PrepNow Tutor - James T.
A physicist and developer, James is actively designing GPU-accelerated numerical solvers and modular tools to push the boundaries of scientific computing while making advanced research more accessible. He holds a BS in astrophysics from the University of North Florida; he also has an MS in physics from the University of Tennessee, where he is currently pursuing a PhD in astrophysics. Since college, James has been deeply immersed in physics research and scientific software development, with a strong focus on astrophysics and computational modeling. Alongside his academic work, James continues to grow as a creative artist and musician, integrating science, art, and storytelling into his broader career path.
James began teaching because he loves connecting with students and helping them engage deeply with the material, showing them that they are fully capable of mastery. “I take a fearless and precise approach to identifying the exact behaviors and thought patterns that cause students to struggle, tailoring my guidance to address their needs directly,” James says. “My proudest moments as an educator are every instance in which I’ve built that meaningful connection and empowered a student—not just with knowledge, but with wisdom.” He has taught dual-enrolled high school students and undergraduate college students at the bachelor’s level in astronomy and physics education. From 2020 to 2023, he instructed astronomy laboratory courses, and from 2023 to 2024, he taught physics laboratories.
“My teaching style focuses on building personal connections with students and making material relevant to their individual interests and experiences,” James says. “I adapt lessons to each student’s passions—whether that’s music, cartoons, or other familiar contexts—to make abstract concepts tangible and engaging. Through this personalized approach, I closely observe learning patterns to identify and address the specific thoughts and habits that may be holding students back, helping them move beyond surface-level knowledge toward true understanding.”
As a student, James focused on cultivating his creativity through guitar, dedicating himself to writing and performing music and playing over 100 shows across Northeast Florida. He continues to write and record music, explaining, "Beyond my technical work, I channel my creativity into music and storytelling, building worlds that merge science, art, and myth.”
James has received the Wayne Kincaid Award for Excellence in Astronomy Teaching from the University of Tennessee. He has published two peer-reviewed papers on neutron–mirror neutron transformations in prestigious journals.
“I am a loving husband and father,” James shares. “Every opportunity we get, my son, my wife, and I play Roblox and various other games on Steam.” James shares his home with a German Shepherd who loves watching Bluey; his four cats are captivated by Birder King on YouTube.
