Biography

I have been interested in learning and teaching my entire life. From a very early age, I developed a keen interest in the process of knowledge acquisition and skill building. I discovered a natural ability to convey complex concepts and found joy in uncovering the beauty and elegance in ideas. This passion drives me to motivate others to explore these ideas for themselves.

Born and raised in Romania, my journey in education began early at home, where my father coached me for the mathematics Olympiads, wherein I started competing at the age of 7. After studying music and law in Romania, I moved to the United States to further my education, earning a BS in Mathematics and a BA in Economics from the University of San Francisco, and an MA in Mathematics from San Francisco State University.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with students at various levels, from middle school to college. I tutored mathematics at Mathnasium and economics at the USF Learning and Writing Center, served as a TA in the Mathematics department at SFSU and in the Economics department at USF, and taught mathematics (as a Graduate Teaching Associate) at SFSU. Beyond academics, I’ve also mentored students in guitar playing, motorcycle racing, weightlifting, and judo.

My approach to tutoring is rooted in the belief that teaching is the art of assisted discovery. I strive to generate interest in the subject and tailor my sessions to each student’s unique needs, making the most of the one-on-one format.

Outside of mathematics, I have a diverse range of interests, including philosophy, writing, reading, singing, and comedy. Each of these pursuits enriches my life and informs my teaching, allowing me to connect with students on multiple levels and encourage them to pursue their passions both inside and outside the classroom.