PrepNow Tutor - Vikram K.
Vikram has taught both graduate and undergraduate mathematics classes, as well as high school math and test prep. He received three degrees: a BEng in computer science and engineering from the University of Mumbai; an MA in mathematics from Arizona State University (ASU); and a PhD in mathematics, also from ASU. For the last 15 years, he has worked as a postdoctoral researcher and taught at all levels of undergraduate and graduate mathematics. Currently, he is an Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Mathematics & Statistics at Villanova University.
Vikram got his start in the classroom as a teaching assistant during graduate school. While he has taught college math since 2006, he has other relevant experience: he was a summer camp instructor for 3 years, where he instructed high school math topics, including algebra, pre-calculus, calculus, discrete math, and SAT math. "My proud moments as a teacher have been many, but one that immediately comes to mind is when a first-generation student in my first-year calculus class mentioned in an interview that my class inspired them to switch to a math major," he shares.
An experienced educator and communicator, Vikram is skilled at distilling complex ideas for diverse audiences. "I am heavily student-centered in my pedagogical approaches, and design teaching strategies that encourage active learning, and learning through inquiry, discovery, and experimentation," he says. "I want to foster learning environments where every student is encouraged to freely engage in thinking and sharing."
Vikram was awarded an instructional mini-grant at Villanova for a course redesign proposal titled "Foundations of mathematics: An inquiry-based approach using sets, number theory, and combinatorics." He was also awarded the graduate student research award by the School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences (ASU) for outstanding work in creative research by a graduate student.
During high school, Vikram was an open water, long-distance swimmer. "I swam across the Strait of Gibraltar—taking approximately 6 hours—as a 12-year-old." These days, he enjoys running, swimming, tennis, and spending time with his family.
