MISTI GTL in Wales 2026 Instructors
Connie Guo
Connie is a freshman at MIT studying Electrical Engineering with Computing. Her commitment to making education interactive and accessible stems from her years as a mentor, driving her to lead Python curricula and coding workshops that bridge the gap between technical theory and real-world impact. Connie’s technical depth is evident in her research at MIT’s Research Laboratory of Electronics, where she designed four unique algorithms to improve the efficiency of Transformer architectures using nanophotonics. By tackling the challenge of vanishing gradients in Receptance Weighted Key Value models, she achieved significant efficiency gains and reduced costs for training large language models. Beyond her research, Connie has organised and taught two-week Python summer camps for K-12 students and designed lesson plans that connect coding basics to problem-solving. Her leadership extends to her role as an officer for her high school’s Computer Science Team and a volunteer tutor for Beast Academy, where she mentored younger students through accelerated math and competitive programming. Her professional and creative experience is equally diverse; she developed "Writing in Air," an award-winning computer vision system for VR communication, and served as an Administrative Manager for the Research Science Institute, handling complex logistics and finances while mentoring international scholars. Alongside her studies, Connie is an active member of the MIT Informatics Tournament Logistics Team and the MIT Figure Skating Club.
Cynthia Zhang
Cynthia is a Masters student at MIT who is currently doing a masters in Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. She has an extremely wide range of work experience, research work, publications, projects and skills - predominantly, her experience comes from four software engineer intern roles, two of which involving security and cyber defence, most recently for Figma in New York and at Apple in 2024. She wants to convert her love for engineering and computers into fun, hands-on projects for students. Cynthia has demonstrated teaching ability through her role as a Learning Assistant, guiding students in programming and problem-solving, as well as through mentoring and leading dance groups. Her passion for hands-on learning and ability to communicate complex ideas clearly make her an engaging educator. With proven leadership, patience, and enthusiasm for helping others succeed, she is well-equipped to inspire students and foster curiosity in computer science and mathematics.
Dana Lerum
Dana is a Junior at MIT studying Brain and Cognitive Science with a strong passion for science and education. She is eager to teach Biology, Chemistry, or Mathematics and is exceptionally well-suited to do so. Dana currently serves as Vice President of Publicity at the MIT Premedical Society and as an Associate Advisor mentor at Cambridge, while also volunteering at St. Francis House and the Animal Rescue League of Boston. As valedictorian of her class, Dana consistently goes above and beyond to support others and inspire curiosity and a love of learning. She is enthusiastic about making STEM engaging, accessible, and enjoyable for students. Her diverse experience includes working in the Pediatric Neurology Department at a hospital in Zambia, where she helped develop a database to improve patient care efficiency. She also interned at Massachusetts General Hospital, contributing to a clinical data operations project alongside an attending anesthesiologist, and worked as an fMRI research assistant, supporting participant recruitment.
Dominique Dang
As a junior at MIT, Dominique studies Computer Science and Molecular Biology. Her extensive knowledge in computer programming enables her to apply her skills to the complexities of molecular biology and contribute to life changing research. This can be seen through Dominique's work as an Oncology Data Science Intern at the Novartis Biomedical Research Institute. Here, she has created models which map the genetic makeup of human cancer cells and used statistical tools to compare cells which either will or will not form into tumours. Following the theme of life changing research, Dominique is a contributing author on a published study investigating the biomechanics of heart tissue. Her research specifically analysed how physical stress affects cardiac structures which provided the foundational data needed for designing more robust artificial valves. With all of her experience, Dominique is always on board to share the exciting prospects that learning in STEM offers. At the MIT Museum she works in the Maker Hub and Learning Lab where she encourages and educates over 50 daily visitors through interactive activities and hands-on demonstrations. With her skills in breaking down advanced science topics into hands-on, approachable lessons, Dominique is committed to making STEM accessible and engaging for young learners. Dominique has been awarded first place for Innovation In Research for Data Science at the Novartis Biomedical Research Institute, this obvious passion for innovation has inspired her to bring the excitement back into STEM for students by cultivating creative curricula that engages learners and sparks curiosity.
