High School Teachers

Expertise that Inspires

There are many ingredients in the recipe for student success, but none more important than an incredible teacher. All middle school classes are led by Subject Expert Teachers (SETs), who are a hallmark of the BASIS Curriculum. SETs are professionals with degrees or years of experience in the subjects they teach and the skill and care necessary to make complex material accessible to students. With different SETs for each subject, students grow under the mentorship and expertise of poets, musicians, actors, engineers, chemists, mathematicians, and more.

Meet The
Teachers

Mrs. Baessa

Science

Mrs. Baessa

Subject Expert Teacher Science

Mrs. Baessa joins our Science Faculty as a Chemistry Subject Expert Teacher, and she looks forward to exploring student curiosity in chemistry and explaining difficult topics in approachable ways. She previously interned as an analyst in science labs, and she spent four years teaching middle and high school students. Most recently, she has been teaching younger students, but she is very happy to have the opportunity to focus on advanced chemistry students at our school.

Originally from Brazil, Mrs. Baessa received her she got her bachelor’s degree in chemistry at Universidade do Sagrado Coração in San Paulo. During her undergraduate years, she collaborated with her professors on a thesis about new prostheses used as implants to replace broken bones. She taught middle and high school chemistry before moving to the United States to study English and continue her chemistry studies. She has dedicated more than eight years to teaching, and she is passionate about being in a classroom environment.

Mrs. Baessa chose BASIS Independent Brooklyn because she appreciates the opportunity to have creative license in classroom instruction, and she is appreciative of the support provided to students to help them succeed. Mrs. Baessa enjoys working with students and guiding them over the course of their academic careers.

When not in a classroom, you can find Mrs. Baessa baking at home, playing board games, hiking, spending time with her cat (Lincoln), and watching movies. One thing that she loves doing on the weekends is exploring new restaurants and theaters. She is interested in learning more about new cultures and cooking different cuisines.

Mr. Bedes

French

Mr. Bedes

Subject Expert Teacher French

Mr. Bedes is a French Subject Expert Teacher in our Middle and High School Programs. He brings more than a decade of experience in language instruction. Previously, Mr. Bedes was a French language teacher for three years at the French Institute Alliance Francaise. He also taught French to middle and high school students at Wuhan Foreign Languages School. Before that, he taught Spanish to tenth and eleventh-grade students at a high school in Saint-Orens-de-Gameville, France.

Mr. Bedes graduated with high honors from Sorbonne University with a master’s degree in languages, literature, and foreign cultures. He was born and raised in France, so he is a native speaker.

Mr. Brauch

Student Affairs

Mr. Brauch brings with him not only years of experience helping students through the college application process but also first-hand experience with elite colleges and universities.

He graduated from Harvard University with his master’s degree in education and received his bachelor’s degree from Skidmore College. Upon graduation from Harvard, Mr. Brauch moved to China to teach academic writing and composition at a top university. After teaching, Mr. Brauch accepted an opportunity to counsel Chinese students on their college options, working on a cross-cultural team and meeting with students from various high schools to guide them through the college application process.

In the United States, he has worked as the College Counselor at the Latin School of Chicago, and most recently, as an Academic Advisor and Assistant Director of Admissions at International Education Opportunities, an organization that helps bring and support international students as they transition to U.S. independent and Catholic high schools along the East Coast. Through his most recent position, prior to joining BASIS Independent Brooklyn, Mr. Brauch met one-on-one with various students daily to speak about their assignments and course selection. He also provided additional college counseling support to international students and expertise to independent school counselors who were unfamiliar with international students as they relate to and are evaluated in the college process.

Mr. Brauch was attracted to BASIS Independent Brooklyn for several reasons, namely the mantra of “Education Redefined.” He explains, “BASIS Independent Schools are unique in that they provide an extremely rigorous academic environment for students to challenge themselves and excel past the barriers of a traditional American education. At the same time, our school in Brooklyn also maintains and promotes a very supportive and collaborative environment in which to grow and learn.”

Mr. Brauch brings his individualized approach to BASIS Independent Brooklyn, working with students one-on-one to learn about their collegiate and post-collegiate aspirations and helping to make the college process less arduous. “I am very excited to learn about students as they develop their interests and help guide them as they take the first steps towards researching and applying for college,” he says.

Mr. Budisin

Latin

Mr. Budisin

Subject Expert Teacher Latin

Mr. Budisin received his Bachelor of Arts in classics from Williams College, post-baccalaureate in classical languages from the University of Pennsylvania, and master’s degree in philosophy from the University of Oklahoma. Matt’s scholarly work explores the relationship between ancient and modern philosophy.

