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SigmaCamp 2026: Counselors

Masters Student at USP
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!

Jacob Binder
Jacob Binder

Hi! This will be my ninth year 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 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!

Undergraduate student at UNICAMP
Mariana Della Rosa Hernandes

Hey everyone! I’m Mari, and I’m currently studying Economics at UNICAMP. I’m really interested in finance and the business world. 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 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 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. :)

Researcher at PNNL
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. 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!

Edison Engineer at GE Vernova
Sofiya Filippova

Hello everyone! I am a recent graduate from Boston University; I studied mechanical engineering in undergrad and completed my masters in product design and manufacturing! I now work as a research engineer at GE Vernova developing clean energy technologies! I am super passionate about clean technology and building a more sustainable world! 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. But that’s enough about me, I want to learn about your passions! Find me at camp to talk to about anything and everything.

High School Student
Katie Fradkin

Hi everyone! I have been at Sigma as a camper since 2021, and I'm excited to come back this year as a junior counselor. 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 Northwestern University
Alexander Grinberg

Hi everyone! This year will be my first as a junior counselor. Before this, I attended SigmaCamp and SigmaCamp Next for 4 total years. I'm super interested in chemistry, physics, and engineering. Next fall, I'll be embarking on earning my major in mechanical engineering at Northwestern University! I love motorsports, music (piano and percussion), spending time outdoors, and playing sports (tennis, soccer, basketball). I'm super excited to meet all of you this summer at Sigma!

College Student at Cornell University
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 engineering and chemistry, 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!

High School Student
Leonid Krivenko

Hello everyone! I’m super excited to be coming back to Sigma—this time as a Junior Counselor after a few years as a camper. I’m mainly interested in math and physics, but I also like chemistry and computer science. I enjoy solving problems and thinking about how things work. 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 USP
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!

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. Aviation defines me. 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!

Undergraduate at FGV EMAp
Arthur Rabello Oliveira

Hi! I’m passionate about math and love creating beautiful dishes, especially pizza napoletana. While I spend most of my time diving into mathematics, I’ve recently started studying biochemistry to level up my cooking skills and better understand how food impacts our bodies.

When I’m not immersed in math or experimenting in the kitchen, you’ll likely find me playing string instruments, such as violin, bass, guitar and piano. I also enjoy learning new languages and exploring the cultures behind them. I currently speak four languages and am determined to add Russian to my list (Anatoly is teaching me!).

Lastly, I’m in awe of nature’s masterpieces and love going on hikes to appreciate its beauty. See you in sigma!

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, sleep, fashion, arts, comic books and graphic design. Talk to me about anything, I know how to both listen and talk.

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 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!

High School Student
Zyama Teytelman

I'm Zyama, and I'm super excited to be coming back to SigmaCamp as a junior counselor after four years as a camper. My main interest in STEM is chemistry, but I've also learned math my whole life and actively competed in my school's math team. Last year, I started a chemistry club at my school, and I hope to bring one of our experiments to Sigma as a workshop! Apart from STEM, I love music, classical especially, and play the piano and violin. Some of the things I like to do outside are playing soccer, cross-country skiing, and hiking.

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!