SigmaCamp Next 2024: Counselors

Hi! I'm coming back to Sigma for my 7th year, after 4 years as a camper and 2 as counselor. I'm studying biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, and physics at Johns Hopkins. I'm involved with several student teams designing biomedical devices for real-world patients, and I'm actually an official university tour guide. Outside of academics, I love listening to and playing piano, learning languages, and drawing.

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).

Boris is a research scientist at the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR), more than fulfilling the stereotypical physicist mold of branching out to other fields. Boris obtained his PhD in theoretical physics from Cornell University with a focus on applications of information theory to modeling complex systems. Some of his recent projects have included the evaluation of NBA basketball player positioning and reformulating the mathematical underpinnings of residential segregation. Boris is (virtually always) happy to argue, debate, or discuss anything!

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!

Juliano is a physicist and computer scientist, airplane pilot, hacker/maker, and youtuber on the free time, currently a PhD's student on the Doctorate Program in Applied Maths and Data Science at EMAp-FGV. Before that, he also obtained a Bachelor's degree in Computational Physics from the University of Brasília, and a Masters from University of São Paulo. He works with modeling, simulation, and machine learning, with a focus on epidemiology and public health. He also teaches programming at NES, a program to teach Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Science to high school students. In the gap between his graduation and the start of his masters, he also worked as a flight instructor and is the creator of the youtube channel nanoTech focused on technology, electronics and haker/maker content.

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!

Hi, I’m Inayê! I work on education-focused projects, especially for social impact, as a data analyst, strategist, and manager. I love working with students and am passionate about co-creating projects that offer young people opportunities for discovery and learning. I have a bachelor’s degree in Applied and Computational Mathematics from Campinas University (UNICAMP) and have been involved in academic competitions and educational programs throughout my life - first as a student, and now as part of the support team.

Hey there! I am excited to be joining Sigma for my second time this summer! I graduated from Princeton University in May, where I studied Neuroscience. I plan on applying to medical school next year, hoping to focus on the intersection between pediatrics and neurology. In the interim, I work in Clinical Research at Weill Cornell Medical School! While I am very passionate about medicine (and would love to discuss the topic at any time), I also enjoy running, reading, and spending time in the sun. I look forward to meeting you!

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 :)

Hey, João here! I'm a computer engineering student at the University of Campinas, and I'm extremely passionate about math and programming competitions. I'm also conducting undergraduate research in Galois Theory and Algebraic Structures. Beyond academics, I love singing and playing the guitar (be warned-once you hand me one, I won’t stop!). I enjoy learning about other people's interests and exploring topics outside my field of study. Feel free to reach out anytime!

Good morning, good evening, and, if I don’t see you again, good night!

My name is Luiz, and I’m an undergraduate student at the University of São Paulo's Chemistry Institute (IQ-USP, Brazil). I currently work in the Bastos Lab, which focuses on natural pigments and photophysics. My research involves using lipid-based membranes to encapsulate and enhance the stability of betalain-derived compounds—essentially beetroot.

I'm so excited for my fourth year at Sigma! I am a CS PhD student at Boston University, mainly interested in differential privacy and sublinear algorithms. Before that, I got my Bachelor's at the University of Toronto, where I studied math, CS, and physics. I've also written software used by large radio telescopes, and contributed to open-source theorem provers. Outside of camp, I lead Sigma's Problem of the Month (POM) contest and help out on the technical and administrative side of things.

I spend my free time developing video games, playing the piano, biking, and learning German and Portuguese (Arthur is teaching me!). Come talk to me about anything; you'll likely find me near the piano!