Mr. Budisin is a Latin teacher at BASIS Independent Brooklyn and applies his training in philosophy, philology, history, and pedagogy to bring Latin back to life for his students. The study of Latin can be thought of as a compass to orient an educated young person around the liberal arts, or an entryway into the study of not just the arts and humanities, but the social and natural sciences as well.

Mr. Budisin chose to work at BASIS Independent because of the tremendous potential and talent he sees in the students and the incredible spectrum of experience, knowledge, ability, and vision that his fellow colleagues bring to their work with students. He wishes to contribute a positive part to this work.

Outside of school, Mr. Budisin is usually reading and doing research, but also cycling, cooking, exercising, traveling the world and exploring, painting, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family.

Mr. Chen

Mandarin

Mr. Chen

Subject Expert Teacher Mandarin

Mr. Chen is a language enthusiast! He joined BASIS Independent Brooklyn in 2017. Mr. Chen earned his bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering from Shanghai University in China in 2009. He continued on to earn his master’s degree in nuclear engineering with a full scholarship from the same university in 2012.

Previously Mr. Chen taught Mandarin at P.S. 9 and P.S. 166. He also worked with Qtalk Publishing LLC to develop the QTalk method being used worldwide to teach many languages.

“As a Mandarin Teacher at BASIS independent Brooklyn, I truly enjoy teaching the students each day. I offer a full Mandarin immersion classroom, providing young learners a chance to acquire the language naturally. It is very important to me that my students are making progress and enjoying the learning process,” says Mr. Chen.

In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball, learning Spanish, and traveling.

Ms. Collard

Music

Ms. Collard

Subject Expert Teacher Music

Ms. Collard is a British-born composer-lyricist, orchestrator, and arranger. She recently graduated from the Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program at NYU Tisch, having previously studied Music at Newnham College, University of Cambridge. Her songs and orchestrations have been featured at cabaret venues; and on various online streaming platforms, including YouTube web series Is This Art Now?, and musical theatre podcast The Latest Draft, for which she is also a programming manager.

Ms. Collard has also been the musical director of several vocal and orchestral ensembles, as well as for a student production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (site-specific production dir. Eric Gelb, 2019), and played percussion for a variety of concerts and musicals, including the original Edinburgh Fringe run of Six. She is a proud member of Maestra and of the Dramatists Guild.

Ms. Corbett

Art

Ms. Corbett

Subject Expert Teacher Art

Ms. Corbett is a member of our Fine Art Faculty. She is an accomplished artist with more than ten years of experience as the owner and operator of a custom paint and design company. Previously, she spent eight years in film and television production as a prop master, lead scenic director, art director, and ultimately production designer.

Ms. Corbett received her bachelor’s degree from Tuft University and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. For the past three years, she has provided fine arts instruction to students in K-Gr. 8 as a volunteer with the Red Hook Art Project.

Ms. Cruz

Spanish

Ms. Cruz

Subject Expert Teacher Spanish

Ms. Cruz is a member of our languages faculty focused on Spanish instruction in the Middle and High School Programs. Ms. Cruz started her career in administration working at Georgetown University and Georgetown Law School before moving to the classroom as a Spanish teacher in both public and private schools in Maryland for five years. While teaching she dedicated five years to volunteering for Cultura Plenera, a non-profit organization dedicated to community building and growing awareness of Puerto Rican culture.

Ms. Cruz graduated from Colgate University with a degree in Spanish literature. She continued on to receive her master’s degree from Teachers College at Columbia University. While an undergraduate she spent time studying at La Universidad CEU San Pablo in Madrid.

Ms. Forde

History, Student Affairs

Ms. Forde

Student Affairs History, Student Affairs

Ms. Forde graduated from Williams College with her bachelor’s degree in history and classics, and she was honored as a Mellon Undergraduate Research Fellow during her years on campus. She received her master’s degree from the University of London and her post-baccalaureate from Bryn Mawr College. She also pursued coursework ranging from anatomy to cellular and molecular biology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore Medical School, and Georgetown.

After obtaining her degrees, Ms. Forde worked in clinical research at the University of Maryland Center for Integrative Medicine. She co-authored two research publications on anxiety while at the university. After a few years in the clinical research setting, Ms. Forde decided to switch careers to education.

