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SigmaCamp 2026: Counselors

Masters Student at the University of Sao Paulo
João Victor Alcantara Pimenta

Hey there! I'm a mathematical physicist in the making - I have a bachelor's in computational physics and am currently working on a master's in random matrix theory. I would love to work in academia and deeply appreciate outreach projects such as SigmaCamp, which I'm excited to be part of! Furthermore, I am trying to be a triathlete and can't live without my bicycle and small ThinkPad. I get highly excited about minor things, and with all that is human. Don't hesitate to talk to me about your niche interests - those are my favorites!

Undergraduate at Stony Brook University
Rebecca Balaban

Hey everyone! I’m excited to be joining SigmaCamp again. I am studying Biology at Stony Brook University. This summer, I am interning at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and researching how to determine the genetic and epigenetic drivers of thymocyte development and differentiation. Outside of school, I enjoy playing most racket sports, attending concerts, and spending time outdoors. I am looking forward to meeting you all and creating some great memories together!

High School Student
Jacob Binder

Hi! This will be my ninth week at Sigma, but my first as a (Junior) Counselor! My primary interests are engineering, chemistry, and physics. This fall, I'll start Engineering at the University of Toronto. Outside of STEM, I love participating in debate and Model United Nations, reading the news obsessively, learning about AI and urban planning, and playing the saxophone. If you ever have any questions about anything (literally anything), come find me! I have so many amazing memories from Sigma, and I'm so excited to be back.

Undergraduate at the University of Sao Paulo
Daniela Brochero

Heyyy!! This is my third SigmaCamp, but my first time at Sigma US, so I'm really excited. I'm almost finishing my bachelor's degree in oceanography, which has allowed me to learn a little bit of everything: physics, math, biology, chemistry, geology (while also going to the beach every now and then). Currently, my research focuses on coral reefs and climate change. Outside of the university, I love trying out new hobbies, ranging from woodcarving to dancing, playing tennis to game developing, hiking to reading, and solving linguistic problems to playing guitar. I'm always up for something new. Feel free to come talk to me about anything. I would love to know more about what you're passionate about. Looking forward to meeting you all at Sigma!!

Undergraduate at Northeastern University
Joel Brook

Hey! I attended Sigma as a camper for 5 years before returning as a counselor. This will mark my fourth year as a counselor. I'm interested in math, computer science and engineering and am studying computer science at Northeastern University. Outside of school, I fence, play various video and card games, and have recently picked up chess. I can't wait to see you all at Sigma this summer!

Researcher with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL)
Rafael Coca

Hi! I am a physics student who graduated from Princeton University with a primary interest in high-energy physics. My research is currently computational in the US Muon Collider Collaboration working on applying machine learning techniques to background simulations. I have become fascinated by the translation of mathematical structures into physical predictions. Outside of physics, I have addictions to history, videogames and reading classic novels (most notably Tolstoy and Gabriel Garcia Marquez). Find me at camp to talk about anything and everything though, I'm always all ears!

Undergraduate student at UNICAMP
Mariana Della Rosa Hernandes

Hey everyone! My name is Mari, and I study Economics at UNICAMP. I’m really interested in finance and the business world, and I’m also part of GMF, the university’s Finance Group. This is my fourth camp, but my first time at Sigma US! I was a scout for eight years, which gave me the chance to travel across the world and spend a lot of time in camps like this, so I’m really excited to be here.
I love playing дурак, and I also really enjoy karaoke (although I have to admit I’m not very good at it). I’m always happy to talk about pretty much anything, so reach out!! See you there!

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 5 (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 2026!

Undergraduate at University of Washington
Anat Dubinsky

Hello! I'm currently pursuing an engineering degree at the University of Washington. My interests include chemistry, math, classical guitar, skiing, watercolor painting, and creating banana bread that consists of 50% chocolate. Since last SigmaCamp, I've learned how to solve a Rubik's cube, so I'm excited to see how much faster you all are at it than me. :)

Physics PhD Student at WashU
Deniz Erdag

Hello! I'm so excited to continue working as a counselor for Sigma Camp this summer! I recently graduated with a degree in physics from Princeton University, specializing in experimental dark matter detection and constraining cosmological parameters. More specifically, I've worked on techniques of axion detection. I kept working on axions at PNNL and am now pursuing my PhD in this. While I love axions, I'm always happy debating different particle candidates of dark matter. 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 or ask for an archery lesson!

Research Engineer at GE Vernova Advanced Research Center
Sofiya Filippova

Hello everyone! I work as a research engineer at the GE Vernova Advanced Research Center in the Mechanical Systems & Design lab. I am super passionate about clean technology and building a more sustainable world! I graduated from Boston University; I studied mechanical engineering in undergrad and completed my masters in product design and manufacturing. Outside of work, I love to rock climb, do yoga, ski, and generally spend time outdoors. I am also a big reader and love making and viewing art. I'm excited to meet you all this summer!

