Oswaldo Zapata PhD

This is what my students have to say about working with me

''Professor Zapata is extremely patient and clear when explaining confusing new concepts. Be it mathematics or physics, there's nothing he can't teach with just a pen and some paper.'' 

William, student of Electrical Engineering at University of Michigan 

''Professor Zapata knows how to explain physical ideas in depth. With him you learn the fundamental concepts instead of dully memorizing formulas.'' 

Justin, student of Computer Science at Stanford University 

My background as a physicist and teacher

I received my Bachelor degree in theoretical physics in 1999, then I studied particles physics in Paris (MSc) and string theory in Rome (PhD). Afterwards, I carried out research at the Albert Einstein Institute for Gravitational Physics near Berlin (Germany), the International Center for Theoretical Physics in Trieste (Italy), the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics in Beijing (China), and the London School of Economics (UK).

I am honored to have tutored several students at top institutions such as Stanford University, University of Michigan, University of California Los Angeles, the City University of New York, among others.

Courses I offer

These are some of the advanced courses on theoretical physics I teach online,

Classical Field Theory

General Relativity

Non-Abelian Gauge Theories

Advanced Calculus

Differential Geometry

I also enjoy teaching mathematics and physics to high school and college students in the United States and China (click here for online elementary one-on-one classes).

Hobbies

In addition to reading and writing about physics and mathematics I am also passionate about the history of science. I studied philosophy for three years at university and since then I have been particularly interested in the history and philosophy of contemporary physics and ancient science. I regularly answer to physics and math questions on Quora.

Learning languages is another of my passions. I speak fluently or have a decent knowledge of 8-9 languages.

As many people, I love to travel. I have lived in several countries, mostly in Europe and the Americas but also in Asia and Africa, and I have visited more than sixty countries (you can follow me on Instagram).

My story

I finished my PhD in String Theory almost twenty years ago. During my studies, I learned a lot of physics and mathematics, no doubt. Nonetheless, even after I completed it, for some time I had the feeling that something was missing. Mostly from the mathematical side. I was familiar with many advanced concepts, but I felt that the expertise was missing. In order to cope with that, I decided to take a break and organize everything I knew about theoretical physics. 

After many years working on it, I have finally finished a manuscript of almost 1,000 pages of advanced theoretical physics (hopefully to be published in the near future).  On my way I made some mistakes. The sort of mistakes I don't want you to make! I think the biggest mistake was that I passively consumed too much content, mostly written but also visual (such as reading too many textbooks or watching lectures on Youtube). The problem with passive consumption of information is that you are on your own and it is difficult to measure your progress. The progress is slow and we are never sure if we are moving from basic unserstanding to real competence. 

The truth is that you have to be accountable if you want to become an expert on your field. During my lectures I will challenge you. Be sure of that! But, I will also guide you. That's the only way you will master everything you always wanted to know about theoretical physics and mathematics. 

Book now your 20 minutes free consultation. I will be glad to hear your story, your present obstacles and the results you dream of. Together we will find a solution.

Email me at zapata.oswaldo[at]gmail.com