Our Team

Avital is a life-long mathematician, software engineer, and math educator. From a very young age he has been enthralled with the mysteries of mathematics, and how to share that deep experience with everyone around him. After completing a masters degree at age 19 doing research in finite group theory, he shifted focus into software engineering, working as an early engineer at multiple start-up companies. In parallel, he founded The School of Mathematics in Brooklyn, where adults from all background met for Socratic discussions leading to mathematical discoveries. He currently lives in Amsterdam with his three children, and works as a machine learning researcher at Google. He currently leads on-line math discussions and helps with technical infrastructure for Global Math Circle. He believes that intimate on-line discussion groups can be an engine for exposing millions of people to the depths of the mathematical experience that's alive in each and every mind.

Campo is a Mathematician and Colombian professor. He is currently finishing his doctorate at the IMPA (Institute of Pure and Applied Mathematics, Brazil, Rio de Janeiro). He is very enthusiastic about the dissemination and teaching of mathematics at all levels. After finishing his bachelor and during his masters he has been working on number theory, especially with problems concerning the distribution of prime numbers. He is currently working on interconnecting Economics, Psychology and Mathematics. Campo has extensive experience as a university professor and currently teaches online for the Global Math Circle

Cid approaches math circles with the kind of enthusiasm usually reserved for birthday parties and professional soccer clubs. She is drawn to complex problems, so her working life has included software development, juvenile justice, and teaching math. The Global Math Circle became a natural home because she believes that everyone can share the rich language of mathematics in an atmosphere of freedom. Rain or shine, Cid can be found in the woods, on a bike, reading, or with dogs and children. These activities share philosophies with her approach to math circles: 1) A circle is a place to feel at home among equals, 2) Our minds work best in the company of friends, 3) If we can laugh, then we know we’re on the right path, and 4) No one gets left behind.

Dani begins with this belief: The best mathematicians are children. Their creativity and imagination leave them open to new approaches and the discovery of wonder! Based in Brasilia, Brazil, Dani teaches coding and math in elementary school. Her passion for mathematics, physics, and teaching led her to the Brazilian Math Circle. As a result, she not only leads circles in public schools, but also trains Brazilian teachers to lead math circles. While she plans to return to university to study mathematics, she still finds time to swim, solve mathematical puzzles, and practice jiu-jitsu.

Dyego is a Brazilian Mathematician and Educator. He has always been interested in the problem of teaching about hard and intricate subjects, and how to convey hard ideas in an accessible manner. He was a part of the Brazilian Math Circle, where he met Robert and Ellen Kaplan and learned how to lead a Math Circle both from their example and from personal experience. He has lead several Math Circles with Public School children in Brazil, and lead some discussions with Public School teachers on how to use Math Circle techniques in their classroom. He believes that education becomes more effective and enjoyable when it is based on the deep connections and friendship that forms while sharing a mutual goal, and believes that Math Circles are perfect tools for achieving that.

Hilary is curious about the how and the why in math and in life. A teacher of mathematics among other subjects for a dozen or so years, she always wants to get to the root of how people think about a question as much if not more than what the ultimate answer is — the discovery, exploration, and thinking together are always the most fun! Her philosophy is that people of any age and any background can understand even the most complex concepts when given the opportunity to experiment with the right guidance. One of her favorite parts of getting to think about math with new people is to learn new approaches and see different perspectives. Outside of math and teaching related activities, Hilary could be found doing theater tech (before these unprecedented times) and reading a good book or comic.

Jessica is a mathematician & musician pursuing concurrent degrees at the New England Conservatory (M.M. in Flute Performance) and Harvard University (B.A. in Mathematics & Music). An internationally recognized flutist, she is passionate about truth-seeking and problem-solving. She is also an advocate for inclusivity in education and serves on the Board for Harvard’s Gender Inclusivity in Math (GIIM), where she helped establish a department-wide mathematics mentorship program. Her hobbies include reading, hiking, and playing with her dogs Buddy and Roxie.

Juan is an Assistant professor at the Faculty of Economics at Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) in Brazil. He did a PhD in Mathematics and a MSc in Mathematical Economics at Institute in Pure and Applied Mathematics (IMPA) in Brazil and a Bachelor in Mathematics at the National University of Colombia. He is currently working on the connections among economics, finance, and mathematics. He believes in the enormous importance that mathematics and logical thinking has on the world. Through Global Math Circle's unique approach, he seeks to encourage little ones to discover the joy of mathematics.

