MEET OUR TEAM OF INSTRUCTORS
Undergraduate at Purdue University
Hi, my name is Ankita Sriram, and I am from Fremont. Currently, I am a freshman studying Data Science at Purdue University. At Purdue, I’m actively involved in several student organizations, including Hack the Future, where we work on innovative tech solutions to support nonprofits. My experience also includes teaching coding to middle and high school students, teaching Python and data science principles, which has deepened my commitment to making technology more accessible and inclusive. My academic interests span data analytics, machine learning, and software development, and I enjoy applying these skills to real-world challenges. Outside of academics, I am part of Purdue Taal– a South Asian acapella team, where I combine my love for music and cultural expression. I’m excited to keep sharing knowledge and cultivating the next generation of coders at Progressive Kids this summer!
Computer Science major at the University of California, Merced.
Hello kids, my name is Brandon Do, and I’m an upcoming sophomore studying Computer Science at the University of California, Merced. What I love most about coding is the power to create amazing things, and I’m so excited to share that with you all! Even though I started my coding journey in my senior year of high school, I quickly discovered that anyone can learn to code with curiosity and effort! I’ve spent a lot of time working with different coding languages like Python, which we can use to build fun games, and I’ve even started creating my apps. I have also worked on creating websites and whatnot with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. At school, I am currently working with C++, and so my knowledge of C++ is growing every day!
In my free time, besides coding my own projects and playing video games, I also love reading (specifically psychology books!) and watching shows. My interest in psychology helps me understand that everyone learns differently, so I hope that I can help you all learn in a way that works best for you.
Statistics & Computer Science Student at UC Davis
Hi, my name is Jessica Zhao, and I’m going into my sophomore year in college. I’m from Sunnyvale, CA, and grew up in the Bay Area. This will be my first year working for Progressive Kids. I am passionate about using data to solve the world’s biggest problems. This year, I was involved in the UC Davis Data Science Club and worked on a project about predicting Tesla and Apple’s future stock prices using their previous stock data and linear regression and ARIMA models in Python. I also love teaching and was a Python tutor at my university this year. I have also taught other subjects at summer camps. Seeing students get excited about learning, especially a topic like coding, is incredibly rewarding to me. Outside of school, I love traveling, finding a great spot to watch the sunset, or hanging out with my friends and family. I am super excited to get to know everyone this summer and have a blast coding!
Data science Student at Las Positas Community College
My name is Hardik Gupta, and I study data science at Las Positas Community College. I spend my evenings working part‑time at SkyZone, keeping the trampolines safe and lively. On campus, I serve as the ICC representative for our FBLA chapter, giving students a voice in college decisions. I’m also the secretary of the Indian Student Association, where I organize meetings and events. Coding is my favorite hobby, and I often build small projects in Python, SQL, and JavaScript for fun. My Eagle Scout experience taught me to lead by example and always lend a hand. These roles together have sharpened my problem‑solving skills and love for teamwork. Next year, I plan to transfer to a four‑year university, ready to use data to solve real‑world problems.
Computer Science Student at San Jose State University
Hi, I’m Timothy Fan and I am a rising sophomore at San Jose State University. I am a Computer Engineering Major hoping to get into circuitry and chip design in the future. As a CE major, I am passionate about coding and have experience in coding languages in Java, C/C++, and Python. I am also a car enthusiast and enjoy spending my free time learning about the mechanical components of vehicles and getting in touch with the latest news in the car industry. When I’m not being productive, I like to spend my time gaming, playing games like Valorant or GTA online. Being from the Oakland area, I am not local to Fremont, but I look forward to teaching and getting to know you all this summer.
Computer Science major at the University of Washington
Hi! My name is Candra, and I’m a rising sophomore at the University of Washington studying computer science! I’m super passionate about developing software to help people manage and organize information, and through my studies, I’ve gotten the chance to work on my own projects utilizing Java, JavaScript, HTML, Python, and a variety of other languages! On campus, I love getting involved in and meeting new people through CS build-space communities, such as hackathons or project fairs. In my free time, I also love drawing, playing guitar, and trying out new recipes. I look forward to working with you all through this summer, and I hope to inspire a new generation of students to pursue or explore computer science!
Computer Science student at Canada College.
Hello, my name is Russel Ramos, and I’m a student at Canada College. I am currently pursuing an Associate Degree for Transfer in Computer Science, an AA in Mathematics, and a Certificate for Engineering. I plan to transfer to SJSU to continue my journey in technology and education. As a computer science student at Canada, I have gotten the opportunity to create projects involving C++ and Java, which have strengthened my skills in problem-solving, and logical thinking. I am extremely passionate about helping others learn. Whether its through tutoring peers or mentoring new students. I think learning should be fun and approachable. Outside of school, I enjoy creating personal projects, doing sudokus, and staying active through outside activities. Some of my most favorite hobbies include gaming, and going to the gym or just simply listening to music and dancing. I am excited to bring my experience, energy, and curiosity to Progressive Kids this summer, and I look forward to learning just as much as I teach!
Computer Science Student at UC Berkeley
Hi, I’m Brandon, a rising sophomore at UC Berkeley majoring in Applied Math with a double major in either Computer Science or Data Science. During my time at college, I’ve taken courses like Data Structures and Algorithms, Foundations of Data Science, and Real Analysis, which have deepened my understanding of the theory and application of my coding skills. I am proficient in Python, Java, Scheme, SQL, and Git, and enjoy using these tools to build interactive projects and games. Additionally, I also have a significant amount of experience working with children, as I worked all four of my high school years as a teaching assistant in my local Chinese school. As a TA, I helped with conducting group lessons and guiding the younger students as they learned, similar to what I’ll be doing at Progressive Kids. Outside of class, I enjoy playing tennis, listening to music, or gaming( League of Legends and TFT mainly) to connect with my former high school friends. I believe coding should be creative and enjoyable, and I’m excited to assist students in building their skills this summer er.
Computer Science major at California State University, East Bay
My name is Mahnoor Kafil, and I’m a senior at California State University, East Bay, majoring in Computer Science. This is my third year working with Progressive Kids, and I love helping young learners explore the world of coding. I specialize in languages like C++, Python, Java, and JavaScript, as well as web technologies like HTML and CSS. My goal is to make programming fun, approachable, and creative for every student. I believe that early exposure to coding can spark lifelong curiosity and innovation. It’s rewarding to be part of that journey at Progressive Kids.