Incoming Freshman at Cornell University
Katie Fradkin

Hi everyone! I'm excited to come back to Sigma as a junior counselor this year after having been a camper since 2021. My interests include linguistics, psychology, math, and genetics. Outside of academics, I love singing, reading, rock climbing, and learning languages. I also really enjoy being in nature and engaging in activities such as skiing, hiking, and traveling. I am so excited to see you all this summer!

Undergraduate at Harvard College
Belén Franco de la Matta

Hi everyone! After attending Sigma as a camper for four years, I am so excited to be back as a counselor for a second year this summer! As someone who adores patterns and geometry, I find it beautiful how art is deeply intertwined with science. At school, I am conducting physics research on Mechanical Metamaterials. In this project, I study how altering the intricate geometries of structures allow us to create new materials with properties and functionalities not found in nature! This can lead to some very cool properties, such as creating cloaking devices that bend light in unconventional ways, making objects appear invisible :). I am also carrying out math research on Topology. I especially enjoy using art techniques, such as modular origami, to create 3D map coloring models! In my free time, I love to swim, make art and write, listen to music, eat anything I can find in my sight (as my brother would say), and hang out with my family and friends. This summer, I can't wait to meet you all, hear all about your interests, and spend an unforgettable week together!

Undergraduate at Northwestern University
Alexander Grinberg

Hi everyone! This will be my second year as a counselor and my 6th at camp! I'm super interested in chemistry, physics, and especially engineering. I'm majoring in mechanical engineering at Northwestern University (go cats!) and am pursuing a minor in chemistry as well. I love motorsport, and am a member of the Formula Racing club at my university, where we build an electric racecar from scratch every year (if you're interested, feel free to talk to me). Outside of school, I love to read and play/listen to music. Come find me if you want to chat about engineering, or anything else at all!

PhD Candidate at the University of Sao Paulo
Narcicegi Kiran

Hi everyone, I’m a PhD candidate in Computational Mathematics at the University of São Paulo, currently exploring how to reconstruct networks from mean-fields. With a background in Physics and Computational Engineering, I’m passionate about the crossroads where computer science and dynamical systems meet. I love philosophy, diving into contrasts, and uncovering critical transitions. When I’m not immersed in research, I help organize math activities.

Master's Student at FGV/EMAp
Tulio Konečný

My name is Tulio. I'm a mathematician, comic artist, and LEGO collector. I love science fiction, trash movies, and vinyl records—especially those by Jorge Ben Jor. In mathematics, I work with causal inference focused on education, more specifically, analyzing educational data for creating public policies, but I also study the history of mathematics and explore tiling patterns. In my free time, I work with 3D printing, design board games, and visit museums.

Undergraduate at Cornell
Ben Kremnev

Hello! I was a camper at SigmaCamp and SigmaCamp Next for two years, and I am excited to be back a counselor! My main interests are chemistry and engineering, although I'm interested in physics and biology as well. Outside of school, I love making of all kinds (woodworking, blacksmithing, etc.), as well as philosophy and music. I'm excited to meet you all this summer!

Incoming College Student at Caltech
Leonid Krivenko

Hello everyone! I'm super excited to be coming back to Sigma as a counselor. I'm from NYC and will be an incoming student at Caltech this fall. I'm mainly interested in math and machine learning, but I also like chemistry and physics. I enjoy solving problems and coding. In my free time, I like reading and analyzing books, and I love going on hikes. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone this summer!

High School Student
Ada Langford

Hi everyone! This will be my 5th year at Sigma and my first year as a junior counselor. I’m interested in robotics, AI, and computer vision, especially developing more efficient algorithms and models in these areas. I also enjoy exploring math and chemistry concepts. Outside of school, I love watching thriller movies, reading fantasy books, and playing D&D. I’m excited to meet everyone this summer!

Graduate at the University of Sao Paulo
Inayê Melo

Hi, I’m Yê! I graduated in Applied Mathematics from UNICAMP and am currently pursuing my master’s degree at ICMC-USP. I’m passionate about co-creating initiatives that give young people opportunities to learn and grow, and I put that passion into practice through education-focused projects in companies, social programs, and Olympiad initiatives. Outside of work, I love dancing, being around plants and spending time with friends, chatting about anything and everything. I can’t wait to see you at Sigma!

Undergraduate at University of Sao Paulo
Vanessa Ohara

Hi everyone! This is my second Sigma, but my first time in the US, so I'm really excited for this camp! I've always loved science, and researching chemistry has allowed me to share this passion with my peers, which I now hope to share with you. Aside from STEM, I also enjoy outdoor camping, drawing, and playing TTRPGs with my friends! I can't wait to meet all of you at Camp!

Neurology Clinical Research Assistant, Study Coordinator Weill Cornell Medical School
Ahlanna Olson

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!

