PrepNow Tutor - Sean K.
Known for his patience, sense of humor, and ability to turn information into insight and action, Sean has helped students of various ages, backgrounds, and abilities develop critical thinking skills and confidence. He has tutored English, sciences (particularly chemistry), and math; his specialties include algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, calculus, partial differential equations, linear algebra, multivariate calculus, and complex field theory.
Sean earned a BS and a PhD in chemical engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and the University of Delaware, respectively. After graduate school, he worked in the biopharmaceutical industry, namely in the development and manufacturing of vaccines and genetic therapies to treat autoimmune diseases, cancers, genetic disorders, and Ebola. “After I retired in 2023, I volunteered to tutor reading and writing for the Literacy Volunteers of Kent County. I enjoyed that so much that I expanded into tutoring math and chemistry at local schools and public libraries,” he recounts.
A particularly memorable experience was when he served as a literacy volunteer with low-literate and non-English-speaking adults in Rhode Island. Sean is proud to share that after about 8 months of tutoring, his first student was able to fill out a job application on his own–and got the job!
"My tutoring approach is rooted in the belief that every learner is unique and capable of growth,” he shares. He’s quick to assess a student’s strengths, challenges, and goals and then adapt to meet their learning style. His own professional experiences have made him a pro at breaking down abstract theories into practical applications, ultimately making complex concepts more approachable and memorable for his students. “I aim to build both competence and confidence, while encouraging curiosity and persistence,” he adds.
Sean’s academic excellence earned him several accolades: a study abroad scholarship, a unit operations laboratory fellowship from Allied Chemical Corporation, a Naval Reactors Academic Scholarship from the US Navy, and an Engineering Achievement Award from the Naval Officer Candidate School.
As a student, Sean also played ice hockey and baseball and was on the rowing team. Presently, he enjoys reading, exploring the outdoors, and spending quality time with family. Fun fact: he has visited the North Pole!
