UoM Computer Science and Mathematics undergrad teaches Computer Science and Mathematics ALEVEL + GCSE

Find out more about Chris

• 1) Can you tell us about your first experience using a computer?

  My very first encounter with a computer would have been in the early to mid-2010s, on a family laptop with windows 7. I remember it being quite a small but sturdy machine, located in the living room. I wasn't diving into complex programming at 4 years old (haha), but I vividly recall the sheer fascination of playing simple flash games online.
  The colours, the sounds, and the instant response to my clicks and keyboard presses were all incredibly engaging. It wasn't just a toy; it felt like a portal to new worlds. The idea that I could interact with this machine and make things happen on the screen was truly captivating. That initial spark, the discovery that I could explore within a digital environment, truly set me on the path I'm on today. It transformed what seemed like a complicated device into a canvas of endless possibilities, even for a young kid.

• 2) What is the technological evolution that has marked you most and what will be, in your eyes, a turning point in this field?

  For me, the most profound technological evolution has undoubtedly been the democratisation of the internet. When I first started exploring computers, the internet was a nascent, often dial-up, experience. Seeing it evolve from a niche tool for researchers and academics into the information highway that underpins virtually every aspect of modern life has been astonishing. It fundamentally changed how we access information, communicate, learn, and even conduct business. It broke down geographical barriers and unleashed an unprecedented era of connectivity and knowledge sharing.
  
  Looking ahead, I believe advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI), specifically in areas like natural language processing and creative AI, will be the next major turning point. We're already seeing incredible strides, but as AI becomes more integrated into our daily tools and workflows, moving beyond simple automation to truly intelligent assistance and perhaps even collaborative creation, it will redefine human-computer interaction and problem-solving on a scale we can barely imagine. The ethical considerations are immense, and there are conversations to whether it will make society more reliant and less able to think for themselves, but its potential to augment human capabilities is revolutionary.

• 3) Explain your expertise, your interest in it and, more broadly, its importance in the computer world.

  My core expertise is in Computing with a strong foundation in Mathematics, stemming directly from my degree. This combination means I don't just understand how to build software or manage systems; I also grasp the underlying mathematical principles and logical structures that make them work efficiently and reliably. My interest in this field is deeply rooted in the satisfaction of solving complex, real-world problems. Whether it's optimising an algorithm, analysing data to uncover insights, or understanding what happens behind the scenes with AI, the ability to apply both computational methods and rigorous mathematical thinking is incredibly rewarding. It's about breaking down challenges into their fundamental components and crafting elegant, mathematically sound solutions. This combined perspective enables me to teach not just the "how" but also the fundamental "why," providing students with a much deeper and more adaptable understanding of computing.

• 4) Do so-called 'visionaries', such as Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg inspire you or do you have other role models?

  While I respect the immense impact and entrepreneurial spirit of visionaries like Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and Mark Zuckerberg, my deepest inspiration often comes from the collaborative spirit of the open-source community, the countless unsung developers who contribute to vital projects, and the everyday innovators who use technology to solve real-world problems in their communities.
  
  My role models are often people who embody perseverance, a deep understanding of problem-solving, and a commitment to clarity and accessibility in technology. I'm inspired by educators who can demystify complex concepts, by engineers who build robust and ethical systems, and by users who push the boundaries of what technology can do to improve lives, not just create empires. It's the process of innovation and the impact on people that truly resonates with me.

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

  I remember a particular moment during my A-level NEA that made me frustrated. It was for a shooter game I was developing in C# and Unity, and no matter what I tried, the game is unplayable. I spent days staring at lines of C# code, debugging enemy AI scripts, tweaking physics calculations, and even rewriting entire sections of the game loop.
  
  It was late one night, after hours of feeling completely defeated and thinking I'd never get the game running smoothly, that I decided to take a break. I stepped away from the screen, got some fresh air, and when I came back, I looked at the problem from a completely different angle. Instead of trying to optimise individual components, I mentally re-architected the entire system for how game objects were managed and rendered.
  
  The solution came to me then - it was a seemingly small change in how I was pooling and reusing game objects, but when I implemented it, the game ran flawlessly. That moment wasn't just about solving a programming problem; it was a profound lesson in perseverance, the value of stepping back, and the power of reframing a challenge. It taught me that sometimes the most effective solution isn't found by pushing harder, but by approaching the problem with a fresh, holistic perspective. That experience has profoundly shaped my teaching philosophy.

• 6) What would you say to an uncomfortable person in front of a screen who says that "IT is too complicated"?

  I would tell them, with a warm smile, "You know, everyone starts somewhere, and IT isn't nearly as complicated as it seems once you break it down. Think of it like learning to drive a car, or even cooking a new recipe. When you first sit behind the wheel, everything feels overwhelming - the pedals, the steering, the mirrors, the rules of the road. But you don't learn it all at once. You start with the basics: how to start the engine, how to make it move forward, how to stop.
  
  IT is exactly the same. You don't need to understand every intricate detail of how a computer works to use it effectively. We'll start with what you want to achieve, whether that's sending an email, finding information, or simply feeling more confident. We'll take small, manageable steps, and I'll explain things in clear, everyday language, avoiding gobbledygook. My goal isn't to make you an expert overnight, but to empower you to feel comfortable, capable, and perhaps even excited about what technology can do for you. It's a journey, not a sprint, and I'm here to guide you every step of the way."

• 7) What are your other passions, related or non-related to computers?

  I'm dedicated to staying healthy and fit, which I see as crucial for both physical and mental well-being. This includes practicing Taekwondo, which not only keeps me physically active but also sharpens focus and discipline. My creative outlets include playing both the guitar and piano, which I find incredibly rewarding. I also enjoy art in various forms, as it allows me to explore a different kind of problem-solving and expression. I'm already Bilingual and currently enjoying the challenge of learning German, as exploring new languages is a fantastic way to understand different cultures and ways of thinking. For relaxation and exercise, I love swimming.
  
  On the more analytical side of things, I have a keen interest in cryptocurrencies and thoroughly enjoy analysing the volatility of markets. This ties directly into my educational background, as it involves understanding complex algorithms, data trends, and the mathematical models that underpin these dynamic financial systems. It's a fascinating blend of technology, economics, and quantitative analysis.

• 8) What makes you a Superprof in IT?

  What truly makes me a Superprof in IT, especially at 19 years old, is a unique blend of academic expertise and a deep, empathetic understanding of the current education system. My degree in Computing with Maths provides me with a robust technical foundation, ensuring I can teach complex concepts with clarity and precision.
  
  However, what sets my methodology apart is that I am also a part of the current education system. This means I'm intimately familiar with the challenges students face today - from adapting to new online learning tools to managing exam stress and understanding specific curriculum requirements. Because of this, I'm able to genuinely understand my students' perspectives and provide them with an optimised teaching strategy. This isn't just about relaying information; it's about offering practical tips and tricks, study hacks, and relatable insights that come from direct, recent experience. I can tailor my approach to align perfectly with how modern students learn best, fostering an environment where they feel understood, supported, and truly equipped to excel. It's this combination of fresh, relevant insight and strong academic grounding that makes me an effective and relatable tutor.