James Ewing
Senior concentrating in Applied Math and Economics on the Mathematical Finance track
Email: [email protected]
Hi! My name is James Ewing and I am a senior here at Brown concentrating in Applied Math and Economics. I am excited to be here as a Problem Solving Fellow to help you all out! Inside the classroom I am really passionate about mathematics and economics. I have been a Teaching Assistant for both MATH0520 as well as MATH0100 which are large introductory math courses. Outside of the classroom I am also a private tutor and really enjoy soccer!
A few semesters ago I took “The Theory and Practice of Problem Solving” which qualified me for this position. It was a brilliant class and I would recommend it to every student and educator here at Brown. I have a passion for teaching and creating effective learning environments and I look to bring a lot of what I learned in that class into my teaching nowadays. Again, I am looking forward to working with people - don’t hesitate to email me!
Ava Nemerovski (they/them)
Junior concentrating in neuroscience
Email: [email protected]
I’m Ava, and I’m a junior concentrating in neuroscience at Brown. In the classroom, I love to study small-scale neuroscience. Outside of the classroom, I do research on epilepsy, sing in Brown’s Disney A Cappella group, and write music. I am really excited to be a Problem Solving Fellow and help improve the educational experience at Brown!
Besides taking UNIV 1110, I have had many experiences that have exposed me to several facets of education. I am currently a CHEM 0350 UTA, which gives me practice writing effective problems and guiding students through the development of solutions. In addition, I have been a TA in math classes, including geometry and calculus, which has given me further practice in these skills. I have also worked as a tutor for all STEM disciplines. I am always happy to help with problem writing, course design, content presentation, or any other questions you may have. Feel free to contact me through my email!
Eric Steinberg
Senior concentrating in Behavioral Decision Sciences and Entrepreneurship
Email: [email protected]
Hello, my name is Eric Steinberg and I am studying Behavioral Decision Sciences with a specialization in business storytelling. I have worked overseas for a cognitive training startup and am Vice President of Competitive Esports for Brown Esports. I am also an experienced screenwriter and game designer, and I use skills from both to enhance the learning experience of my students.
In addition to taking UNIV 1110, I served as the Director of Education for TAMID at Brown where I developed and taught a curriculum for training new students to become business consultants for startup businesses. I have also been a TA for ENGN 1010: Entrepreneurial Process.
Please do not hesitate to contact me by email! I would love to help enhance the engagement and energy within your classroom.
Maxwell Ferguson (he/him)
Senior studying Geology-Biology
Email: [email protected]
Hi! I’m Max and I am a senior in the EEPS department here at Brown! I am currently working in a research lab analyzing microscopic fossils in ancient ocean sediments. I enjoy taking classes in many different areas of STEM, humanities, and the arts, including the TAPS, VISA, and APMA departments. From late high school until now, I have thoroughly enjoyed the teaching experiences I have been a part of - the most recent being an undergraduate TA for the course EEPS 0010.
Through the class UNIV 1110, I have learned a lot about creating effective and inclusive problem solving environments, especially in an educational classroom setting. I am passionate about bringing inclusivity, metacognitive practices, and many other concepts from the UNIV 1110 class into any educational setting I am a part of. I would be happy to work with any educators to help redesign problem sets, provide constructive feedback on lessons, develop interactive activities, or any other needed tasks regarding course improvement. Feel free to contact me with any questions!
Da-Young Kim (she/her)
Junior studying Mathematics-Computer Science
Email: [email protected]
Hello all, I’m Da-Young and I’m a junior studying Mathematics-Computer Science here at Brown. I have taken introductory, intermediate, and higher level computer science and math courses so far, as well as classes in the Philosophy, Korean, East Asian Studies, and more departments! I had no previous experience coding prior to coming to college and completed the CSCI0111/CSCI0200 introductory sequence, so I know how it feels to learn computer science from the ground up here at Brown! I have also experienced the engineering introductory sequence (ENGN0032/ENGN0040), so I may be able to provide insight about diversity and equity in the math, engineering, and computer science departments.
In addition to taking UNIV1110: The Theory and Teaching of Problem Solving in preparation for my role as a Problem Solving Fellow, I have experience individually tutoring in math as well as experience designing processes for non-profit organizations and social science research. I have a passion for taking a critical look at classroom processes and practices with a lens of inclusion and equity. I have also taken classes in the Korean language, East Asian Studies, and Philosophy classes here at Brown, so please feel free to reach out if you are in an area outside of STEM!
Afnan Nuruzzaman (he/him)
Senior studying Computational Biology - Applied Math/Statistics
Email: [email protected]
Hey there! My name is Afnan and I am a senior that will be starting an MD/PhD after graduating from Brown. Outside the classroom, I’m involved in malaria research in Brown’s Department of Pathology and microbiome research at Mount Sinai. I also play in competitive chess tournaments!
In addition to taking UNIV 1110: The Theory and Teaching of Problem Solving as training for my current role, I have also worked as a teaching assistant in the Biology department for two semesters. During the fall semester, I was a teaching assistant for Introductory Genetics (BIOL 470), and I am currently a TA for a CURE class, Inquiry in Plant Biology (BIOL 0440). I am especially enthusiastic about collaborating on courses that include lab or research components, so don’t hesitate to reach out to my email!
