SigmaCamp Next 2024: Counselors

This is going to be my third year at SigmaCamp as a counselor and I'm excited to join this wonderful community! I'm studying theoretical physics at YITP in Stony Brook. My research interests include mathematical physics, black-hole perturbation theory, and phenomenological string theory. I practice a very hands-on approach and like to use programming as a way to tackle some hard mathematical problems. In my spare time, I like to stay active (strength training, BJJ) and sometimes cook. I did play different musical instruments in the past, including cello and drums (hopefully I will do it again in the future).

I am delighted to return to Sigma for my seventh year on the SigmaStaff, and ninth year overall. My academic interest falls at the intersection of marine science and microbiology - I split my time between studying marine vesicles and determining the key bacterial taxa and their contributions to chemoautotrophic and heterotrophic processes in the Eastern Tropical North Pacific oxygen minimum zone. Otherwise, I spend time thinking about viral gene transfer in the oceans or the role oceans play in the global carbon cycle. If that sounds interesting, feel free to find me and we'll talk. In my 'copious' free time, I enjoy making detailed abstract drawings, dancing, or training for the next spartan race. I’ve picked up ballroom dancing (after 12 years of ballet), and I'm down to try anything artsy or active. Looking forward to meeting everyone this year!

I am a passionate neurobiologist. My main focus is on exploring the role of glial cells in neurodegeneration and recovery. I did my bachelor and master degrees at Nizhny Novgorod State University, and currently, I'm pursuing a PhD in Neuroscience at Brandeis University. Beyond the lab, I am an enthusiast of lindy-hop dancing, indoor climbing, and photography.

Hi I'm Tarika! I work in finance making pricing and predictive models. I have a master's in CS and bachelor's in mathematics from the University of Chicago and I like games + puzzles!

I am a Math & Physics student at UofT going into my 4th year. My academic interests are constantly changing; right now I am trying to learn more about mathematical gauge theory and quantum gravity. I am still undecided between choosing Math or Physics and doubt that I will be able to resolve this dilemma any time soon. I spend much of my free time studying piano, reading about the history of science and organizing outreach events at UofT.

Daniel is an undergraduate studying Math and Physics. He spends his time trying to learn things and then teach them to other people, and he tells himself he'll find an interesting research project soon. Lately, he has also been thinking about psychology-backed teaching practices and how to mathematically derive morality. He has been at Sigma forever, and can be found reorganizing board games, locking other people into rooms full of puzzles, and playing the saxophone (poorly) at the chamber concert. Daniel wants to hear your thoughts on life and/or give you fun math problems/puzzles, so you should come say hello :)

I'm so excited for my third year at Sigma! I just finished my undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto where I studied mathematics, computer science and physics, and I'm thrilled to start my PhD in computer science at Boston University this fall! I'm interested in algorithm design, computational complexity theory and combinatorics, and I've also written software used by large radio telescopes. Outside of academics, I spend my time developing video games, playing the piano, biking, and learning German. Come talk to me about anything; you'll likely find me near the piano.