, the most important part of my time is spent with my family: my wife, Lindsay, daughter, Elle, and middle-aged Great Dane, Jersey.

My approach to teaching and tutoring is straightforward. I attempt to do (at least) two things. First, it is important to determine the goals of the student (e.g., improving SAT scores in Math, or learning how to effectively perform the FOIL method, or developing skills for writing argument essays). That way, we can work together to find the most apt mode of achieving that goal. Second, in working to achieve that goal, I try to instill a 'foundational learning tactic'. In other words, only rarely will I teach someone 'shortcuts' unless a solid foundation has already been built. I've found with myself, as well as my students, that building a solid foundation when learning a subject is (by far) the best way to continue one's progress in that subject (and in others, especially when making interdisciplinary connections).