Ms. Forde previously worked directly with elementary and middle school students on their reading literacy and mathematics ability in preparation for the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth Program. Later she focused on literacy coaching for 6th and 8th grade students with the ExpandEd schools system, a nonprofit dedicated to its mission of closing the learning gap by increasing access to enriched education experiences. Her work with ExpandEd involved improving reading comprehension, facilitating student discussion, and developing critical thinking skills. At this time, she also began to enjoy leading afterschool clubs, including Yearbook. Most recently, Ms. Forde coordinated, developed, and facilitated interactive workshops and activities for Global Kids while continuing her work as a literacy coach for 6th and 8th grade students.

Ms. Forde joined BASIS Independent Brooklyn because she is passionate about instilling the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary to develop young individuals into successful adults who make key contributions to the world. Since 2017, she has led middle school World History classes and in 2019, a senior Capstone Class on the History of Medicine. Ms. Forde also leads the Model UN team on campus.

When not in class, Ms. Forde enjoys knitting, traveling, baking, and creating puzzles.

Mr. Goldman

History, Student Affairs

Mr. Goldman

Student Affairs History, Student Affairs

Mr. Goldman attended Boston University, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in American history and continuing his study of history and education at the graduate level, earning a Masters of Arts in teaching in social studies education. Since college, he has presented original research at the International Country Music Conference at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, and published articles on U.S. History.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to support our high school students and school community in my new capacity as dean this year. In my A.P. U.S. History course, I remain deeply committed to the exploration of inclusive narratives and strive to engage my students in relevant, rigorous, and analytical work to give them the skills and knowledge base necessary to play an active role in shaping our society and political discourse,” says Mr. Goldman.

Prior to becoming a teacher, Mr. Goldman was a recording and touring artist for a half-decade with the band Steel Train. He had the privilege of working and traveling with many talented friends and artists—once even filming a music video in Hawaii. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Goldman can now be found proudly pushing a stroller through the streets of Brooklyn with his wife and son.

Mr. Heilbronn

Physical Education

Mr. Heilbronn

Subject Expert Teacher Physical Education

After finishing Abitur in English and geography at the Gymnasium Horn in Bremen/Germany in 1984, Mr. Heilbronn went on to study cultural science at the University of Bremen. In 1989, he moved to New York to pursue a career in the music industry and continued his studies in sound engineering, editing and programming.

In 2012, he acquired a United States Soccer Federation coaching license.

As a member of the Physical Education faculty at BASIS Independent Brooklyn, Mr. Heilbronn’s goal is “to make physical activity fun and accessible for all of our children. I want our students to know how easy it can be, to live healthy every day and understand what impact it will have on their bodies growing up. Students learn about sportsmanship, respect, rules, and discipline and get to feel proud about their own accomplishments every day.”

He loves to play and coach soccer. Food is another passion of his. “I also like to travel, meet new people and experience different cultures and foods,” he says.

Mr. Hirsch

History

Mr. Hirsch

Subject Expert Teacher History

Mr. Hirsch currently teaches AP US Government, AP Seminar, and AP Research. Previously, he has taught AP European History and AP US History in our high school. He has served as a subject advisor for AP US Government across the BASIS Network, and as an AP grader for the College Board.

Mr. Hirsch received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania and his law degree from Boston College Law School.

Mr. Hirsch’s goal as a BASIS Independent educator is to share his passion for learning, especially for government and the law, with his students. He hopes they learn how to analyze the world through various perspectives. When asked about his proudest accomplishment/accolades, Mr. Hirsch cited that in 2014 one of his BASIS Chandler students received a perfect score on the Advanced Placement Exam in United States Government and Politics. She was one of eight students in the whole world to receive that honor!

Mr. Hirsch has been with BASIS Curriculum Schools for eleven years: three with BASIS Chandler and three with BASIS Scottsdale before joining BASIS Independent Brooklyn in 2016. Mr. Hirsch really enjoyed working with the dedicated and passionate learners at the two Arizona charter schools, and while Arizona was a great adventure, he was ready to return to his East Coast roots (his parents grew up in Bensonhurst!).

When not reading the news, Mr. Hirsch loves to watch sports, run in prospect park, and spend time with his family (both his son and daughter are BIB bears). He also is a long-suffering Arsenal and Knicks fan. Mr. Hirsch also loves to play soccer, basketball, and tennis. Although a little rusty, he was recently a 4.5 rated player out in Arizona.

He loves to travel with his family too. During the summer of 2017, they spent two weeks touring South Dakota and Wyoming in an RV camper! His favorite location is Wellfleet, Massachusetts.

