Team
Join Berkeley Coding Academy
Corey Wade
Founder, Director, Lecturer
Corey Wade, MS Mathematics, MFA Writing & Consciousness, developed Berkeley Coding Academy to bring Python, Data Science, Machine Learning, and AI to a larger audience. At BCA, Corey organizes behind the scenes, develops all content, and provides live lectures. During the school year, Corey teaches math and programming at the Independent Study Program of Berkeley High School where has worked since 2004. Corey has published iPhone apps with students, designed classes to build websites, and run after-school coding programs to support girls and underserved students. A Springboard Data Science graduate, Corey has worked in industry developing Data Science curricula for Pathstream and Hello World while contributing articles for Towards Data Science. A multiple grant award winner, lead author of The Python Workshop (2019, 2022), author of Hands-on Gradient Boosting with XGBoost and scikit-learn (2020), and public speaker (ODSC West 2022, 2023), Corey’s passion in education comes from teaching advanced technical concepts to empower students of all ages. When not coding or teaching, Corey reads poetry and studies the stars. corey@berkeleycodingacademy.com
Mary Orozco
Senior Instructor, Lecturer
Mary Orozco has Bachelor’s Degrees from UC Berkeley in Data Science and Cognitive Science. She loves the versatility of Data Science, and how it continually adapts to different fields including Marketing and Healthcare, specifically medical imaging analysis. Proficient in Natural Language Processing, Mary built an original spam email classifier after analyzing multiple precision-recall curves via sklearn and pandas. A competitive soccer coach for Spurs FC and Lil' Spurs, Mary works with students of all levels ages 3-18. When not coding in Python, Java or SQL, Mary plays soccer, watches TV shows like Modern Family, and reads the classics. Mary hopes to encourage BCA students to pursue careers in coding by creating an incredible learning experience based on enthusiasm and shared knowledge.
Mitchell Dennis
Senior Instructor, Lecturer
Mitchell Dennis has Bachelor’s Degrees in Physics, Mathematics, and Computer Science and is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree in Astronomy at the University of Hawaii at the Manoa Institute for Astronomy. Mitchell has experience using Python for data cleaning, analysis, and visualization and using keras and TensorFlow to develop deep neural networks. Mitchell currently works for multiple research teams at the Institute for Astronomy performing rare object detection with machine learning on high redshift galaxies in the COSMOS field and emulating stellar structure codes with machine learning to perform advanced statistical analysis on the theoretical production of dark matter in stellar cores. In his spare time, Mitchell writes research articles on J.R.R. Tolkien’s literary works and goes hiking in the beautiful mountains of Hawaii. Mitchell is excited to share his knowledge and passion for machine learning and data science with the students of Berkeley Coding Academy.
Gia Perez Sanchez
Data Science Instructor
Gia Perez Sanchez is studying Cognitive Science at Johns Hopkins University with a focus in Computational Approaches and Psychology/Neuropsychology. She is interested in the intersection of humanity and robotics, specifically with artificial intelligence and bionics. As a Latina in STEM, Gia strives to make the field of technology more inclusive for minorities and researches the impact of racial bias in machine learning algorithms. Gia has tutored students for over five years in a variety of subjects including Python, Math, Science, and Spanish. She also loves reading science fiction novels and listening to a wide range of music. As a part of the Berkeley Coding Academy instruction team, Gia looks forward to helping students thrive in the Data Science world.
Satvik Sriram
Data Science Instructor
Satvik Sriram is studying Computer Science at UC San Diego with a heavy interest in software engineering and machine learning. He loves the real-world applications of machine learning and applies it by competing in Hackathons and undertaking various research projects. Previously, Satvik completed a research project on the likeness of contracting COVID-19 based on varying factors by country and presented it at regional fairs. Outside of coding deep learning models, Satvik enjoys spending his time rock climbing and performing specific body weight exercises in calisthenics. Satvik looks forward to spreading his love and passion for machine learning and its capabilities to BCA students.
Kurumi Kaneko
Data Science Instructor
Kurumi Kaneko is studying Data Science at UC San Diego with a focus on Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Business Economics. Kurumi has tutored for over five years, most recently for data science courses at UCSD. With a passion for problem-solving and efficiency, Kurumi is developing innovative AI solutions that enhance business efficiency and decision-making across various sectors like sports and retail. Specifically, Kurumi is interested in creating private, company-specific versions of tools like ChatGPT that adhere to strict privacy regulations and in developing predictive models that optimize product supply to minimize waste while supporting multiple languages. Past projects include converting 5000+ Oracle Database SQL queries and creating a QA manual for a Japanese professional soccer team, Sanfrecce Hiroshia. Besides data science, Kurumi loves playing soccer and trying new bakeries. Kurumi looks forward to meeting and supporting potential data scientists in a fun, judgment-free environment at BCA!
