Tutoring Support

Jack Castle: Study Buddy

Hello, my name is Jack Castle, and I’d like to share a little bit about myself:

I am starting my second year as a graduate student at Alfred University, where I am studying Material Science and Engineering. Prior to this, I obtained my bachelor’s degree in chemistry with a minor in mathematics from the College at Brockport State University of New York in May 2021, along with an initial certification to teach chemistry at the high school level (grades 9-12).

My Journey at Alfred University began in May 2018 when I had the opportunity to work as a research assistance for Dr. William Carty and Dr. Hyojin Lee during the university’s summer sessions. Little did I know that this experience would lead me to pursue my master’s degree in material science at AU later down the road. I am grateful for this opportunity to continue my higher education.

During my time at Brockport, I served as a teacher’s lab assistant for organic and inorganic chemistry, and I also provided tutoring for general chemistry. While chemistry is my strong suit, I decided to enhance my skills in other scientific fields by tutoring physics. I believe that supporting others in their studies and sharing knowledge is essential to fostering academic success. As a tutor, I aim to create a safe space where students can freely ask questions, gain confidence in their scientific studies, and improve their problem-solving abilities.

Beyond academics, I have a passion for music. I initiated an open mic/karaoke night that takes place on most Wednesdays throughout the year at a local establishment on main street in Alfred called Alex’s College Spot. Moreover, I am an avid soccer player and participate in a men’s league in Rochester. I am also currently working on building a folk-rock band in the Allegheny/Steuben County area called The Dui Decibel System.

I look forward to connecting with the Alfred University community and aiding in any way I can.

Montana Weidman: Study Buddy

Hey! I am a senior majoring in Material Science & Engineering. I love spending time in the lab and being able to work through things hands on. When I don’t have safety glasses on, I’m somewhere in the woods with my dog, on the lake with my kayak, or climbing a mountain. In my time at AU I have been a member of the forest people, the boxing club, the STEP Lab, and a research assistant. You can occasionally catch me around campus with my ukulele, too! As a tutor, I enjoy being able to give back to a program that has gotten me through the toughest classes and meeting new students from all walks of campus.

Abby Gatza: Math Tutor

My name is Abby Gatza and I am a junior mechanical engineering student with a mathematics minor. I am from Burlington, ON, Canada and I came to USA for the opportunity to study engineering and play an NCAA sport. I am an infielder and catcher on AU’s softball team. I am also a part of the EV club, Society of Women Engineers (SWE), and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). Some fun facts about me are that I have two dogs- Molly and Cinder, played hockey growing up, and my favorite NFL team is the Buffalo Bills. I am a mathematics tutor with CAS and I hope to help students succeed in mathematics here at AU!

Sophia Carretto: Math Tutor

Hi! My name is Sophia and I am currently a senior at Alfred University. My major is glass engineering with a minor in mathematics. Throughout high school and into college, I have always been interested in math and science courses so that is why I went down the engineering path and chose a math minor. I am also a part of Tau Beta Pi, the Pi Mu Epsilon mathematics honorary society, the Keramos fraternity, and I was a member of the women’s soccer team for three seasons at Alfred University. I am excited to help out with tutoring this semester!

Billy Moore: Math & Chemistry Tutor

Heather Forster: Organic Chemistry Tutor

Hi! My name is Heather Forster and I’m a junior majoring in Biochemistry with a concentration in Pre-Dental. I also work as a Resident Assistant as well as the Vice President of the Biology Club here at Alfred. Outside of school I also enjoy skiing, cooking, and watching movies.

Chemistry has been one of my favorite subjects since high school, so I am excited to be tutoring for Organic Chemistry! My time at Alfred has taught me the importance of having good study habits and finding help, so I hope to see you at my tutoring sessions!

Callum Young: Physics Tutor

My name is Callum Young. I am majoring in Mechanical Engineering with secondary majors in Mathematics and Computer Science. I am from Ithaca, NY but I have deep roots here in Alfred. I love sharing what I know about the University regarding history, curricula, faculty, and resources. While not doing schoolwork, I am involved with student senate, 3D Printing Club, InterVarsity, Cooking Club, Math/CS Club, Extreme Sports Club, Tau Beta Pi, etc. and love taking long walks (though rarely make it to the beach). Come stop in to tutoring!

Ryan Brant: Physics Tutor

Luke Falk: Computer Science Tutor

Hi! I am a junior majoring in Renewable Energy Engineering. I enjoy coding, playing video games, and playing board games. I'm also the president of the chess club! I chose to be a tutor because helping people understand a problem or subject also strengthens my understanding of it. My favorite part of AU is being able to walk almost anywhere on campus. I look forward to helping with any questions you may have!

Matthew Stoyell: Computer Science I Tutor

Saron Mindaye: Computer Science I Tutor

Hello! I'm a first year majoring in Computer Science. I am also an international student from Ethiopia. I chose computer science as my major because I love breaking down problems to their smallest components and going back up to solve them. I chose to be a tutor because I always liked tutoring my friends in high school and in turn gaining a deeper understanding of the subject. I love crafting (crocheting and knitting) and generally wasting my time on YouTube. I used to read at least 4 fiction books per month(classes had kept me busy lately). I am currently trying to learn the piano and would love to try the violin too. My favorite part of Alfred University is the tight-knit community and the sense of belonging it brings.

I'm excited to be a tutor and help students become more confident in their coding skills!

Ryan Hughes: Business Tutor

Hello! I am a junior Finance major with minors in Accounting and Economics. I am from Olean, NY. I enjoy golf, watching sports, investing, and reading. Here on campus, I have roles as a Student Ambassador, Residential Assistant, and am the President of the Student Managed Investment Fund.

I am excited to be a tutor and help out my fellow COB peers with some tricky topics!

Wael Salem: ENGR 104 Tutor

Hey there! I'm a sophomore from Harlem, New York, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. I've been lucky enough to be a part of some amazing clubs and teams while here at Alfred, including the Saxon Racing Club, the 3-D Printing Club, and the Men's Lacrosse team. Also, I've been able to serve as one of the Resident Assistants at the Pine Hill Suites. I chose AU because of its great engineering programs, beautiful campus, and incredible sense of community and support here. 

I'm excited to start working as a tutor and help students reach their full potential while making studying fun and engaging. 

Sarah Lutkins: MECH 241 Tutor

Hi! I am a senior Ceramic Engineering major with minors in Chemistry and Mathematics. I am a member of the Varsity Cross Country and Track & Field teams. I am also the President of the Society of Women Engineers at Alfred. Aside from the time I spend on academics and athletics, I enjoy crocheting and learning to play the guitar. I have tutoring experience in physics, chemistry, and other specific engineering courses. I enjoy sharing my organization and problem-solving skills with students and I find it very rewarding to see their progress! I am currently available for tutoring in MECH 241.

If you need assistance with a class that is not supported by Supplemental Instruction or one of the Drop-in Tutoring disciplines, please take advantage of the following resources:

• Visit a Study Buddy during tutoring hours
• Your instructor's office hours (you can also email your instructor to set up a meeting)
• Academic Consultation at CAS: set up a meeting with one of our consultants to discuss how to study more effectively, manage your time and tasks more efficiently, reduce test-anxiety, etc.