Gayathri Janakiraman Paramasivan

JP holds a master of science in earth science from Dartmouth College, where her NASA-funded graduate research focused on developing chemical methods to isolate solar wind osmium from Genesis mission silicon collectors using photolithography, mass spectrometry, and advanced data analysis. She also earned a master of science in geology from the Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, where her research explored the use of neural networks in MATLAB to retrieve atmospheric parameters from satellite data. Her background as a scientist continues to shape the way she teaches, encouraging students to think critically, analyze evidence, and approach challenges with curiosity and persistence.

Most recently, JP served as a virtual STEM teacher at Sora Schools, where she designed and taught project-based mathematics and science courses while also serving as a house advisor, coaching students academically and helping build a strong online learning community. Before joining Sora, she taught honors mathematics through the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, working with academically advanced middle school students in a live online setting. She also spent four years as lead middle school STEM and mathematics teacher at Feynman School, a school dedicated to gifted learners, where she developed interdisciplinary projects that connected mathematics and science to real-world challenges. Students in her classes investigated topics ranging from genetics and environmental science to neuroscience through hands-on projects such as ZombieCure, while also preparing for competitions including MOEMS, AMC 8, and Future City.

Throughout her career, JP has embraced educational technology as a way to personalize learning rather than replace human connection. She is a certified Modern Classroom Project educator and has extensive experience with NGSS and Common Core standards, as well as digital tools such as Desmos and Google Classroom. Just as importantly, she believes students thrive when they feel supported as whole people. By incorporating mindfulness, reflection, and flexible pathways through challenging material, JP creates learning environments where students feel safe taking intellectual risks, building resilience, and developing a lifelong love of mathematics and science.