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SigmaCamp Next 2025: Counselors

Graduate student at Stony Brook University
Gleb Aminov

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).

Graduate Student at Stony Brook University
Natasha Butkevich

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!

Undergraduate at Cornell University
Katya Donetski

Hi—thanks for reading my bio! I've come to Sigma for 9 years now: 5 as a camper and 4 (and counting) as a counselor! Having been on both sides, I can confidently say that although Sigma is only one week of your summer, it’s definitely the best one. There’s nothing quite like it. I am pursuing a Biomedical Engineering degree at Cornell University, with a concentration in either drug delivery, imaging, or biomechanics. In previous years, I’ve taught a workshop on Brain-Computer Interfaces, where we explore the brain via a computational lens and even demonstrate a form of “mind control.” There’s so much we don’t know about the human brain, and therefore so much to learn! Aside from that, I enjoy piano, skiing (recently picked up snowboarding), and *learning* electric guitar. I can't wait to meet all of you at Sigma 2023!

Undergraduate at Princeton University
Deniz Erdag

Hello! I'm so excited to continue working as a counselor for Sigma Camp this summer! I'm studying Physics with an applied math certificate at Princeton and have worked on experimental dark matter detection and constraining cosmological parameters. I love talking about physics and teaching physics, but I also enjoy reading, music (piano/flute), dance (ballet/ballroom/contemp), and archery! Feel free to come talk to me about anything

PhD student at Brandeis University
Masha Glyavina

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.

University Student
Boyan Litchev

Hello! As a camper, I've been to Sigma for 5 years, and I'm excited to come to my second year at Sigma as a counselor! Academically, I'm mainly interested in cryptography, and I also spend a lot of time doing non-geometrical math. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, biking, reading, and sharing my love of math with everyone around me. I look forwards to meeting everyone this summer and finding even more people with which to share my interests!

Undergraduate at University of Toronto
Ivan Ovchinnikov

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.

Undergraduate at MIT
Stasya Selizhuk

Hi y'all! I'm excited to return for my third year as a counselor. I’m currently a student at MIT, studying mechanical engineering and design. In the past I’ve researched Epinephrine Auto-Injectors (like the EpiPen), their design, and how people use them. Recently, I’ve been focusing on building technical skills, the ‘human’ element of design, and encouraging girls to pursue STEM. Outside of science, I love art, fencing, reading, and cooking. Can't wait for an amazing summer!

Undergraduate Student
Sophie Strey

Hi everyone, I've been at Sigma since 2014! I'm interested in random matrix theory but in my free time I love to learn about architecture, philosophy, and espionage. I enjoy writing science fiction stories, making short films, and welding. I look forward to meeting you all this summer!

Undergraduate at Rutgers University
Alexander Suponya

Hi y'all! I'm pursuing my master's degree in biomedical engineering at Rutgers University. I'm interested in tissue engineering, gene therapy, biomaterials and machine learning. I'm also a huge fan of linguistics and enjoy learning about cognitive science. I enjoy rock climbing and love to read new poetry. I play piano and guitar and am learning to play the accordion. If you'd like to sing a song together at Sigma, be my guest! I can't wait to get to know all of you this year.

Undergraduate at Georgia Institute of Technology
Alexey Tatarinov

Hello! I'm Alexey, and I've been at Sigma since 2019! This will be my third time as a counselor, I'm so excited to be back and meet all the new people! I am majoring in electrical engineering and doing research on acoustic microelectronics. Previously I worked on energy minimal architectures for nanosatellites and constellation computing. Outside of that, I sail competitively, do nature/event photography, and fold origami. Talk to me about anything!

Undergraduate student at the University of Sao Paulo
Luiz Viegas

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.

PhD Student at Boston University
Anatoly Zavyalov

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!