Mechanical Engineering working Professional with 12 years of teaching experience in mechanical engineering concepts & 12 years of industrial experience in CAD, CAE

Learn more about Prashant

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

  My interest in Mechanical Engineering developed at an early stage (back in 2009, early years of University), driven by a strong curiosity about how mechanical systems function and interact with the physical world. The combination of analytical problem-solving, physics, and practical applications made this field particularly compelling for me. Over the years, this interest evolved into a deep passion for designing and optimizing engineering solutions that contribute to technological advancements and efficiency improvements.
  
  In parallel, my inclination toward private tutoring emerged naturally during my academic journey. I discovered that explaining complex engineering and mathematical concepts to peers not only reinforced my own understanding but also provided a sense of fulfillment in helping others succeed. Through tutoring, I developed strong communication and instructional skills, enabling me to break down intricate topics into accessible and engaging lessons. The ability to mentor and support students in their learning process continues to be a highly rewarding aspect of my professional and academic pursuits.

• 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).

  As an instructor, I specialize in Mechanical Engineering subjects and software tools essential for engineering design, analysis, and simulation. My teaching encompasses fundamental and advanced concepts in Solid Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, Strength of Materials, Machine Design, and Engineering Mechanics, as well as Applied Mathematics for engineering applications.
  
  I particularly enjoy discussing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and Mechanical Vibrations, as they bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world problem-solving. Additionally, I am passionate about teaching programming languages such as MATLAB, Python, C/C++, and AutoLISP, which are increasingly valuable for automating engineering workflows and performing computational analyses.
  
  Beyond theoretical concepts, I also provide training in CAD and CAE software, including ANSYS, SolidWorks, Abaqus, HyperMesh, Fusion 360, CATIA V5, Autodesk Inventor, OpenFOAM, and Creo Parametric. These tools are integral to modern engineering design and simulation, and I emphasize both practical applications and industry best practices in my instruction.
  
  While I appreciate all aspects of mechanical engineering, I find that students often struggle with purely theoretical topics that involve extensive memorization without application. To address this, I focus on interactive learning and real-world examples to make even the most abstract concepts engaging and meaningful.
  
  My goal is to equip students with both technical expertise and problem-solving skills, enabling them to confidently tackle engineering challenges in academia and industry.

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

  Yes, I have been fortunate to have inspiring teachers and mentors, but I also draw inspiration from some of the greatest minds in science and engineering.
  
  One of my role models is Sir Isaac Newton, whose groundbreaking work in mechanics and calculus laid the foundation for modern physics and engineering. His ability to derive fundamental laws of motion and gravitation from pure observation and mathematical reasoning continues to inspire my approach to problem-solving.
  
  Another figure I greatly admire is Leonhard Euler, a pioneer in applied mathematics and mechanics. His contributions to fluid dynamics, structural analysis, and numerical methods have shaped many of the engineering principles I teach today. His ability to simplify complex mathematical problems with elegant solutions is something I strive to emulate in my own teaching.
  
  I also look up to Stephen Hawking, not only for his profound contributions to theoretical physics but also for his unwavering determination in the face of adversity. His ability to communicate highly complex ideas in an accessible way has influenced my own teaching philosophy-making difficult concepts easier to understand without losing their depth.
  
  In addition to these historical figures, I had an engineering professor whose passion for teaching and ability to break down complex concepts into simple, relatable explanations had a lasting impact on me. He encouraged students to think beyond textbooks and apply engineering principles to real-world challenges, a mindset I now incorporate into my own teaching.

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

  Being a good tutor requires a combination of technical expertise, communication skills, and a student-centered approach. In my experience, the following qualities are essential for effective tutoring:
  
  Strong Subject Knowledge
  Clear and Effective Communication
  Patience and Empathy
  Adaptability and Personalized Teaching
  Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking Approach
  Enthusiasm and Passion for Teaching
  Encouraging Curiosity and Lifelong Learning
  Strong Mentorship and Guidance
  
  By embodying these qualities, a tutor can not only help students master the subject but also instill confidence, critical thinking, and a passion for learning-skills that go beyond academics and benefit them in their careers.

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

  One of the most valuable lessons I learned during my engineering studies came from a failed experiment in a mechanical vibrations lab. We were tasked with analyzing the natural frequencies of a simple beam structure using experimental and computational methods. My team and I meticulously set up the equipment, applied loads, and recorded the data. However, when we compared our experimental results to theoretical calculations, they didn't match at all.
  
  At first, we assumed there was a calculation error. We rechecked the equations, refined our MATLAB simulations, and even consulted textbooks, but nothing seemed wrong. After hours of frustration, our professor casually walked over and asked, "Did you check if the beam was clamped properly?" To our surprise, a slight misalignment in the setup was the culprit. A simple mistake had led to incorrect results, despite all our theoretical knowledge.
  
  This experience taught me an important lesson: engineering is not just about equations and simulations-it's about meticulous attention to real-world details. No matter how strong your theoretical foundation is, practical application requires careful observation, critical thinking, and troubleshooting skills.
  
  This incident shaped my approach to teaching. When I train students in Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), or experimental mechanics, I emphasize not just solving problems but also validating results, questioning assumptions, and understanding the real-world implications of their work.

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

  In engineering & tutoring journey so far , some of the key difficulties I have faced and continue to tackle include:
  
  · During my academic years, one of the biggest challenges was transitioning from textbook knowledge to real-world problem-solving. Concepts like Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and Mechanical Vibrations make perfect sense mathematically, but applying them to real engineering problems often involves unexpected complexities. Over time, I learned that validating theoretical results with experimental data is just as important as solving equations. So yeah I can say bridging the gap between theory and Practical application is challenging.
  
  · Mastering tools like ANSYS, Abaqus, OpenFOAM, HyperMesh, and SOLIDWORKS Simulation required not only understanding the software but also knowing how to interpret and validate the results. Early on, I struggled with mesh convergence issues, boundary conditions, and numerical instabilities in simulations, but with persistence and hands-on experience, I learned to troubleshoot and refine my approach. Complexity of simulations and software learning curve sometimes takes time and effort.
  
  · Engineering is an ever-evolving field, with new technologies and methodologies emerging constantly. Staying updated with advancements in AI-driven design, generative engineering, and advanced simulation techniques requires continuous learning. I overcome this challenge by actively engaging in research, taking advanced courses, and applying new tools to real-world problems. So yeah keeping up with advanced technology can be challenging too but fun once you keep practicing or doing more projects on new technologies.
  
  · As a tutor, I often notice that students focus on memorizing formulas rather than understanding the core principles behind them. Helping them develop an intuition for engineering problems and encouraging critical thinking is an ongoing challenge, but it is also one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching.In last teaching students to think beyond formulas is a bit challenging task.

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

  My passion lies in learning, problem-solving, and sharing knowledge-whether in engineering, programming, AI, or everyday challenges. I love exploring new ideas, optimizing systems, and helping others grow. The thrill of figuring things out drives me, whether it's solving an engineering problem, coding a solution, or strategizing in chess. I'm always excited about innovation and continuous improvement, and I strive to inspire the same curiosity and enthusiasm in others.

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

  What makes me a Superprof 🤔hmmm …
  
  Should I say "I translate Engineering gibberish into human language". 😆
  Well, jokes apart I think it's my expertise, passion, and ability to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world applications. With a strong background in mechanical engineering, CAD/CAE, AI-driven automation, and programming, I ensure students receive industry-relevant, practical knowledge.