Our Team

Art of Problem Solving was founded by Richard Rusczyk in 2003 to create interactive educational opportunities for avid math students. Richard is the author or a co-author of 7 AoPS textbooks and a past Director of the USA Mathematical Talent Search. He was a participant in National MATHCOUNTS, a three-time participant in the Math Olympiad Summer Program, and a USA Mathematical Olympiad winner (1989). He received the World Federation of National Mathematics Competitions Paul Erdös Award in 2014. He graduated from Princeton University in 1993, and worked as a bond trader for D.E. Shaw & Company for four years. AoPS marks Richard's return to his vocation - educating motivated students.

In 2014, Glen founded a learning center in Morrisville, North Carolina, that two years later became the first AoPS Academy campus. Glen served as the National Director of AoPS Academy until his retirement in 2019. He has experience as a college math professor, statistician, and expert SAS programmer. He has been a professional math tutor for many years, and specializes in training academically-advanced and high-performing math students. Glen is a graduate of Duke University and holds a graduate degree in statistics from Boston University.

With a background in finance and a master’s degree in Mathematics Education supported by a National Science Foundation Scholarship, Daniel brings six years of teaching experience and currently serves as Math Department Head. Specializing in supporting exceptional students and addressing math anxiety, he was drawn to AoPS for its focus on problem-solving as a core skill. His teaching style is exploratory—engaging in mathematical discovery alongside students to build understanding and confidence.

DJ is currently a second grade associate teacher at The Chapin School and has previously worked with second and third grade students at The Nightingale-Bamford School, as well as in Early Childhood Education. She holds a B.A. in Biology and English Literature from Mount Holyoke College and an M.A. in English and American Literature from NYU, and plans to pursue an M.Ed. next year. DJ was drawn to AoPS by her belief that math can be fun and accessible for every learner. Her teaching style is student-centered and collaborative, fostering curiosity and a strong sense of belonging.

Colin holds a master’s degree in Economics and has five years of experience in STEM education. Having used AoPS curriculum to challenge students and build cross-disciplinary connections, he was drawn to AoPS’s focus on developing student agency. As a teacher, he emphasizes curiosity-led, hands-on learning to build skills and engagement.

Marc earned a BA in Mathematics and Philosophy from Seton Hall University and an MS in Mathematics from Stevens Institute of Technology, where he first taught as a teaching assistant. Now an adjunct at Manhattan University, he values the freedom AoPS gives to explore tough questions. Marc believes mistakes are powerful learning tools and fosters a classroom where every question and answer—right or wrong—drives deeper understanding.

Gabrielle has a bachelor’s degree in comparative literature and mathematics from New York University and a master’s degree in German from Yale, where she is a PhD candidate and has worked as an instructor of literary analysis, writing, and grammar over the course of her program. At AoPS, Gabrielle is delighted to work with a team that shares her commitment to centering curiosity, innovation, and critical thinking in the classroom. Her teaching is focused on supporting each student through the process of advancing their reading and writing skills, growing their confidence, and recognizing the unique perspective they bring to the text.

Adam has always been intrigued by how data can tell a story that leads to actionable insights, but most importantly, he enjoys sharing with others how math can help that story unfold. With a BA in Mathematics and Mathematical Finance from Trinity University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude, and currently pursuing a Masters in Data Science from New York University, he's passionate about guiding young problem solvers on their journey. Adam currently works as a Data Scientist for New York Life, but enjoys the opportunity to give back to the math community that was so much a part of his life growing up. He is an alumnus of AoPS and a former teaching assistant at in-person summer camps that trained kids for high-level math competitions, including the International Mathematics Olympiad. He was also a regular attendee at math circles and a math contest participant. He's excited to share his enthusiasm for problem solving with the next generation of thinkers.

Wendy is a certified ELA instructor in New York and Florida with over 15 years of experience. She was drawn to AoPS by her passion for fostering critical thinking and a love of learning in students. Her teaching style is engaging, student-centered, and focuses on inspiring inquiry and critical thinking.

Austin holds a Physics degree from the University of Maryland, leading him to teach STEM subjects in settings ranging from one-on-one tutoring to college lectures. Not only has AoPS given Austin a chance to dive deeper into core subjects (he taught Algebra and Geometry at Gaithersburg Campus from 2021-2023), but the environment lends itself to a collaborative learning experience for him and the students. Austin draws on his past experience teaching music to promote a relaxed atmosphere, all the while encouraging students to express their individual thoughts as well as where they need support.

Maria Plochocki has a Doctor of Arts degree in English from St. John's University and over 25 years of experience teaching English, as well as writing and editing. Maria finds AoPS' mission of using problems and solutions to teach skills quite unique and compelling. Her teaching style is student-oriented, with a focus on students' needs, questions , and interests, as well as dynamic and adaptive.

Max is a Master's student studying Data Science at NYU's Center for Data Science with an undergraduate degree in Mathematics from the University of Chicago. He has always worked to help his classmates and students understand and enjoy math as much as he does. Back when he was in high school he was a regular member of the math team and attended the prestigious HCSSiM summer program, leading to qualification for the AIME exam. The AoPS website was his homepage as attempting their problems was always a joy before online browsing. Currently he is working with McGraw Hill to use data to make education more accessible and plans on returning to Consulting at Deloitte post graduation from his masters. Having grown up in the city he's thrilled to share his joy of problem solving, and the occasional anecdote about his cat Felix with the next generation.

Edward has a background in mathematics education and chemical engineering. He was drawn to AoPS to empower students through education. His teaching style emphasizes clarity and active participation, building confidence in every student.

Mia previously worked as a data scientist and policy analyst in the public sector. She was drawn to AoPS to refocus on her love of teaching and contribute to the new campus in her community. Mia is a patient communicator who works tirelessly to aid students in joining a cultural legacy of rigorous scholarship.

Kenneth has graduated with honors in Computer Science from the University of New Haven, with a double minor in Mathematics and Finance. His passion for mathematics and helping students succeed in this field greatly aligns with AoPS's mission. His teaching style encapsulates patience and subject-expertise, always striving to find and tailor learning styles to each individual student.

Gabrielle has a bachelor’s degree in comparative literature and mathematics from New York University and a master’s degree in German from Yale, where she is a PhD candidate and has worked as an instructor of literary analysis, writing, and grammar over the course of her program. At AoPS, Gabrielle is delighted to work with a team that shares her commitment to centering curiosity, innovation, and critical thinking in the classroom. Her teaching is focused on supporting each student through the process of advancing their reading and writing skills, growing their confidence, and recognizing the unique perspective they bring to the text.