Kristy V.
USD $45/hr
CS PhD & Award-Winning Coding Educator | 25+ Years of Teaching Programming and Math
Tutor Information
About
I hold a PhD in Computer Science (CS) and an MS in Mathematics. I have over 15 years of experience teaching computer science, web development, and mathematics at the university level, and I have received two awards for Outstanding Teaching Assistant in Computer Science. For over 8 years, I have operated a highly successful private online tutoring practice, logging thousands of hours helping students achieve their goals in programming and math.
I specialize in helping college and high school students succeed in introductory and intermediate computer programming and web development courses, especially when they are stuck on assignments or need step-by-step guidance. I have also worked with middle school students and adult learners, assisting with coursework or teaching programming lessons independently.
I regularly work with the following: intro and intermediate Java, intro Python, web programming (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), introductory data structures in Java, discrete math, AP Computer Science, and beginners learning coding or web design from scratch.
My lessons are highly practical and focused on results. I am a native English speaker and I am skilled at guiding students through programming assignments, projects, and coding exercises; debugging and fixing code; improving code style and organization; presenting detailed step-by-step examples and explanations; and preparing for exams by reinforcing key concepts.
To make our sessions as effective as possible, I ask students to share assignment details and goals via our messaging dashboard in advance so I can come prepared and we can make the most of our time together.
If you’re stuck on a programming assignment, preparing for an exam, or learning coding for the first time, I’d be happy to work with you. Send me a request today and we’ll get started.
Location
Hickory, North Carolina, United States
Language
English
Timezone
America/Toronto
Subjects
Levels
Middle School
High School
College/University
Professional
I want to learn a new hobby
Education
University of Tennessee-Knoxville
2006 - 2012Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Computer Science
Dissertation: Sketchmate: A Computer-Aided Sketching and Simulation Tool for Teaching Graph Algorithms
University of Minnesota-Duluth
2002 - 2004Master of Science (MS), Applied and Computational Mathematics
Project: Digital Image Compression Using Wavelets
University of Minnesota-Duluth
2000 - 2002Master of Science (MS), Computer Science
Thesis: Applying the Partial Order Bounding Method of Game Tree Search to Connect 4
University of Minnesota-Duluth
1996 - 2000Bachelor of Science (BS), Computer Science and Mathematics
* Graduated Summa Cum Laude in May 2000
* Recipient of Outstanding Academic Achievement in Computer Science award, May 2000
* Recipient of Outstanding Senior in Mathematics and Statistics award, May 2000
* On Dean's List for all semesters/quarters from Fall 1996-Spring 2000
Work Experience
Wyzant
April 2018 - presentOnline Tutor in Computer/Web Programming and Math
One-on-one online tutoring services in various subjects in the Computing Sciences: Java, Python, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Web Design, Computer Programming, Computer Science, Data Structures, and Discrete Math.
Lenoir-Rhyne University
August 2013 - May 2016Assistant Professor in Computer Science & Mathematics
Taught undergraduate courses in Computer Science & Mathematics: Intro to Web Design (HTML, CSS), Client-Side Web Programming (JavaScript), Server-Side Web Programming (PHP, SQL), Java Programming, Event-Driven Programming (VB), Mobile App Development (AppInventor), Information Technology, Discrete Math, Pre-Calculus. Experience also includes advising of CS/IT majors and curriculum development.
University of Virginia
August 2012 - May 2013Visiting Lecturer in Computer Science
Taught undergraduate courses in algorithms, discrete mathematics, and Java programming.
University of Tennessee-Knoxville
August 2006 - May 2012Graduate Teaching Assistant in Computer Science
Assisted with undergraduate courses in Computer Science: Scripting Languages (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Python), Databases (SQL), Graphical User Interfaces (Java), Programming Languages (Java), Biologically Inspired Computation, Artificial Intelligence, Discrete Structures, Data Structures, Intro to Computer Science (C++), Computer Science for Non-Majors (Python, HTML, Excel, Access). Recipient of the ACM/IEEE Outstanding Teaching Assistant in Computer Science award, 2009-2010.
College of St. Scholastica
September 2005 - December 2005Adjunct Instructor in Mathematics
Taught undergraduate courses in Mathematics: Elementary Functions (College Algebra), Liberal Arts Mathematics.
University of Minnesota-Duluth
September 2002 - May 2004Graduate Teaching Assistant in Mathematics and Statistics
Taught Mathematics for Elementary Education and College Algebra. Assisted with Calculus I.
University of Minnesota-Duluth
September 2000 - May 2002Graduate Teaching Assistant in Computer Science
Assisted with courses in Computer Science: Software Development (C++), Artificial Intelligence, Data Structures and Algorithms. Recipient of the Outstanding Teaching Assistant in Computer Science award, May 2002.