Elizabeth Bazhenov
Elizabeth is a Mechanical Engineering senior at MIT who is excited to share her passion for robotics, design, and hands-on learning. Having spent over a year at the MIT Edgerton Center co-teaching K-12 programs on topics ranging from circuits to environmental science, she has a strong background in making technical concepts accessible. This has given Elizabeth an enthusiasm for helping young learners expand their horizons through exploring the many avenues that mechanical engineering has to offer. Elizabeth currently balances her studies with roles as a Lab Assistant for the Design and Manufacturing 2 course and as a mentor at the Metropolis makerspace, where she guides students through machinery operation and troubleshooting. Her research experience is equally robust, notably at the MIT Fabrication-Integrated Design Lab, where she identified scalable manufacturing methods for soft robotic parts used in bio-inspired underwater vehicles. Elizabeth also contributed to the MIT Roche Laboratory by using silicone casting and Fusion360 to design reproductive health devices and thermoformed packaging for users with limited dexterity. Previously, she worked with the Laboratory for Manufacturing and Productivity to 3D print prototypes for large-scale additive manufacturing projects. Beyond the lab, Elizabeth serves as a Fire Safety Trainer and Publicity Chair for MIT Spinning Arts, where she organises safety protocols and leads workshops on fire performance props.
Eugenia King
Eugenia is a Fellow at MIT in System Design & Management where she operates at the high-stakes intersection of engineering systems and strategic leadership. With a background spanning from the Sloan School of Management to the School of Engineering, Eugenia approaches complex challenges through a System-Theoretic lens-analysing how intricate parts work together to ensure safety and innovation. Eugenia views teaching as a way to inspire the same curiosity her own mentors once sparked in her, making the connections between advanced technical theory and practical global impact. Her professional trajectory is defined by her role as Chief of Staff at Cisco DevNet, where she serves as a key advisor to executive leadership, manages multi-million dollar portfolios, and navigates complex organisational restructurings. Her technical versatility is equally sharp; she has filed patents in generative AI and federated learning, led internal startup incubations, and managed full-stack development teams. Her ability to lead through volatility is matched by her experience in Health Informatics, where she previously spearheaded human-centered digital tools for real-time care coordination at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Beyond the boardroom, she is a member of the MIT Rowing Club and an Arts Scholar, bringing the same discipline to the water as she does to her research in the Engineering Systems Laboratory. By breaking down the complexities of system design and business operations into inspiring lessons, Eugenia is passionate about lifelong learning and mentorship.
Kate Carpenter
Kate is a Junior at MIT pursuing a double major in Mechanical Engineering and Finance, bringing a unique blend of technical precision and economic strategy to the Global Teaching Labs in Wales programme. She has a deep-seated interest in teaching computer science and mathematics through the lens of real-world applications like entrepreneurship and engineering. With lots of teaching experience already under her belt, Kate has developed and taught 80-hour curricula for students across Armenia and Germany and currently works with MIT’s Edgerton Center to support K-12 outreach. Her professional background is centered on high-stakes optimization and analysis. As an intern for the Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Magna International, she drove an impressive $1.2B in tariff recovery by optimising global production strategies and built Power BI dashboards to map global sales forecasts. At MIT, her research applies cost optimization to Formula Student vehicle performance, where she has modeled spending patterns to reduce development risk by 86%. Kate’s leadership extends into the financial sector as a Fundamental Equity Analyst for Brass Rat Investments, where she manages a $100,000 investment fund and uses AI tools to predict stock prices. On campus, she is an active student ambassador and mentor, overseeing onboarding for over 200 members of the MIT Motorsports team. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Kate is involved in the MIT Poker Club and the Varsity Club Golf team.
Kyle Hart
Kyle is a freshman at MIT pursuing a degree in Biochemical Engineering, he operates on the belief that even the most intimidating chemical equations can be decoded through patience and precision- a philosophy that has driven him to mentor over 100 students globally via Schoolhouse.world. By crafting his own unique AP-style curricula and interactive presentations, he transforms dense theory into ‘aha!’ moments for learners. Kyle’s technical grit was recently on display during an intensive laboratory residency at MIT, where he dove into advanced chemical techniques and data analysis. This culminated in an individual research project focused on the synthesis and testing of penicillin, requiring rigorous quality control and high-level technical reporting. Kyle also has a strong track record of competitive success in Science Olympiad, where he medaled at the regional and state levels in high-pressure events like Chemistry Lab, Forensics, and Codebusters. Beyond the laboratory, Kyle is a proven leader in the scientific community who significantly boosted engagement as President of the Math National Honor Society and Parliamentarian of the Science National Honor Society. As an AIME qualifier himself, he bridges the gap between high-level theory and community action by organising AMC 10/12 competitions and leading middle school tutoring initiatives. Kyle is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of research while inspiring the next generation of scientists through the Global Teaching Labs in Wales.
