Our Team

Art of Problem Solving was founded by Richard Rusczyk in 2003 to create interactive educational opportunities for avid math students. Richard is the author or a co-author of 7 AoPS textbooks and a past Director of the USA Mathematical Talent Search. He was a participant in National MATHCOUNTS, a three-time participant in the Math Olympiad Summer Program, and a USA Mathematical Olympiad winner (1989). He received the World Federation of National Mathematics Competitions Paul Erdös Award in 2014. He graduated from Princeton University in 1993, and worked as a bond trader for D.E. Shaw & Company for four years. AoPS marks Richard's return to his vocation - educating motivated students.

In 2014, Glen founded a learning center in Morrisville, North Carolina, that two years later became the first AoPS Academy campus. Glen served as the National Director of AoPS Academy until his retirement in 2019. He has experience as a college math professor, statistician, and expert SAS programmer. He has been a professional math tutor for many years, and specializes in training academically-advanced and high-performing math students. Glen is a graduate of Duke University and holds a graduate degree in statistics from Boston University.

Daniel is an educator and classroom teacher. He is excited to join AoPS, bringing his unique style which blends being a “sage on the stage” with a “guide on the side.”

Brian holds a BA in Literature from UCSC and has been a teacher and tutor in the SF Bay Area for nearly 15 years. He was drawn to AoPS for its small-class academic program. His teaching style is down-to-earth, conversational, and engaging.

Eric is a PhD student in Mathematics at Penn State. He was drawn to AoPS to inspire others to enjoy math. His teaching style guides students to discover concepts on their own, helping them internalize ideas more deeply.

Brenda graduated from UC Berkeley with a B.S. in Business Administration and minor in Data Science. She has past experience teaching math and executive functioning skills to middle and high school students and also shared her creative passions by teaching piano, music theory, and art to K-6 students. Brenda values the importance of supportive instructors, mentors, and peers who encourage students to express themselves and actively explore the applications of what they are learning. Therefore, she was drawn to the AoPS curriculum which places an emphasis on creativity, critical thinking, and most importantly student-led discussions, where students can develop the skills to critically engage in their interests and the general world around them. She strives to create a warm environment by connecting with each student and understanding their unique learning styles so that students can gain confidence in their academics while developing an overall love for learning.

Vandana comes to AoPS with a Bachelor of Science and is excited to provide learn-by doing experience to the students. She keeps her students engaged by encouraging curiosity and creativity within a structured program.

Victor Doan has been an English and History teacher and tutor for five years. He is excited about teaching at AoPS because of the students and their passion for learning as well as the excellent curriculum. His teaching style is holistic, rigorous, and joyful, creating an environment where students can engage deeply with material while enjoying the learning process.

Mary earned a BA in Biology, a Single Subject Credential in Math and Life, Physical & Chemical Sciences, and an Administrative Credential. She has been an educator for over 35 years teaching preschool through twelfth grade students in general and alternative schools. Mary was drawn to join AoPS because students are encouraged to understand how math works rather than to just memorize algorithms. She is excited to challenge students to look at multiple ways to solve a problem and to work collaboratively with their classmates. Mary uses a variety of modalities to reach all types of learners. Her passion for math comes through in her engaging and creative lessons.

Since graduating from UC Berkeley in 2022, Brycen has been working as an educator in a variety of grade levels and subjects. He has worked with students from various backgrounds across the Bay Area. He is excited to help students build their critical thinking skills and to help them explore ideas beyond what is possible in a traditional classroom setting. Brycen enjoys helping students explore their interests and lines of inquiry through discussion and project based learning, creating an engaging classroom environment where curiosity drives the learning process.

Stephanie graduated from The George Washington University, where she majored in Political Science and Korean Language & Literature. After finishing her undergrad, she became a Hawaii corps member for Teach For America and taught seventh grade ELA for two years. Since finishing her Master of Education, she has been working as an editor for a college admissions consulting company and has joined AoPS to continue her love for teaching. Stephanie is most excited to teach at AoPS because she can work with students who want to be challenged and are motivated to engage in deeper learning. Stephanie loves to make class engaging with lots of opportunities to interact with peers and demonstrate understanding in various ways, such as games and hands-on activities. She will make sure that students leave class with a strong understanding of materials and confidence in their writing abilities.

Janhavi has a bachelor's degree in computer science and currently works as an instructional assistant at an elementary school. What drew her to teach math at AoPS Academy is the chance to work in a setting where there's a strong emphasis on academic rigor and a chance to go beyond textbook using problem solving strategies, making math interesting and relevant. She uses a mix of direct instruction, guided practice, and collaborative activities to meet diverse learning needs. She emphasize problem-solving and reasoning.

Nakul holds a BE in Electronics & Telecommunication from University of Mumbai and an MBA from University of Washington. The teaching philosophy at AoPS aligns with Nakuls and they focus on the foundational learning to be able to build complex understanding on top of it in the classroom.

Rose Svonkin graduated top of her class from University of California Santa Cruz with a Master of Science in Applied Economics and Finance. Rose has been tutoring since 2020 and most recently was a teachers assistant at UCSC. She was drawn to AoPS as she feels that math should not simply be taught with definitions and simple practice problems, but rather in a way that emphasizes our mission: the art of problem solving. Rose receives immense joy from seeing the look students get on their faces when something finally clicks for them. She prides herself on being able to bring joy and excitement to the subjects she teaches.