Andrew Shen
Data Science Instructor
Andrew Shen is studying Computer Science, Math, and Data Science at UC Irvine with a focus on computer vision and computer graphics research. As an instructor, Andrew has taught neurodivergent students introductory programming via a California nonprofit he founded--receiving the Presidential Volunteer Service Gold Medal for his community service. Additionally, Andrew has been a Learning Assistant for the Intermediate Programming with Python course at UCI. Andrew has designed graphical user-interface software that helps students and domain experts easily build machine learning models and learn how AI works through visual interfaces and has published his research to an ACM conference. Beyond academics, Andrew enjoys hiking on the weekends to explore new terrain along with playing his trumpet. At Berkeley Coding Academy, Andrew looks forward to widening and invigorating students’ interest in data science and machine learning.
Remi Akopians
Data Science Instructor
Remi Akopians is studying Applied Linguistics with a Specialization in Computing at UCLA. She has worked extensively tutoring and teaching Math, English, Statistics, and History to students in the public primary education system. A trilingual student, Remi currently volunteers teaching English to students in Armenia. Her studies in Linguistics have facilitated her research on the integration of inclusive practices in language use and language learning, while her studies in Computing have empowered her to create software based on user needs. Winner of the Exemplary Achievement Award and Outstanding Abstract Award in 2023 by the Honors Transfer Council of California, Remi has been acknowledged for her original research on paralinguistics. Remi is very excited to synthesize her experiences to make this a summer worth remembering for all students at Berkeley Coding Academy!
Larry Nguyen
Data Science Instructor
Larry Nguyen is currently studying Cognitive Science with a specialization in Machine Learning at UC San Diego. He has experience teaching programming in various age groups ranging from elementary school all the way to the college level. Additionally, he has used many different coding languages like Scratch, Python, and Lua to help students understand the basis of code. Besides teaching, Larry has also worked on projects revolving around machine learning. Most recently, he worked with a team to create a program to group songs based off genres. Outside of teaching and coding, Larry spends his time working out, enhancing his cooking skills, and watching movies. He is looking forward to meeting all his students and watching them grow in their coding skills.
Motunrayo Lawrence
Content Creator / Instructor
Motunrayo Lawrence is studying Data Science at UC Riverside with a heavy interest in software development, data analytics, and cybersecurity. She loves combining her interest in programming and data analytics with her passion for film and entertainment. Previously, Motunrayo has worked on personal projects using datasets from streaming services like Netflix and Hulu to identify patterns and make recommendations for TV shows and movies. She is also involved in creating videos, films, and other forms of media and is currently working on a short film. Motunrayo looks forward to making content and showcasing the exciting learning environment of Berkeley Coding Academy
Jovel Ramos
Data Science Instructor
Jovel Ramos is currently pursuing a degree in Computer Engineering at San Jose State University. Passionate about leveraging technology to improve quality of life, Jovel is currently developing neural networks to aid runners in their training and races. With a background in tutoring math for students of all ages within the Bay Area, Jovel has honed the skills to effectively communicate complex concepts in an accessible manner. In addition to his technical expertise, Jovel is an avid runner and enjoys immersing himself in the realms of fantasy and sci-fi literature. His diverse interests and commitment to innovation drive his approach to teaching, aiming to inspire and empower the next generation of young data scientists. As an instructor for BCA, Jovel is excited to bring his enthusiasm for programming and neural networks to create an engaging learning environment, where students can explore the fascinating world of data science.
Jeffrey Meredith
Data Science Instructor
Jeffrey Meredith is studying Data Science at UC San Diego with a focus on Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. At UC San Diego, Jeffrey is a part of Triton Neurotech where he uses his expertise in machine learning to improve brain-computer interfaces that help people interact with technology using signals from their brains. As an instructor, Jeffrey has experience teaching the basics of computer programming to the next generation of engineers at elementary schools. The process of guiding motivated learners through difficult coding concepts has been enriching for Jeffrey and was a major factor in his decision to join Berkeley Coding Academy. Jeffrey looks forward to spreading his passion for coding and machine learning to even more students at BCA! When not teaching or programming, Jeffrey likes to surf the many beautiful beaches of San Diego County and play pickle ball.
Mariela Chala-Gross
Data Science Instructor
Mariela Chala-Gross studies Biological Anthropology at George Washington University with a focus on primate genomics and life history skeletal biology. Her data science research includes building a tornado predictor and a heart failure risk identifier coupled with lab work analyzing the effect of growth mediums on bacteria alongside its transformation efficiency. Mariela first became interested in coding when she took a data science class at Berkeley Independent Study from BCA program director Corey Wade. She was inspired by his passion for both coding and teaching, and she’s now in her second year of being an instructor at Berkeley Coding Academy, where she enjoys making coding fun and accessible for younger students the same way that Corey did for her. A lacrosse player and coach, Mariela likes to work out at the gym, read mystery novels, and play with her cats.