Charli

Hi! My name is Charli, I'm currently a physics PhD researcher at the University of Strathclyde specialising in integrated quantum photonics. Before moving to Strathclyde I received a first-class MSci degree in Physics with Astrophysics from the University of Glasgow, my research at Glasgow was based on a mixture of quantum optics and quantum gravity research. I have a depth of experience in both theoretical and experimental physics, which I bring to my tutoring to ensure the best experience possible for clients. Computational work is also key to my research, so I have lots of coding experience with Python, C++, Lumercial, MatLab and Verilog.

Along with my physics career, I have also been highly involved in extracurricular work. At Glasgow, I was a member of the battery design team in GU Orbit and designed a battery protection circuit to be used in the upcoming Astraeus-01 microsatellite. At Strathclyde, I have been voted in as the president of SCOPE, a postgraduate society which aims to bring together STEM researchers across Strathclyde for outreach and teaching events. As president, I have overseen the expansion of SCOPE from 6 members to 40 members and ran multiple outreach programmes, including public experiments at the Glasgow Science Fair.

I also have a few other (typical physicist) hobbies such as guitar, bass guitar , indoor climbing and hiking.

Tutoring Experience

I have experience in tutoring mathematics and physics at an undergraduate level. Throughout my time as an undergraduate, I taught mathematics and physics to secondary school students back home. Since becoming a PhD researcher I have taught lab sessions and taken tutorials in undergraduate physics. In particular, I have great experience in teaching secondary school students experimental physics as I demonstrate various experiments for Advanced Higher students with the data being used to complete their Advanced Higher projects.

As of this semester, I have also formally tutored PH184: Quantum Physics and Electromagnetism at the University of Strathclyde.

Tutoring Approach

My approach is based on a mixture of mathematical teaching along with physical thought experiments and, if suitable, real experimental work. The first step of my approach always begins with identifying problem areas and key weaknesses, after which I tailor a unique study programme for each student. This programme is entirely customisable, if at any point a student decides they'd like to study something else I am more than happy to restructure my approach.

With respect to individual lessons, I ask students to investigate their problem areas themselves for as long as they feel necessary before lessons. This allows the student to determine what exactly is causing issues in individual areas of physics in mathematics i.e whether the physical concept of a phenomenon is difficult for them to understand or if the mathematics used to describe the concept is hard to use. With the problem identified before-hand I can immediately assist the student in overcoming their issues.

The key aim of my approach is to build confidence in the student, not just in the tutored area but in studying in general. By building confidence with progressively more challenging concepts the student will be able to tackle difficult ideas by themselves, this allows the student to build knowledge in specific areas as well as general research and studying skills.