He loves to travel with his family too. During the summer of 2017, they spent two weeks touring South Dakota and Wyoming in a RV camper!

Dr. James

Biology

Dr. James

Subject Expert Teacher Biology

Dr. James is a Subject Expert Teacher in our Sciences Faculty who will lead advanced Biology classes. She rejoins BASIS Independent Brooklyn after teaching abroad at BASIS Shenzhen. Prior to that Dr. James taught in the Middle School Program at BASIS Independent Brooklyn.

Born and raised in Louisiana, Dr. James attended Louisiana State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 2011 and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Biological Sciences in 2015. In 2016, she continued her training as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Genetics Department at Yale University. During her studies, Dr. James using advanced genetic, molecular, and microscopy techniques to study cell biology and organism development of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster.

Her goal at BASIS Independent Brooklyn is to help students explore the wonders of the biological sciences while promoting and supporting excellence. She aims to provide “a positive and inclusive learning environment for students” and prepare them for a successful path post-graduation.

Dr. James shared that she chose to return to BASIS Independent Brooklyn because of the robust, accelerated curriculum. “In my experience teaching at the university level, overcoming academic challenges in the classroom is most rewarding for the teachers and students. I am proud to be part of a community that sets high expectations for all and promotes enthusiasm for learning.”

When not in the classroom, Dr. James enjoys listening to podcasts and traveling.

Mr. Koppel

Economics, History

Mr. Koppel

Subject Expert Teacher Economics, History

Mr. Koppel is a Subject Expert Teacher in history and economics at our Upper School campus. He started his career at Success Academy teaching both middle school English and History. Then he moved on to another charter school in Manhattan leading small group interventions for 7^th and 8th-grade students.

Mr. Koppel graduated from Carleton College with a degree in Economics and History. While at Carleton he served as a men’s basketball coach, where he created models and data visualizations to help the coaches gameplan for future opponents. Before graduation, Mr. Koppel worked for the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth’s summer program planning and running one portion of their summer academic program. He also participated in a shadow program at the Pomfret School where we earned the opportunity to teach history.

A devoted Quizbowl aficionado, Mr. Koppel organized and led a Quizbowl Tournament while at Carleton. He is also a decorated Quizbowl high school champion (8^th nationally in all-subject and 3^rd nationally at History Bowl). He looks forward to bringing Quizbowl to our school.

Mr. Kostopoulos

Physics

Mr. Kostopoulos

Subject Expert Teacher Physics

Mr. Kostopoulos is a Subject Expert Teacher in physics for our Middle and High School Programs. He has spent the past 11 years as an adjunct lecturer most recently at City College and Lehman College. Before that, he taught Queens College and Baruch College. Previously he was a graduate assistant at Hunter College. During that time, he has also worked as a private tutor focused on middle school and high school physics, chemistry, and math instruction. His experience includes preparing students for the AP Physics exam.

Mr. Kostopoulos has extensive research experience, including work as a research assistant at the American Museum of National History and the National Centre of Scientific Research Institute of Nuclear Physics in Athens, Greece. Mr. Kostopoulos’ research in Greece included work handling a TANDEM particle accelerator and the completion of a thesis on Compton Shielding.

Mr. Kostopoulos graduated from the National Technical University of Athens, Greece with a degree in applied mathematics and physics. He went on to earn his master’s degree from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, where he also pursued a PhD in physics.

Ms. Markel

Performing Arts

Ms. Markel

Subject Expert Teacher Performing Arts

Ms. Markel is thrilled to return to BASIS Independent Brooklyn leading up the Performing Arts Program with Ms. Crowley. Ms. Markel transferred from BASIS Scottsdale where she has taught middle and high school theatre classes for seven years. In 2014, Ms. Markel became the founding curriculum developer (Subject Adviser) for all Drama electives in the BASIS Curriculum School network. Ms. Markel has studied with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s education programs.

Ms. Markel previously trained and worked as a singer and actor in Colorado, Montana, and Arizona. In college, Ms. Markel sang with the Colorado Opera Festival and Opera Theatre of the Rockies under the direction of international opera star Martile Rowland. In 2006, she received her Master’s in Fine Arts in acting at the University of Montana. While in Arizona, Ms. Markel turned her attention to teaching while continuing to perform on the weekends. In 2016, she was honored to receive a Flinn Scholar Distinguished Educator Award from the Flinn Foundation in Arizona.