Kate is a high school math teacher in Massachusetts. She loves finding math everywhere she goes and talking about it with as many people as possible. Her favorite math questions are ones that start out silly and end up profound, which she incorporates into her circles as well as her life. When she isn't thinking about math, Kate can most often be found baking, playing (and losing) trivia, or watching movies with her family and friends.

Masaké was once nicknamed "Math-Saké" by a student, due to her enthusiasm for mathematics. She holds a B.A from Howard University and an M.A.T with a major in Mathematics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She's completed several fellowships in mathematics and in education and when she it not teaching, she loves to travel. She's lived in or visited over 20 countries across 4 continents and she believes in learning and laughing without borders.

Michael enjoys both solving problems, learning new things, and exploring, in all aspects of life. Combine this with the understanding that supporting better ways to engage children in learning and understanding and being excited about math, and Michael is excited to be part of Global Math Circle. Michael’s background includes an engineering degree combined with decades of experience managing engineering projects and people working to find the best—not the only—solution to many problems. Michael’s other experiences and interests include startup businesses, community activities, making music, traveling, hiking, cycling, triathlons, landscaping, and home remodeling.

Michelle is a dynamic and dedicated mathematics teacher. She is fiercely committed to helping students understand and discuss the why's behind the how's of mathematics, and with purposeful intent encourages students to approach mathematics with an open mind and a flexible point of view. When she earned her bachelor's degree in mathematics, she never thought she'd become a teacher, but now, after 20 years in the field, she cannot imagine doing anything else! Michelle currently lives in Rome, Italy, where she teaches mathematics to middle and high school students, as well as teaching online for the Global Math Circle.

Michael is an EdTech professional with a background in Mathematics and IT. He is the Co-founder and Executive Director of Edutab Africa. As an educator, he is passionate about working with kids and Math in unlocking their interest in discovering the mysteries in Math. Through his expertise in Instructional Design, Michael has designed and developed face-to-face and e-learning resources and courses for learning institutions in Africa and beyond. He is also a Columbia University Fablern Fellow, working to create more opportunities for learners through maker spaces in community learning centers in the Western Kenya region. At Edutab Africa, his current work includes coordinating and overseeing various educational initiatives and projects.

Rafael is a mathematician and Magister in Mathematics from the National University of Colombia. He is a PhD candidate at the Venezuelan Institute of Scientific Research, and an expert in standardized inclusive and large-scale assessment. He has served as a teacher in several universities in Colombia, and has worked in government agencies for the evaluation of the quality of education. He firmly believes that anyone with the right guidance can achieve the highest educational standards.

Taylor was lucky enough to have the Math Circle play a major role in his math learning as a young homeschooler, and he is delighted to have the chance to pass forward his joy and excitement for the subject through the Global Math Circle. He is a recent graduate of Carleton College, where he received a B.A. in Mathematics, although he identifies first and foremost as a student of the liberal arts. He is a life-long lover of learning, and his interests range from math to language to Tai chi to religion. He currently lives near Boston MA. In his free time he enjoys folk dancing, making up writing systems, playing music, and exploring algorithmic art.

Tifin works to ensure high quality circles among GMC leaders and strong thinking among circle participants. She trains leaders in math circle methodology, and is working to help school teachers use this methodology in their classrooms. Tifin has taught mathematics in the US, Kazakhstan, Tunisia, Switzerland, and Brazil. She consulted in math programs around the world, in schools in Bangladesh, Switzerland, Italy, and Senegal, where she worked with teachers to help them teach mathematics in a way that challenges students to see mathematics as inspiring instead of intimidating. She developed curriculum for LearnZillion, an online educator support website, where she created engaging lessons that allow students to develop their own understanding of the concepts through creative thinking and problem solving. She worked for Project AERO, training international teachers from around the world in mathematics content and practice. In her spare time, Tifin enjoys traveling, long distance running, cycling, and hiking. She is a nomad and home is wherever she is at that moment.

Yiby is a Colombian mathematician with a Ph.D. degree in mathematics from Universidad de Los Andes. She currently does research in quantum algebra and works as a machine learning engineer. She loves teaching at every level and is convinced that what makes us love mathematics is the possibility to interact with them in an environment of freedom and creativity. We get to love math when we are able to discover and understand them by ourselves. Then is when the beauty of math surprises us.