An Cao (she/her)
Sophomore studying Mathematics and Computer Science
Email: [email protected]
Hi! My name is An and I am a sophomore concentrating in Math and Computer Science. I am a former mathlete, enjoy taking on challenging problems, and have been loving all math classes here at Brown. Outside of the classroom, I have been working as a full-stack developer, game programmer, and doing research in AI fields. I am really excited to work as a Problem Solving Fellow and help enhance educational experience at Brown!
Besides taking UNIV 1110 "The Theory and Teaching of Problem Solving", I have been tutoring math and science subjects for high school students, involved in crafting curriculum and instructional contents for online classes by a non-profit organization. I have also worked as a TA for VIET classes at Brown, where I enjoyed helping students and applying effective teaching strategies to create interactive language tables. I look forward to working with you so please don't hesitate to reach me at my email!
Nasim Mohammadzadeh (she/her)
Senior concentrating in Business Economics with a certificate in Data Fluency
Email: [email protected]
Hi Everyone! My name is Nasim Mohammadzadeh, and I am a current senior studying Business Economics and Data Fluency. I hail from Lexington, KY and am a proud southern girl with Iranian roots. In my free time, I love to run, read, bake & cook, play tennis, and discover new coffee shops in Providence. At Brown, I have been heavily involved in the teaching world, working as a TA for ECON 1090 for two semesters and TAing ECON 0110, a large introductory economics course, for two semesters as well. I also am a tutor for the Brown Refugee Tutoring and Enrichment Program, or BRYTE for short, where we work with refugee families in the Providence area to offer additional support as they transition to life in the United States.
I took UNIV 1110 the fall of my senior year, and I just wish I had chanced upon it sooner! I learned so many applicable takeaways about teaching and learning that I could have certainly applied to my job as a TA. I am super excited to be able to continue the work of the Problem Solving Fellows to help create a better educational environment for students at Brown.
Angel Arrazola (he/him)
Junior studying Computer Science and Education Studies
Email: [email protected]
Hi! My name is Angel. I’m a junior from Providence studying CS and Education. When I’m not stuck at the CIT working on CS projects, I’m playing ping pong/badminton, watching anime, or doing something else to unwind. I’m also one of the co-presidents of IgniteCS, a CS education group that teaches in schools across Rhode Island (you should ask me about it!). I’ve been involved in the community through different educational opportunities such as working with students in an elementary dual language classroom, teaching at the Providence Public Library, and working in different middle school and high school classrooms.
In terms of my experience at Brown, I’ve taken the CS intro sequence (15/200), Hypertext (1951V), Intro to Computer Systems (300), Intro to Software Engineering (32), and I’m currently taking OS (1670)! I’ve also taken Japanese 100-300, and a number of Education classes. UNIV 1110 was a super cool experience that opened my eyes to new ways of teaching and learning, so I’m super excited to be a Problem Solving Fellow this semester! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Roya Barakzai (she/her)
Sophomore concentrating in Health & Human Biology and Public Health
Email: [email protected]
Hi! I’m Roya, and I’m a current sophomore at Brown planning on concentrating in both Health & Human Biology and Public Health. I particularly love learning about the intersection between health and gender, so I find myself in a mix of both humanities and STEM courses! Outside of the classroom, I am the Co-president of the Women’s Health Advocacy Group and the treasurer of Reproductive Justice @Brown, and I am currently completing research on subarachnoid hemorrhages!
UNIV 1110 was a course that was instrumental in aiding my success as a student and has made me incredibly passionate about how we can reform STEM education and learning environments. In addition to the course, I have been a math and science tutor for the past five years.
I’d be happy to help with course development and design, so please don’t hesitate to contact me through my email!
Quinn Cowing (they/she)
Junior Concentrating in Geology-Biology
Email: [email protected]
Hello! I’m Quinn, a current junior at Brown studying Geology-Biology in the EEPS department. I love spending time outdoors, baking, reading, and am very involved in music at Brown. I’m the musical director for the Brown’sTones a capella group! I’m very passionate about teaching, and have been in many mentorship roles, most recently as a TA for two different EEPS courses. I enjoy taking classes in many subjects beyond EEPS and BIOL including: philosophy, english, East Asian studies, and environmental science. Outside of the classroom I’m interested in both education research and biological research. Over the past summer I conducted research in the Appalachian mountains on a toxic flower and its pollinators!
In taking the Problem Solving Fellow preparatory course, UNIV 1110, I have learned a lot about what makes a problem solving environment effective and inclusive. I am specifically passionate about bringing inclusivity, metacognitive practices, and the tenets of effective thinking into my future work as an educator and my work with educators at Brown. I would love to work with educators to help improve student engagement, provide constructive feedback on lecture formats, redesign problem sets, and any other type of course/learning development. I’m excited to work with educators from all departments. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me by email with your questions!