Mr. McCollum

Physical Education

Mr. McCollum

Subject Expert Teacher Physical Education

Mr. McCollum holds a Bachelor of Science degree in communications from Kennesaw State University in Atlanta where he was a member of the Public Relations Student Society of America, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and Phi Eta Sigma, the national honor society. He was also honored for his Communication Law research, which focused on national courts and the interpretation of true threats law as it pertains to cell phone communication.

As a Subject Expert Teacher in Physical Education, his goal is to share with students the joy of sports and the importance of building a team-based environment. “I find happiness in motivating BASIS Independent students and teaching them to have enthusiasm and respect in everything they do. I am determined as an educator to assist them to reach their goals and excel beyond their expectations. I also find great joy in building lasting and meaningful relationships with my students am committed to the overall success and improvement of all BASIS Independent students,” he shares.

In his spare time, he enjoys playing competitive soccer, which he has played since childhood. “My other interests include cooking, baking, creative writing, and traveling. I spent my formative years living in Germany and traveling around Europe, sparking a lifelong love of travel. I still enjoy writing poetry now as much as when I became a published poet at the age of 14,” Mr. McCollum says proudly.

Mr. Moreland

Science

Mr. Moreland

Subject Expert Teacher Science

Mr. Moreland is happy to share his love of environmental science with students as our Physical Geography and AP Environmental Science Subject Expert Teacher. He taught global history at Frederick Douglass Academy High School and High Roads School in Maryland. Prior to that, he spent years teaching English, science, and history in Maryland as well as abroad in China and even the Czech Republic.

Before teaching, Mr. Moreland spent two years at Tetra Tech managing terrestrial and aquatic species for toxicology testing. He was responsible for field sampling and culturing aquatic river species and organisms. Mr. Moreland graduated from Towson University with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and history. He continued his studies at the school receiving his master’s degree in teaching.

Ms. Muravchik

Math

Ms. Muravchik

Subject Expert Teacher Math

Ms. Muravchik is eager to share her love of math with students this year as a Math Subject Expert Teacher. Previously she taught high school math at both Little Red Schoolhouse and Brooklyn Friends School for years before focusing on private math tutoring. Before that, Ms. Muravchik also taught differentiated math instruction at a private tutoring center for eight years. She graduated from New York University and continued on at the school to receive her master’s degree.

Mr. Opirhory

Art

Mr. Opirhory

Subject Expert Teacher Art

Mr. Opirhory is a member of the Fine Arts Faculty at BASIS Independent Brooklyn, and he studied at New York’s School of Visual Arts. There he developed a passion for classical representation and traditional preparation of materials.

Mr. Opirhory leads visual arts classes in the Middle and High School, including art studio and digital photography. He finds inspiration in nature, science, and mythology.

Mr. Patwa

Math

Mr. Patwa

Subject Expert Teacher Math

Mr. Patwa is a member of our math faculty focused on AP Calculus AB instruction. Mr. Patwa has been a private tutor for the past eight years focused on college-level calculus as well as high school and college physics. He graduated from Cooper Union with a degree in civil engineering, and he played on the basketball team while an undergraduate. He is also a proud member of MENSA.

Mr. Patwa first learned about BASIS Independent Brooklyn through his very positive experience with our students. The more he learned about our curriculum and approach to education, the more he wanted to be a part of our team.

Ms. Pizzino

English

Ms. Pizzino

Subject Expert Teacher English

Ms. Pizzino is a high school English Subject Expert Teacher at BASIS Independent Brooklyn. She attended New York University, where she double-majored in English and American literature and religious studies. At the completion of her undergraduate studies, she moved to Japan where she spent one year traveling and teaching English through the Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program. In 2008, she received her master’s degree in romantic and renaissance literature at the University of Liverpool in England.

Ms. Pizzino has taught college composition and literature for more than 10 years and has been awarded NEH stipends, presented at conferences, and contributed a chapter entitled “‘We Live in a Time of Monsters’: Teaching Composition through the Representations of Monsters and Monstrosity in Literature” to The Metaphor of the Monster Interdisciplinary Approaches to Understanding the Monstrous Other in Literature. Last year Ms. Pizzino taught 7th grade English during her first year at our school.

Ms. Pizzino’s goal as a BASIS Independent educator is to create a student learning environment that includes the questioning of social consciousness and change and gives students the tools to comment on the sociopolitical realities of our world. She was drawn to BASIS Independent Brooklyn because the school supports and fosters open-mindedness, healthy dialogue, and a community of learners who raise each other up and value themselves and others.

When not in the classroom, Ms. Pizzino enjoys museums, plays, concerts, traveling, yoga, running, and baking bread. She has a pet bunny, named Dorian Gray, that she adores.

