Francesco

I’m a researcher in mathematical physics at Nottingham University, studying the likelihood of rare events and how they shape the future of physical systems—like the chance of an asteroid wiping out the dinosaurs! I’m passionate about science and believe it’s our best tool for understanding the world. I love discussing big questions, often finding that more questions arise than answers, which is what drives curiosity.

I’m also dedicated to science communication. Before graduating, I began collaborating with "PLaNCK!"—an Italian science magazine for children—writing articles and eventually starting a column that encourages kids to think scientifically by posing questions they can explore themselves.

Outside of research, I enjoy board games, traveling, cooking, running, and spending time in nature. Teaching is another passion of mine. I believe it's a two-way process where both students and teachers learn from each other, making it a dynamic and rewarding experience.

Tutoring Experience

I've been tutoring for almost 10 years, starting as an undergraduate in Physics. I’ve worked with high school and university students, as well as having wonderful experiences tutoring children. Here’s a summary of my tutoring and teaching experience:

2014-present: Private tutor for Physics and related subjects (Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Electromagnetism), as well as Maths, Chemistry, and Biology for students of all ages. In 2016, tutored a 10-year-old child.

Winter 2024 - Spring 2025: Tutored a year 11 student in Triple Science through Newman Tuition

Autumn 2023: Lecturer in Statistical Physics at Iceland University.

May 2021 – Jun 2021: Tutored a year 8 student in Maths through Newman Tuition.

Sep 2020 – May 2021: Tutored a year 11 student for her iGCSE in Maths (Newman Tuition). She achieved an A, got into her first-choice sixth form, and passed her Berkeley University entrance test.

2019-2020: Teaching assistant for 'Introduction to Probability' and 'Introduction to Computer Programming,' demonstrator for 'Chaos and Fractals' at Queen Mary University of London. Private tutor for 'Graph Theory' and 'Measure-theoretic Probability' for a second-year Maths student.

2018-2019: Teaching assistant for 'Calculus II' and demonstrator for 'Introduction to Differential Equations' at Queen Mary. Private tutor for 'Introduction to Differential Geometry' for a first-year Maths student.

2017-2018: Teaching assistant for 'Calculus II' and demonstrator for 'Introduction to Probability' at Queen Mary. Private tutor for 'Combinatorics' for a first-year Maths student. Also tutored an 11-year-old for a private school admission test.

Tutoring Approach

My teaching philosophy is founded on three core principles:

• Clarity without oversimplification
I prioritise clarity in communication without sacrificing the complexity or richness of the subject matter. When dealing with advanced topics, I
aim to make them accessible by focusing on core ideas and gradually introducing more abstract layers.

• Active learning through problem-solving
I structure classes around problem-solving and student engagement. Rather than solely transmitting content, I design exercises that challenge students to apply theory to realistic and sometimes open-ended problems. This helps them develop both analytical rigour and creative thinking.

• Mentorship and accessibility
I believe that an educator should be available and approachable. In my teaching, I create regular opportunities for students to seek support and feedback.

Teaching, for me, is also a process of continual development. I reflect on student feedback, keep up with pedagogical best practices, and adapt my methods according to the needs of each student/group.