Lexcea King
As a Sophomore at MIT pursuing a primary major in Business Analytics with a secondary focus on Computer Science and Economics, Lexcea believes that the true value of an MIT education lies in the ability to share a love of learning with others. Whether she is simplifying multivariable calculus or breaking down business optimisation methods, Lexcea is dedicated to making complex subjects approachable and exciting. Her technical versatility is evident in her work as a Data Analyst at Bourn Companies, where she constructs development pro formas for commercial and residential projects, and her background in DECA, where she competed internationally in business finance. She has designed weekly curricula for international students in subjects ranging from geometry to calculus and served as a STEM mentor for the MIT Dynamit program, notably assisting in instructing plasma physics labs. Her commitment to community impact is further highlighted by her work with Reading Partners, providing specialised literacy support to elementary students in underfunded areas. Beyond the classroom, Lexcea serves as the Vice President of Operations for Pi Beta Phi, overseeing the chapter’s systems and budgets. This experience in organizational management, coupled with her background in non-profit consulting, allows her to bring a unique ‘real-world’ perspective to her students. By blending her expertise in physics and math with her passion for business leadership, Lexcea is committed to fostering a collaborative and inspiring environment for the learners through the Global Teaching Labs in Wales.
Maggie Li
Maggie is a Sophomore at MIT, where she studies Computer Science and Brain Science. She has a strong passion for mathematics, programming, and science, and is eager to share this enthusiasm with students. Maggie is highly organised and a skilled planner, qualities she has developed through a wide range of academic and professional experiences. She currently works at MIT’s Research Laboratory of Electronics in a speech communication group, where she uses specialised software (Praat) to analyse speech patterns and contribute to training AI systems to better understand human language. Her work also explores body language and how gestures vary across cultures. Maggie has valuable teaching experience, including volunteering as an English language tutor for a Ukrainian student, where she built strong communication skills and supportive learning relationships. She also taught mathematics, delivering weekly lectures on geometry, algebra, and pre-calculus to over 50 underprivileged students. In addition, Maggie has demonstrated strong leadership as Vice President of Membership Programming at Alpha Chi Omega, where she managed budgets and organised events for over 100 members.
Minea Tiitinen
Minea is a Sophomore at MIT studying Computer Science and Engineering, with a strong passion for helping others build confidence and develop a love for learning. She is particularly interested in teaching mathematics, computer science, physics, and chemistry, and brings both academic excellence and enthusiasm to these subjects. Minea has achieved outstanding success in international academic competitions, earning multiple Olympiad awards in linguistics, mathematics, and informatics. She is also multilingual, speaking Finnish, Swedish, French, and English which reflects both her strong communication skills and cultural awareness. Her accomplishments extend beyond academics; she has designed and developed a self-study course for English reading and writing, demonstrating initiative and an ability to create accessible learning materials. At MIT, Minea has worked as a research assistant, contributing to the development of a model of human speech perception based on acoustic cues. She also serves as the deputy leader and coach for Team Finland at the European Olympiad in Informatics, where she selects, trains, and mentors a team of students. Minea’s experience mentoring students, combined with her ability to break down complex ideas, allows her to create an engaging and supportive learning environment.
Norah Miller
Norah is a Senior currently studying Science in Aerospace Engineering at MIT. She is committed to helping children discover a love for school subjects and to reach their full potential. She has a passion for STEM subjects and would love to pass this on to others. She has spent several years learning about teaching and learning styles and how to introduce students to new concepts. She understands that teaching must be fun and exciting for students so she aims to engage students through her own love and enthusiasm for learning. Norah would like to teach Maths, Physics, Python or anything related to aerospace. Norah has been a Flight Software Intern where she used modern computer tools to update and organise old flight systems, and she was an undergraduate researcher at MIT Aerospace Controls Lab where she built high-tech drones that use sensors to map out their surroundings and researched the best way to make them collaborate. Norah is also very passionate about rowing, she has lots of experience with coaching where she developed key skills needed to be a teacher. Norah has demonstrated her leadership skills through being the Women’s Rowing Captain at MIT, participating in the Gordon Engineering Leadership Program and becoming the president of Women in Aerospace Club. Nora’s passion for aerospace and STEM subjects, as well as her amazing outlook and passion for helping others learn, cannot be matched.
