Meet the Team at Mathnasium of Almaden

David Krull

David earned his bachelor's degree in Physics at UC Davis, where he also worked as a tutor in Math and Physics. Since then he has taught Math and Nuclear Physics for the U.S. Navy, provided training for technicians in the semiconductor fabrication industry, as well as technical & software training for several other Silicon Valley firms. He created and ran a small web design firm, continues to provide software consulting services to small businesses, and creates custom woodworking pieces in his spare time.

David has served his San Jose community as a Cub Scout Cubmaster and Den Leader, and finds great satisfaction in exploring just about any math or science topic, and even more satisfaction in sharing what he's discovered with kids as well as adults. He loves to witness that "ah ha!" moment in a child's face, as it lights up with true understanding and new-found confidence in concepts that were once perceived as too difficult.

Favorite Number: 1/7, because it has a super-cool decimal expansion ( 0.\overline{142857} ) and you can figure out 2/7, 3/7. 4/7, 5/7, and 6/7 using those same digits.

Favorite Math Joke: There are 10 kinds of people in the world - those who understand binary, and those who don't.

Fun Fact: David is a beekeeper and a falconer!

Cuong

Cuong has a bachelor's degree in Mathematics for Secondary School from UC Riverside. Not only does he love math, but he has found that he loves to share his knowledge with others so that they may enjoy it with him. The thing that he likes most about math is that every problem has an exact answer. However, the methods of coming up with the answer are numerous. Cuong currently volunteers as an Assistant Cubmaster. He finds it amazing how he can continue learning new things everyday. "Pure mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas." -Albert Einstein. Cuong's methodology is to think logically. This is this and that is that! If something doesn't work, find another way. If something works, use that in other topics. He believes that being weird is a quality that is a must because it makes you unique and keeps life interesting. Cuong enjoys movies, camping, and spending time with friends and family.

Favorite Number: 16! It's my birthday.

Favorite Math Joke: There are 10 types of people in the world: those who understand binary and those who don't.

I love Mathnasium because the kids love it! The atmosphere is just perfect. Kids come in and are eager to learn. I am happy to be part of that journey with them.

Sandy

Sandy has a master's degree in Applied Mathematics from the California Institute of Technology. He has 37 years of experience in computer disk drive product development with IBM/Hitachi GST, and holds over 25 US patents. He worked in application software development, and managed the air bearing slider design team. His passion for math grew out of his love for numbers and number patterns. Encouraging students to look for these patterns and to "regard numbers as a friend," is the way he approaches tutoring. Watching a student's math skills and confidence improve is extremely fulfilling to Sandy because he knows it will benefit them for the rest of their life. Sandy has been a volunteer tutor for algebra and pre-calculus at local high schools, as well as general math at his granddaughter's elementary school. Sandy spent 20 years as a coach and manager for San Jose Pacific Pony Baseball, and he is currently the scorekeeper and statistician for his son's adult softball team. Since 1973, he and his wife Mary Hope have called San Jose their home. Spending time with his wife and their family is one of his great joys.

Favorite Number: (1+√5)/2

Favorite Math Joke: Parallel lines have so much in common. It's a shame they'll never meet.

Favorite Quote: "Be the change you want to see in the world."

I love Mathnasium because it makes math fun for all those students who have missed out on the fun.

Vic

Victor has a bachelor’s degree in Finance from San Jose State University. He has roughly 20 years experience working as a corporate financial analyst with various companies throughout Silicon Valley. Before he found his calling in Finance, Victor took classes at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in Electrical Engineering and completed math classes up though and including differential equations. Victor has always had an affinity for math and loves problem solving. In his spare time, Victor loves playing sports like basketball and football and plays fantasy sports in those areas as well. He believes he’s a pizza aficionado and enjoys writing lyrics and producing songs in various genres of music.

Favorite Number: 7, because as a youth I looked up what numbers were lucky and that one stood out.

Favorite Math Joke: I put my root beer in a square glass. Now it's just beer.

I love Mathnasium because it gives me a chance to express my passion for mathematics in a fun and creative way.

Brianna

My name is Brianna and I am a student at West Valley College. I enjoy teaching kids and have taught in church, orchestra, and private violin lessons. I have fun learning math because there are so many different ways to solve problems, and it feels great when you finally get to the correct answer. I play tennis, violin, and piano, and enjoy hanging out with my cousins, friends, family, and playing with my dog.

Favorite Number: 16, because it is divisible by many numbers and has a perfect square root.

Favorite Math Joke: What do you call a number that can’t stay still? A roamin’ numeral!

I love Mathnasium because it allows me to use by passion for teaching in a subject that I enjoy.

Lauren

I am currently a student at West Valley College. My favorite subject in school is math because it is logical and makes sense. I love learning math, and furthermore, I love explaining it to some of my classmates or friends who need help. I play the violin and piano, and enjoy composing and arranging music in my free time. I play the violin in the Cambrian Symphony as well as take private lessons. I also play tennis on the Pioneer High School tennis team, and I have played for two years so far.

Favorite Number: 24, because it has so many numbers that multiply to it.

Fun Fact: I play the violin in the Cambrian Symphony!

I love Mathnasium because it provides a place for students to go to improve on their math abilities, no matter what level they are at.

