"Hello, I am Dr. Kirt P. I graduated with my Bachelors of Science in Chemistry, with minors in both Physics and Math, way back in 1998. After finishing my undergraduate degree, I spent one year as a Fulbright Fellow in Mainz, Germany, where I continued to study Chemistry and Polymer Science. In 1999, I started my graduate studies in Polymer Science and Engineering at the The University of Southern Mississippi where I focused on the Physical Chemistry of materials for use in renewable and sustainable energy. Upon earning my PhD, I started work at the National Institute of Standards and Technology as a Physical Chemist and was able to continue my study of materials for sustainable energy (hydrogen fuel cells and batteries).

In 2014, my wife and I decided to uproot our family and move to India for my wife's career. I was able to quit my job and spend some time at home with my children as we adjusted to life in India. Little did I know that this move would lead me to a second career in teaching. I taught high school science and math at the American Embassy School in New Delhi, India. I enjoyed teaching very much and had great success with my students. The year 2017 found us making another bold move to the country of Myanmar (Burma) where I spent the next four years teaching at a small private university and at an international high school. During this time I taught a variety of courses on chemistry, physics, and math. As Dean of the American University of Yangon, I was able to get a small grant to study air pollution in Myanmar with my students. I am very proud of what my students were able to accomplish in setting up Myanmar's first public air quality monitoring program.

I am a very practical teacher and I try to meet my students where they are in their understanding. I am patient and kind with my students. I do expect a certain level of work and rigor, but try to have fun along that path. I work to make sure that my students understand the fundamentals of math and science.

I have a great deal of experien" less...