Mr. Rappelfeld

History

Mr. Rappelfeld

Subject Expert Teacher History

Mr. Rappelfeld received his bachelor’s degree from Binghamton University with a major in philosophy, politics, and law and a minor in anthropology in 1999. One of his most satisfying academic and personal experiences was studying in the Czech Republic at the University of Economics during college. Mr. Rappelfeld went on to receive his master’s degree in teaching at Iona College in 2002. He continued his studies by completing post-graduate work at George Washington University in 2007.

During the past 20 years, Mr. Rappelfeld has had the pleasure of teaching World History, AP Psychology, AP European History, and Economics in high schools in Westchester County, NY, Connecticut, and Maryland.

Mr. Rappelfeld joined BASIS Independent Brooklyn in 2018. He is very excited to provide his students with the building blocks and foundations for the 7th grade World History and AP World History courses. Mr. Rappelfeld is also a co-advisor for the National Junior Honor Society. In everything he does, he strives to challenge his students to achieve their absolute best.

Mr. Rappelfeld also performs as a singer-songwriter in the NY Metro area. He also loves spending time in Prospect Park with his wife and 2-year-old daughter.

Mr. Sai

Math

Mr. Sai

Subject Expert Teacher Math

Mr. Sai Wangpattanasirikul joined our faculty as a Subject Expert Teacher for both Capstone and AP Calculus BC classes after more than two decades in finance. Most recently he was an Executive Director of Quantitative Research at JP Morgan Chase where he managed a team of quant researchers supporting the e-macro trading group. Previously Mr. Sai spent 15 years at Goldman Sachs in their FX electronic trading. In that role, he led a strategy team responsible for designing and implementing pricing/hedging algorithms and developing real-time software for large-scale trading systems.

Mr. Sai graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science in engineering and continued on to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he earned his master’s degree in mechanical engineering. He is excited to challenge our students and nurture their love of math in his classes this year.

Ms. Villanueva

Computer Science

Ms. Villanueva

Subject Expert Teacher Computer Science

Ms. Villanueva is eager to share her love of Computer Science as a Subject Expert Teacher at our school. Previously, she tutored and was a graduate teaching assistant at the College of Engineering and Computing Science at NYIT.

Ms. Villanueva spent the majority of her career in research. She spent time in the Quantitative Neuroimaging Lab at Weill Cornell and the Human-Centric Data Analytics Lab at NYIT. She has presented at scientific symposia, including on the topic of Affective Computing and graduate research. She is currently working on an Arduino 4-wheel robotic smart car.

Ms. Villanueva graduated from Hofstra University and continued on to earn her master’s degree with distinction in computer science from the New York Institute of Technology.

Mr. Winter

Physics

Mr. Winter

Subject Expert Teacher Physics

Mr. Winter is a founding member of the BASIS Independent Brooklyn Science faculty and has been teaching physics and astronomy for more than a decade. He earned his master’s degree in physics education, and he has pursued pedagogical research in this field in addition to teaching at Mississippi State University.

Mr. Winter enjoys explaining difficult concepts in approachable ways, and he loves showcasing his physics education experience at BASIS Independent Brooklyn.

Meet our Teachers
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Expertise that Inspires

Meet TheTeachers

Mrs. Baessa

Mrs. Baessa

Mr. Bedes

Mr. Bedes

Mr. Brauch

Mr. Brauch

Mr. Budisin

Mr. Budisin

Mr. Chen

Mr. Chen

Ms. Collard

Ms. Collard

Ms. Corbett

Ms. Corbett

Ms. Cruz

Ms. Cruz

Ms. Forde

Ms. Forde

Mr. Goldman

Mr. Goldman

Mr. Heilbronn

Mr. Heilbronn

Mr. Hirsch

Mr. Hirsch

Dr. James

Dr. James

Mr. Koppel

Mr. Koppel

Mr. Kostopoulos

Mr. Kostopoulos

Ms. Markel

Ms. Markel

Mr. McCollum

Mr. McCollum

Mr. Moreland

Mr. Moreland

Ms. Muravchik

Ms. Muravchik

Mr. Opirhory

Mr. Opirhory

Mr. Patwa

Mr. Patwa

Ms. Pizzino

Ms. Pizzino

Mr. Rappelfeld

Mr. Rappelfeld

Mr. Sai

Mr. Sai

Ms. Villanueva

Ms. Villanueva

Mr. Winter

Mr. Winter

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Meet The
Teachers

Meet our Teachers
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