Jyoti

I have a bachelor's degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering from India's top school, and have worked in IT industry for the last 25 years. Math and solving problems have always been a passion of mine. I find great satisfaction in helping children solve math problems. I believe love for math needs to grow.

Favorite Number: 9, because counting by 9 is so cool...

Favorite Math Joke: What did the triangle say to the circle? "You're pointless."

FunFact: Jyoti loves gardening.

Taesu

Hi! I'm Taesu, a freshman at West Valley College. Math was my best subject throughout high school; I was in an honors or AP course for all four years. I feel comfortable teaching math, as I was raised not to view it as needlessly painful or "hard," but rather as a challenge to overcome and a fun game of intuition. I find the interconnectedness of seemingly disparate concepts fascinating; the application of matrices in plane geometry and the use of integrals in three-dimensional geometry endlessly excite me. I'm a firm believer in the student's abilities; I feel most fulfilled when I guide them halfway through a problem and let their math instincts kick in so they can solve the rest. I enjoy spending my free time playing video games and cooking.

My favorite number: e, because it is ubiquitous in nature.

Math joke: Why do mathematicians love forests? Because of all the natural logs.

Johanna

Hi! My name is Johanna and I am currently a junior in high school. I have enjoyed math all my life and hope to pursue a math-related career in the future. As I have grown up and learned more about math, my favorite thing about it is that I can see all the ways that the concepts connect to each other. It has made me excited to learn more, and I truly understand certain concepts deeper than just knowing what they are and how to do them, I truly understand them. I enjoy sharing my knowledge with the kids and helping them with their math journeys. During my free time, I like to read, play piano, and spend time with my friends and family.

Favorite math joke: Teacher: What is 2n plus 2n? Student: I’m not sure. That sounds 4n to me.

Favorite number: 2, because it makes it easy to reduce complicated equations and numbers.

Abby

Hi! My name is Abby and I’m a junior in high school. Growing up I never excelled nor fell behind in math. Then I joined my school’s math club and realized how much more there was to learn! I realized how much fun it was to finally work your way through a difficult problem and imagine its possible application. I hope to pursue a career in engineering and learn even more ways of applying myself. I am also a varsity basketball and tennis player, and in my free time I enjoy painting, reading and spending time with friends.

Favorite Number: 21 because it has always been my basketball jersey number!

Favorite Math Joke: Why can you never trust a math teacher holding graph paper? They must be plotting something!

Kavya

Hi! My name is Kavya and I am currently a Senior at Leland High School. Math has been my favorite subject in school for as long as I can remember. In addition to taking Honors and AP math courses in high school, I have also been part of Leland's math team during all four years there and have competed in several national math competitions. During my middle school and early high school years, I worked as a private math tutor and later joined Leland's peer tutoring program to tutor for AP Calculus. I enjoy sharing my love for math with those around me! In my free time, I like to foster rescue kittens, volunteer, draw, and play video games.

Favorite Number: 12! It's divisible by a lot of numbers and my birthday is in December, the 12th month!

Favorite Math Joke: A farmer had 99 sheep in his field, but when he rounded them up, he had 100.

Sarayu

Hi! My name is Sarayu and I am currently a senior at Pioneer High School. I struggled with math a lot when I was younger because I couldn't understand it well but after getting extra help, math has become a subject I deeply enjoy. My favorite thing about math is how applicable it is in many different fields of study, I want to learn more about its applications as an engineering major in college! As someone who struggled with math, I am glad I have the opportunity to help students because I know how important having a good tutor is and I love watching students progress through their math journeys. I am also a choral singer and varsity tennis player and in my free time I enjoy reading, hanging out with friends, and volunteering at Sacred Heart.

Favorite number: 10, I like how round it is and when working with complicated equations, it makes simplification easier.

Favorite quote: "If you judge people, you have no time to love them." - Mother Teresa

Imran

Hi! I'm Imran and I am currently a Senior at Leland High School. I've loved math since middle school, when I took Algebra I. The logical structure and clear answer always made it more appealing than other subjects. I love helping other people learn math because, as someone who struggled understanding many topics, I know how rewarding it is when a subject finally clicks. In my free time I like to play videogames, spend time with friends and listen to music.

Favorite number: 8 because it's symmetrical and fun to write!

Favorite math joke: I'll do algebra, trigonometry and even statistics, but graphing is where I draw the line!

Aziz

Hi, My name is Aziz Hosseini. Ever since Elementary School math has been my favorite subject. It is always very logical and there is always a correct answer to any given problem. I studied Physics in college and currently I work at a machine shop as a CNC operator along with Mathnasium. I enjoy seeing the Aha moment on a student's face when they learn a new concept or skill and for that reason I really enjoy my time here at Mathnasium. In my spare time you will most likely find me playing pool, Hiking or watching some Anime.

Favorite Number: 3, I am a firm believer that most good things come in 3s.

Favorite math joke: Did you know that there are three kinds of people in the world? Here they are: people who can count and people who can’t.

Juliana

Hi I'm Juliana! I am currently in high school but I have enjoyed math since I was little because there are so many different ways to solve a single math problem. I love helping others learn math because teaching math in fun and creative ways can make others learn to love math as well! In my free time, I like to swim, draw, and spend time with my friends and family.

Favorite number: 1, it is neither prime nor even and it represents a whole!

Favorite math joke: Why did the obtuse angle go to the beach? Because it was over 90 degrees!