Peter Dong
Currently a sophomore at MIT studying Artificial Intelligence and Decision Making, Peter applies his advanced programming knowledge to complex systems, ranging from astrophysical discoveries to mental health support. He has been recognised for his excellence in full-stack development, taking 3rd Prize at MIT Weblab for designing an AI-powered application to help students coordinate cooking sessions. His commitment to making education interactive and accessible stems from his own experience as a student, driving him to spearhead coding workshops and curricula that connect technical skills to daily life. Peters expertise is evident in his research at the MIT Kavli Institute, where he used autoencoders and unsupervised machine learning algorithms to detect rare X-ray flares in deep space. Peter further advanced these skills at the MIT Media Lab, where he designs scalable pipelines on high-performance computing clusters to build predictive models for real-time mental health interventions. His professional experience also includes an internship at Amazon, where he engineered a robust AWS data pipeline capable of executing over 800 daily workflows. Beyond his technical research, Peter is a dedicated educator, at MIT he serves as a Teaching Assistant for Multivariable Calculus, leading weekly recitations and mentoring students through engaging, hands-on problem-solving. Alongside his studies, he founded his high school’s Computer Science Club and served as Drum Major for a 200-member band. By breaking down advanced topics in AI and math into approachable lessons, Peter is committed to inspiring the next generation of learners through the Global Teaching Labs in Wales.
Sharon Zhu
Sharon studies biological engineering at MIT and would love to teach biology. She specifically loves molecular biology including microbiology and immunology. Her extensive background in biology, including research in tuberculosis, immunology, and global health, is complemented by hands-on experience in laboratories and real-world healthcare settings. Sharon has significant teaching experience, having taught biology for four years, worked as a STEM summer camp assistant, provided one-on-one tutoring, and served as a CPR instructor. These roles demonstrate her ability to communicate complex scientific concepts clearly to diverse audiences. Sharon shows strong leadership and interpersonal skills through her roles in student organisations and emergency medical services. Her experience as a medical interpreter and global health intern highlights her cultural awareness and adaptability. Sharon is deeply motivated to inspire others, driven by her belief that STEM education empowers individuals. Her patience, enthusiasm, and relatability as a current student enable her to connect effectively with learners.
Teagan Sullivan
Teagan is a Senior at MIT who studies Mechanical and Ocean Engineering. Teagan has a range of achievements from developing an underwater robotic educational tool (Sea Perch II),to being a mechanical engineering lead at MIT where she organised and directed system designs to produce an autonomous boat for competition and developed team strategies for competition. Alongside these things, Teagan has received an amphibious achievement award for contributing to a mentorship program where she coordinated large fundraising events, provided tutoring and coached high school students in various sports. She has received additional awards for her high-quality and hands-on research in ocean engineering (MIT Kein Award), an ASNE Scholarship (the top award from the national group for ship designers and Navy engineers which is given to students they believe will lead the industry), and an MTS scholarship (a national award from the main ocean technology group) which recognises Teagan as a top student in the world of underwater technology. Teagan’s admiration of her previous teachers has inspired her to help the next generation share her love for learning. She is especially dedicated to helping students become critical thinkers and to pursue their interests. Teagan is committed to giving students a similar and positive experience of learning, she would particularly love to teach physics, mechanical engineering, robotics or climate change.
Timothy Mathew
Timothy is a Sophomore studying for a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at MIT. He has a strong passion for helping students build a problem-solving Mindset, be perfect for studying maths, computer science or STEM subjects. Timothy holds 4 American Invitational Mathematics Exam Awards in USA Computing Olympiad, a 2nd place award (out of 8000+) for Math Madness and a 3rd place from the International Science and Engineering Fair. Timothy has a variety of work experience and relevant projects such as building a medical WhatsApp AI agent at AyuConnect when he was an intern. He has research experience at MIT in the Maths Department as well as the Research Laboratory of Electronics- where he has investigated strategy dominance and comparative advantages of a game using advanced mathematics, as well as developing an AI model using TensorFlow that helps receivers accurately decode complex digital signals. Timothy also has a range of teaching experience through being a Mathcounts Coach, a Programming Course Developer, a piano teacher and a bible school teacher. As well as these, he also has leadership experience from the HackMIT logistics team where he led recruitment and management of 250 mentors and judges and managed travelling and housing for over 1000 people.