Epsilon Camp Staff
John Berman is the leader of the United States' IMO (International Math Olympiad) team and teaches online classes at GeodeMath. He graduated from MIT (BS) and the University of Virginia (PhD) and has also taught at the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Although he has worked at many math camps, his experience teaching at Epsilon Camp in 2023 left a lasting impression. Epsilon Camp not only unites kids who love math but their families as well. John is committed to maintaining the camp's excellence and removing financial burdens to enrollment. Above all, he is committed to bringing world-class educational opportunities to gifted students everywhere, and he believes that Epsilon Camp has an important role to play in this mission.
Tom Edgar is an associate professor of mathematics at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington and is the editor for the MAA periodical Math Horizons. He received a Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame after beginning his advanced studies at Colorado State University. His mathematical interests lie in the areas of algebraic combinatorics and the representations of Coxeter groups. More recently he has been interested in number theory as related to integer sequences and visualizing mathematics. He has worked closely with undergraduates on a number of summer research projects. He has taught at Epsilon from 2018 - 2021, and is enthusiastic about working with future mathematicians of all ages.
Danielle Champney is an associate professor of mathematics at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. She received her Ph.D. from UC Berkeley in Undergraduate Mathematics Education, after completing undergraduate and masters degrees in Applied Mathematics and Statistics. Danielle's primary research interests are twofold: the study of how students connect their understanding of mathematics, physics, and engineering at all grades and ages; and the study of how students use visual images when problem solving and learning new topics in mathematics. She is also active in cultivating K12 partnerships with Cal Poly, with an emphasis on building mentorship opportunities between college and pre-collegiate students, and works with students and teachers of all ages to promote active learning in math classes from grades K through 16+.
Rajdeep currently works with Cisco Systems, Inc. and holds a PhD in Computer Science. His interests lie in mathematics, chess, soccer; he is also an avid follower of the San Francisco Bay Area dining scene. He is a parent of a current Pythagoras camper and the summer of 2024 at Epsilon Camp has been a transformative experience for him and his family. In his position as Camp Director, Rajdeep is eagerly looking forward to playing a definitive role in shaping the camp’s impact and influence in the coming years.
Hui Jiang is a licensed psychologist and certified school psychologist, with training and experience working with neurodivergent children and adolescents in both clinical and school settings. Hui has committed her career to supporting these individuals and their families, helping them navigate the unique challenges they face. Hui is also a proud parent of two Epsilon Campers. Through her children’s participation in the camp, she has witnessed firsthand the profound impact the camp has on its attendees. The camp not only nurtures a deep love for mathematics but also fosters a supportive and positive community for families. Hui is passionate about contributing to this community, helping it grow and positively impact even more families.
Hui lives in New Jersey with her husband and two children. She works as the founder and director of the 3E Center, an organization dedicated to serving neurodivergent children, adolescents, and their families.
John is a parent of a Gauss camper, and this will be the third summer his family has attended Epsilon Camp. John earned degrees in math and computer science, and worked for decades as what his kids describe as a keyboard-button-mashing computer person. This past year, his whole family took a sabbatical to travel around the world visiting Europe, Africa, Australia and all over Asia. The trip will end one month shy of being a full year abroad because everyone wanted to get back to attend Epsilon Camp! As a Parent Program Coordinator, John hopes to encourage a supportive environment that allows for enriching and enlightening discussions.
Dr. Andrew Simnick is the parent of a Gauss camper, and Summer 2025 will be his family’s third year attending Epsilon Camp. Andrew believes in the importance of helping gifted students reach their full potential and Epsilon Camp’s unique ability to provide both the learning environment and community to support its campers.
Andrew is an experienced non-profit executive and social entrepreneur with a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Duke and BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois. He is the Founder of Operationally, a consultancy focused on strategic and operational transformation in the cultural sector. He previously led the business functions of the Art Institute of Chicago and served as a consultant with McKinsey & Company. Andrew and his family live in Chicago, and he sits on the Board of Trustees of Science and Arts Academy and the Board of Directors of the Seminary Co-op Bookstores.
Jean is accompanying her second Epsilon camper who is attending the Gauss cohort this year. Her first camper joined during the pandemic years when the camp provided an intellectual and social lifeline for math exploration, engagement, and connection with peers and teachers. Epsilon Camp continues to play a special role in fostering growth and friendships among kids who love to share their passion for math. Jean comes to camp with a teaching and research background. She is excited to work with the wonderful Epsilon parent community, whose energy and commitment are vital to making the camp run smoothly. She looks forward to another summer of joining parent volunteers to create a safe and welcoming environment that engenders lasting friendships and positive memories!
Chi-Yu is excited to return to Epsilon Camp for the third time, now as the parent of a Euclid camper. While Epsilon Camp has exceeded all expectations in deepening her child’s love of mathematics, the parent community at Epsilon has been equally meaningful due to the shared experience of parenting these extraordinary children. As one of the Parent Volunteer Coordinators, Chi-Yu will help engage the parent community, support the camp’s mission and ensure that things run smoothly, or at least appear to!
Chi-Yu has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MIT. But much to her father’s disappointment, she decided to jettison the plans to become an engineer and instead go to law school. After over a decade as a practicing trusts, estates and tax attorney, Chi-Yu now acts as a strategic advisor to families on philanthropy and tax-efficient wealth transfer.
George R. Thomas is an independent mathematician with long experience teaching and mentoring in summer programs for students showing high promise in mathematics. He founded Canada/USA Mathcamp, MathPath, and Epsilon Camp. Thomas’s research has ranged over Semigroups and Extremal Graph Theory with forays in Analytical Number Theory. His latest book, Against All Odds: How to Play Lotteries, If You Must, is his outreach to the public. See Dr. Thomas' views on mathematics education in America's schools.
Board of Directors
Stuart Benjamin - Chair
George R. Thomas - Secretary
Sheila Talwar - Treasurer
John Vranch - Director
Csaba Biro - Director
Sara White - Director