— Emily DickinsonWill there really be a morning?
Is there such a thing as day?
Could I see it from the mountains
If I were as tall as they?Has it feet like water-lilies?
Has it feathers like a bird?
Is it brought from famous countries
Of which I have never heard?Oh, some scholar! oh, some sailor!
Oh, some wise man from the skies!
Please to tell a little pilgrim
Where the place called morning lies!
Learn & Explore with me
Tutoring in physics, math, astronomy, and writing. Workshops on wonder and songwriting. Sails, rides, and walks around Chicago.
Learn
Tutoring
Private tutoring in physics, astronomy, math, and writing, in person in Chicago or online. I’ve been teaching and tutoring since 2007.
I’ve worked with students at every level, from high school to graduate school, and from prisons to the Ivy League. I’ve helped students place highly in astronomy competitions like the USAAO exam, and exceed their expectations in courses from GED algebra to college electromagnetism.
I’ve worked with students with learning and other disabilities, and students who need a wide range of accommodations. I care about each student, and I’ll structure our sessions around what you need.
“Best professor I have had, and probably ever will.”Astronomy student, advanced extragalactic astronomy
“Professor Leisman is awesome! He is always there to help you through Astronomy and is very easy to talk to even if it is not about Astronomy.”Introductory astronomy student
“Best teacher ever.”Calculus-based mechanics student
My background, and more from students, on the tutoring page.
Workshops
I run a range of workshops focused on thinking about our place in the universe, and how we live and move in the vastness of the night.
Coming up
Wonder and Meaning in the Universe: Songwriting with Jonas Friddle and Luke Leisman
November 7, 14, 21, 10am–12:30pm, 4635 N Rockwell St, Chicago
Over three sessions, I present and moderate discussions on astronomy and our place in the cosmos, and Jonas leads writing exercises that turn questions and insights into song lyrics. Both experienced writers and first timers are welcome. You’ll leave with a finished song, and an invitation to perform it at Banjo Astro After Dark.
Past workshops
- Wonder and Meaning in the Universe, three evenings of songwriting with Jonas Friddle, spring 2026
- Songs and Science, a three-day retreat of songwriting, astronomy, and hands-on science at White Oak Savanna, May 2026
- Two graduate data science workshops, co-instructed at the University of Illinois
Want a workshop for your group? Get in touch.
Explore Chicago
Come explore Chicago with me! If you are interested in sailing, biking, walking, kayaking tours or outings in the city reach out!
