Hi, I'm James. I'm a cybersecurity professional, former university instructor, and longtime competitive chess player who enjoys helping students grow in both technical and strategic thinking skills. I previously taught cybersecurity at Rice University and have mentored students and professionals in IT, problem-solving, and analytical thinking. I also bring years of experience in tournament chess, where I trained under former Women's World Chess Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk and competed in state and collegiate championships. My teaching style is patient, structured, and encouraging. Whether we are working on a computer science concept, preparing for a certification, or improving chess fundamentals, I focus on breaking complex ideas into clear steps and helping students understand the reasoning behind what they are learning. In chess lessons, that means learning how to think through positions and build good habits, not just memorizing moves. In technology subjects, it means understanding how systems work together rather than just following instructions. I work with students of different ages and experience levels, and I tailor each session to the student's goals and learning style. My aim is always the same: to help students build confidence, develop strong thinking skills, and leave each session feeling more capable than when they started.

Outside of teaching and cybersecurity work, I’m an avid chess player and enjoy strategy, puzzles, and problem-solving of all kinds. I’ve competed in tournaments at the state and collegiate level and love sharing the thinking skills that chess builds, such as patience, planning, and learning from mistakes. I’m also a big fan of tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons and enjoy playing cooperative strategy card and board games that challenge teamwork and creative thinking. I even had the fun experience of appearing on the TV game show 99 to Beat, which was a great reminder of how important focus, adaptability, and a good sense of humor can be. Spending time with my family and continuing to learn new things are both very important to me. I believe curiosity and lifelong learning should be part of everyday life, and I try to bring that same energy and encouragement into every tutoring session.