Our 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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

Dominic

Hey! I’m Dominic and I go to Leland High School. Throughout the years, I’ve learned that with the right mindset and a good teacher, math can be an adventure and just so much fun! (though, starting a new topic is admittedly a challenge…) I love math and teaching, so I get the best of both worlds here at Mathnasium — I always look forward to working with the students, it is always an energizing experience. In my free time, I love watching the sunset, going to hills, taking photos, and reading/writing (all of these at once is the BEST experience).

Favorite Number: 8, when someone asks me to choose a number between 1-10, the number 8 has never gotten me a bad result.

Favorite Math Joke: Why was six afraid of seven? Because seven ATE nine!! (A classic.)

Favorite Quote: “Thanks for the adventure — now go have a new one!” - Up

Johan

Hi! My name is Johan and I'm a junior in high school. I enjoy working with kids and I have tutored a variety of subjects. Math has been my favorite subject since elementary school, especially because of its structured nature. I enjoy teaching math, especially while teaching new concepts and helping students solve challenging questions. In my spare time, I spend time with my family and listen to music.

Favorite Number: 3, it's always been my lucky number!

Favorite quote: "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." - Ferris Bueller

Preston

Hi! I’m Preston, and I’m a junior at Accel Middle College. I’ve been doing competition math for many years, and I ended up at Mathnasium through my love for teaching. I believe that math is the most important subject because it teaches you to think logically and to be efficient. (And best of all, it's fun when you get it!) Whenever I have time, I practice my piano, guitar, and sing for my band.

Favorite Number: 7, because it’s lucky and prime

Favorite Quote: “Seize your moment” - Coco

Jennie

Hi! My name is Jennie and I’m a junior at Archbishop Mitty High School. As someone who used to do competitive math, I’m a strong believer that while it’s necessary to know the standard way to solve a problem, it’s also important to know other ways as well. Math has always been my favorite subject in school because of how versatile and useful it can be in everyday life! I love working with kids and tutoring them in both math and English. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, reading, and crocheting.

Favorite number: 2, because it’s the only even prime number!

Favorite math joke: There are three types of people in the world: those who know how to count, and those who don’t.

Andrew

Hello! I’m Andrew and I’m currently enrolled at Leland High School. I love getting lost in the routines of solving a math problem the way an artist gets lost in their painting, after all, they’re both art in a way. I enjoy teaching here because I get to see the expression of happiness on the faces of students after they finally “get it”. When I’m not working, I enjoy the outdoors (Almaden Quicksilver County Park is amazing), listening to music (concerts are fun), and working out.

Favorite number: 27 because for some reason, it always seemed the coolest…like I knew since I was little that 27 had the best personality out of all numbers (if numbers had personalities)

Favorite math joke: Why was the mathematician late to work? He took the Rhombus!

Favorite quote: "We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope." - MLK

Ishaan

Hi! I'm Ishaan, a student at Leland High School. Math has always been my favorite subject because there's always a right answer. I love teaching at Mathnasium because it's super rewarding seeing the students gradually improve and eventually master a topic. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends, doing robotics, and running.

Favorite Number: 4, I don't know why, it just seems right

Favorite Math Joke: What's a math teacher's favorite type of tree? Geome-TREE