High school student
Polina Popova

Hey everyone! I was a camper at SigmaCamp and SigmaNext for four years, and now I'm super excited to be coming back as a junior counselor! I’m primarily interested in biology and chemistry, though I like and am fascinated by math and physics as well. Apart from academics, I love music and I sing, write pieces, and play the guitar, piano, and lute! I am also the biggest Shakespeare geek and would love to talk about it to anyone willing. I can’t wait to meet everyone this summer!

High School Student
Sasha Portnoy

The world has lied to you. The sky is not the limit. My name is Sasha, and I am very excited to return to SigmaCamp for my 6th year, and 1st on the staff as a JC. I will be starting at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute this fall, going for a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. I have spent my whole life fascinated by aircraft, as well as manufacturing systems for them, like 3D printing. I have invented my own tool, designed my own general aviation aircraft, as well as working on developing UAVs for useful purposes, like Search and Rescue. Also competed on my school's robotics team, and love designing new things, from tiny to huge projects. You can never have too many. I am always happy to talk about anything aviation-related, so please, come find me!

Entrepreneur
Arthur Rabello Oliveira

Hi everyone! I'm a computer scientist from Maceió. I speak five languages and am working on a sixth. I play five instruments and sing (at least that's what people tell me). I've spent fifteen years across martial arts, and when I'm not training I'm running, hiking, swimming, or cycling. Currently trying to reverse engineer cuisine through biochemistry, with tasty results. (somehow) This is my eighth Sigma in three years. looking forward to meeting you all!

International Department counselor at the ETAPA College
Luiz Rosa

Luiz Rosa is an international college counselor and educator based in Brazil. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Advertising from Western Kentucky University and currently serves in the International Department at Colégio Etapa in Valinhos.
Over the past three years, Luiz has dedicated himself to guiding students through the complexities of global university admissions. Since its inaugural edition in 2024, he has been an integral part of Sigma Camp Etapa, the Brazilian chapter of the program. While his primary background is in college and career counseling for students, he is deeply committed to supporting the next generation of STEM leaders, recognizing that the majority of his students are pursuing ambitious careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics at top-tier institutions worldwide.

Undergraduate at Georgia Institute of Technology
Anna Rosner

Hi y'all, I'm Anna, and I can't wait for my seventh Sigma (my fourth as a counselor!). Right after camp, I'll be heading down to Atlanta for my fourth year at Georgia Tech, where I'm majoring in environmental engineering. My interests range from composting to air pollution to urban policy, but I'm mostly focused on how to plan cities with sustainability and public health for all in mind. I'd love to chat about anything from books to robotics to why tea is the superior beverage (last year, I was drinking chai while writing my bio - this time, it's peppermint). As I continue my quest to do everything, everywhere, all the time, you can find me making music, searching for the perfect thrift, or competing in Excel e-sports.

PhD student at IFSC-USP
Paulina Rossi Ferreira

Hello, my name is Paulina, I am a PhD student at IFSC-USP in Brazil. I graduated in Biomolecular Physics at IFSC-USP and have worked in material science and molecular biology. Right now, I am interested Brazilian corals' biomineralization. Outside of work I have many passions: veg food, fashion, arts, comic books and graphic design. Talk to me about anything!

Undergraduate at MIT
Stasya Selizhuk

Hi y'all! I'm excited to return for my fourth year as a counselor. I’m currently a student at MIT, studying mechanical engineering. At MIT, I'm on a team where we build an electric racecar from scratch every year, and I will be captain next year. 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 at University of Campinas
João Rafael Silva de Azeredo

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!

Undergraduate at Columbia University
Sophie Strey

Hi everyone, I've been at Sigma since 2014! I'm studying mathematics but in my free time I love to learn about philosophy and play the violin. I enjoy writing science fiction stories, making short films, tailoring and welding. I look forward to meeting you all this summer.

Automation Engineer at Control Associates Inc.
Nikolai Styrkas

Howdy! I am an Automation/Control Systems Engineer working on chemical plants in the New York Tri-state area. I graduated from Rutgers with a degree in Chemical Engineering and Computer Science and have been coming to Sigma for quite some time now. I enjoy hiking, running, dancing and playing THE S A X. I also love to work on cars and have been upgrading mine for quite a few years now (It will drive out of the garage soon I swear!). I hope you enjoy Sigma as much as I have in the past and get the chance to experience academics in a unique and zany way!

Incoming Freshman at UMass Amherst
Zyama Teytelman

I'm Zyama, and I'm excited to be coming back to SigmaCamp for my second year as a counselor after four years as a camper. I am interested in physics and chemistry, but I've also learned math my whole life and actively competed in my school's math team. Apart from STEM, I love music, classical especially, and play the piano and violin. Some of the things I like to do outside are cross-country skiing, running and hiking.

PhD Student at Boston University
Anatoly Zavyalov

I'm so excited for my fifth 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!