Lauren Roussel
First-Year Concentrating in Mathematical Physics
Contact info: [email protected]
Hello! My name is Lauren Roussel, and I’m a first-year student here at Brown from Freeport, Maine (the birthplace of L.L. Bean). My passion is mathematics, but my interest in the workings of the universe have always led me to physics—luckily, Brown has a degree for that! Outside of math, I’m passionate about soccer (I play, coach, and referee), blood donation, and sustainable space-travel—I recently worked with bluShift Aerospace obtaining proof of concept for a cold gas propulsion system for their next rocket!
I’m just getting started at Brown, so I don’t have too much on my teaching resumé yet, but I was a TA for AP Calculus, Spanish I-IV, Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, and Geometry in high school. Here at Brown, I’m the event coordinator for the Association of Women in Mathematics, and I dabble in some other math and science groups.
The Problem Solving Fellow program is really exciting to me because I truly believe that anyone can learn math as long as they have the right instruction. In UNIV 1110 I acquired the skills and knowledge I need to teach math and help others teach math in a way that’s inclusive and enjoyable for everyone. I’m really excited to bring my ideas about math education into the real world as a Problem Solving Fellow. I am the only first-year in the program, so please reach out if my perspective could be helpful for designing lessons, teaching philosophy, or classroom exercises, regardless of the type of class. I’m excited to be working with you soon!
Oscar McNally (they/he)
Junior concentrating in Education Studies and Computer Science
Email: [email protected]
Hello! I’m Oscar, a junior from Portland, Maine studying Education and CS. I love word games, cooking, and reading, and I’m one of the presidents of the Brown Chess Club! I’m very passionate about teaching, and I’ve been a TA for introductory math and computer science classes for the past 3 semesters. I’m also really interested in education research and school funding, and spent last semester working with a professor on research for a new book about the development of the for-profit sector in public education. When I’m home for breaks, I work as a cheesemonger!
In addition to being a TA, I participated in the Math Teaching Fellows program last semester, which was a great opportunity to actively reflect on and improve my teaching practices. I’m especially interested in applying the concepts I’ve studied in my education classes in my work as a teaching assistant and in the future as an educator, and in helping others to align their own teaching practices (specifically in the CS department) with effective pedagogical techniques and educational philosophies.
Savianna Gonzales-Wagner (she/they)
Senior Concentrating in Biology
Email: [email protected]
Hi! My name is Savianna Gonzales-Wagner, and I am a senior concentrating in Biology. I have enjoyed taking a variety of both biology and education courses here at Brown. I have also enjoyed courses in the classics and the anthropology departments. Outside of the classroom, I work as an in-class volunteer for Inspiring Minds, and I am completing research on plant genomics. In my free time, I enjoy reading, cross-stitching, and listening to music.
In addition to taking UNIV 1110, I have taken several other education courses such as “The Craft of Teaching,” “Family Engagement in Education,” and “MLLs in US Schools.” I have also worked as a teacher for Ivy Camps for the past two years. I am really passionate about equity in education, especially STEM courses at the secondary school level. After graduation, I plan on continuing to work in education.
Dylan Saunders (he/him)
Junior concentrating in Computer Science
Email: [email protected]
Hi! My name is Dylan Saunders and I am a current Junior studying Computer Science and pursuing a certificate in Entrepreneurship. Outside of the classroom, you may find me in the OMAC playing basketball, one of my favorite things to do in my free time, but not until next semester when I return from studying abroad in Budapest.
In my pursuit of bettering learning and teaching environments, specifically at Brown, UNIV 1110 played a fundamental role in framing important concepts and methods. Combined with my current role in the Student Activities Office as Diversity and Inclusion Student Coordinator, I hope to understand how Brown can embrace all aspects of inclusivity in the classroom to improve certain courses.
Owen Anderson (he/him)
Junior concentrating in Computer Science and Philosophy
Email: [email protected]
Hi! My name is Owen Anderson, and I’m a Junior from Portland, Maine. I came to Brown with no classroom experience in either CS or Philosophy, so I’ve had plenty of experience attacking new problems and thinking both analytically and abstractly. I’m passionate about all things technology, communication, and collaboration. I also love soccer, and I’m on the club ice hockey team!
In addition to taking UNIV 1110, I’ve worked as a teaching assistant for CS 0150 (Brown’s largest course) and led lessons in K-5 classrooms in high school. I take an empathetic approach to both teaching and learning, and I’m excited to work through any problem you may have–don’t hesitate to email me!
Former PSFs
Daphne Maniatis
Senior concentrating in Mathematical Physics
Email: [email protected]
Hi! My name is Daphne, and I’m a 7th semester student of physics at Brown. I am currently doing research in the field of high energy theory, studying scattering amplitudes in string theory. In addition to research, I am extremely passionate about STEM education and working to improve the student experience. I have found a lot of joy in studying math and physics and would love to help others feel that way as well!
In addition to taking UNIV 1110, The Theory and Teaching of Problem Solving, I have worked on several educational projects through my time in college. I have experience with course redesign, including syllabus building, problem writing, and lab design, and have also helped create instructional content for labs as well as helping to build and edit online classes. I would love to continue this work, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to chat!