Rocket Scientist and Space Engineering Tutor with 11 years of experience. Support for university students and adult learners. Two MSc degrees in Space Engineering and space hardware and software comp

Find out more about Tommaso

• 1) When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  My interest in tutoring began two years before I finished high school, when I had the chance to tutor an 8-year-old student. I've always loved helping others, and the experience made me realize how much I enjoyed breaking down complex topics and guiding students to that "aha" moment. My curiosity and passion for learning naturally led me to pursue engineering, but tutoring quickly became the perfect fit for me. For more than 11 years now, I've been helping students of all ages and backgrounds succeed, from young learners to professionals. It's incredibly rewarding to be part of their academic journey.

• 2) Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  Space is both beautiful and extreme, presenting challenges that make every day hard but incredibly rewarding. I love teaching subjects like Maths, Physics, and Engineering because they are the foundations that unlock the mysteries of space. Topics like algebra, trigonometry, and calculus all have practical applications in space engineering, making them exciting to explore with students.
  
  There's nothing I like less about teaching-I'm always eager to learn more and tackle new subjects. There are still many areas I haven't had the chance to study, but I believe in keeping an open mind. Never say never!

• 3) Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  I had two major role models who shaped my approach to tutoring and my love for science:
  
  • Giulia, an incredible tutor who ignited my passion for Maths and Science when I was still figuring out my future. She tutored me as a student and always encouraged me to become a tutor myself, saying I was one of her best students-patient, curious, and eager to learn.
  
  • Richard Feynman, though I never had the chance to meet him, his books left a lasting impact on me. His passion for science and his dedication to making it accessible to others were truly inspiring. I still use his teaching method today, focusing on breaking down complex topics into simpler concepts to ensure deep understanding.

• 4) What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  A great tutor is someone who "educates" in the true sense of the word-derived from ex ducere, meaning to lead outward. This reflects the idea that knowledge already exists within the student, and the tutor's role is to guide them in bringing it out on their own. It's about supporting their journey rather than just transferring knowledge one way.
  
  Key qualities also include active listening, which ensures you truly understand the student's needs; patience, allowing the student to learn at their own pace; and curiosity, which keeps both the tutor and student engaged and open to new ideas.

• 5) Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  I've always loved both philosophy and engineering, which may seem like an odd pairing, but to me, they're very similar. Both fields ask difficult questions and tackle enormous existential challenges. For example, my company builds space hardware for biomedical and pharmaceutical research in space-where even the simplest tasks can become incredibly complex.
  
  A valuable anecdote from my bachelor's days is when I realized that I needed to take the hardest path possible. Out of all the engineering disciplines, I chose Astronautics and Space Engineering because I believed it to be the most challenging. Something as simple as keeping a glass of water intact in space, which we take for granted on Earth, becomes nearly impossible. In space, the water can boil off due to vacuum conditions, shatter under the acceleration of launch, or freeze from the extreme cold of deep space. It's those kinds of challenges that drew me in and keep me passionate about this field.

• 6) What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still facing in your subject?

  As a rocket scientist, the challenges we face are often monumental and rarely have ready-made solutions from the past. Every day, we deal with problems that push the boundaries of engineering and science. One of the greatest challenges is that space is unforgiving, requiring innovative approaches to even the simplest tasks.
  
  What helps me overcome these challenges is the creativity I've nurtured since high school. It allows me to think outside the box and explore new, innovative solutions on a daily basis, keeping me energized and passionate about the work.

• 7) Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  My passion is centered around investigating, tackling harder and harder challenges, solving problems, and then dreaming even bigger for the next one. This mindset drives me 24/7, whether it's in my professional life as a rocket scientist or in personal pursuits.
  
  I apply the same drive to everything I do, whether it's a personal project, playing chess, reading Scientific American, or even perfecting a recipe. The process of continuous improvement and creativity is what fuels me across all areas of my life.

• 8) What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions :-P) ?

  What makes me a Superprof is my deep commitment to seeing my students not only understand the topics but become genuinely passionate about them. My ultimate goal is to help them achieve a profound understanding of the meaning behind each subject, leaving them excited and empowered in their learning journey.
  
  Plus, with me, you get space-age problem-solving skills to launch your understanding to infinity and beyond! 🚀