25au ver.
Note: this is for the Autumn 2025 iteration of CSE 121. Looking for a different quarter? Please visit https://courses.cs.washington.edu/courses/cse121/.
Instructors¶

Office Hours
Hi, I’m Brett! I grew up outside of Boston, MA and moved to Seattle after college. I earned my B.A. in Computer Science from Harvard University and my M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from UW. This is my eighth year teaching in the Allen School. Before I came here, I developed curriculum and trained teachers for Microsoft’s TEALS program, taught CS at Issaquah High School, and worked as a developer at Microsoft. Outside of teaching, I am a high school football official, a frequent volunteer at local FIRST Robotics events, and an avid board game and RPG player.

Office Hours
Hi y’all! I’m James. This is my first quarter at UW and my first autumn in Seattle. I grew up on the East Coast, but went to college in California, where I studied computer science and data science at UC Berkeley.
I recently finished my M.S. in Computer Science at Virginia Tech, where my research focused on AI ethics and policy, including AI regulation and AI ethics education. I started teaching my junior year of college and was immediately hooked! I love teaching introductory courses, as well as computing ethics courses like CSE 480.
In my free time, I love to travel (recent highlights include Vietnam, Peru, and South Africa), cook (check out some of my recent food adventures here), and play Minecraft (my current survival world is 3 years old). Stop by my office to say hi sometime!
Teaching Assistants¶

Hayden Feeney he/him
Quiz Section: AW
Hi all! My name is Hayden. This is my 8th quarter TAing, but my first time in 121. I’m looking forward to learning alongside you all! Outside of being a TA, I enjoy drinking tea, learning languages, shopping at Trader Joes and dancing. If you’re looking for a class to take, I’d recommend checking out EDUC 215. Happy fall!

Anya Vaish she/her/hers
Hi everyone!! I’m Anya, and I’m a third-year student studying computer science. This is my first quarter being a TA for CSE 121 and my fourth quarter being a TA overall, and I’m so excited to be here :) I also love to watch trashy Indian soap operas, hike, and go on long walks contemplating whether I should eat ice cream or a chocolate chip cookie for dessert.

Dalton Brockett he/him
Quiz Section: AE
Hi, everyone! My name’s Dalton and I’m a Senior studying Electrical and Computer Engineering. I’m thrilled to be a TA for CSE 121 this quarter! My main technical interests are in XR, HCI, and computer graphics. Outside of class, I enjoy music, disc golf, and learning new niche hobbies with friends. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need support with the course , I’m here to help :)!

Sam Korostov He/Him/His
Quiz Section: BF
Hi! I’m Sam, a senior studying Electrical and Computer Engineering. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time outdoors, listening to music, watching sports, and hanging out with friends. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions — I’m here to help and look forward to meeting you all!

Shayna Suzuki she/her
Quiz Section: AV
Hi everyone, I’m Shayna! I am currently a fourth-year student majoring in informatics. In my free time, I enjoy playing basketball, going out with friends, and watching movies! This will be my sixth quarter TAing for 121, and I am excited to meet you all!

Trey Adams
Hey everyone, I’m Trey! I’m a fourth-year studying ACMS. In my spare time I like gaming, reading, hiking, and weightlifting (find me at the ima)! This is my 6th quarter teaching CSE 121. If you ever want to talk about your favorite books or general course stuff, feel free to contact me! Enjoy the fall quarter :)

Abdul-Raqib Islam he/him/his
Quiz Section: AS
Hi, I’m Abdul! I’m a second year studying computer engineering and I’m excited to be TAing this quarter. In my free time I like to lift and triple draft in Clash Royale. Looking forward to meeting you guys!

Ailsa Chen she/her
Quiz Section: BG
Hello, I’m Ailsa (el-sa, like from Frozen)! I’m a senior majoring in computer science, and this is my sixth quarter TA-ing. In my free time, I like to crochet/knit, play video games (a lot of hollow knight lately), and collect hobbies :P. I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone!

Aki Furuyama he/him/his
Quiz Section: AI/BA
Hi, I’m Aki! I’m a junior majoring in Mechanical Engineering and this is my first quarter as a CS TA. Outside of class I enjoy doing Taekwondo and playing guitar. I’m so excited to see you all soon!

Amogh Babu He/Him
Quiz Section: BH
Hey everyone! My name is Amogh, I’m currently a sophomore in Computer Science. This is my first quarter as a TA! Outside of school, I love to play and watch any sports, play the piano, and walk my dog, Rex (if you have a cute pet send me pics). I can’t wait to meet all of you!

Anant Dhokia
Quiz Section: BO
Hi everyone! I’m Anant currently a fourth-year studying CS and INFO and this is my first time TAing! In my free time, I enjoy working out, skiing (only in the winter tho), playing clash royale, and eating good food! Looking forward to a great quarter and feel free to reach out to me anytime!

Anum Imran she/her/hers
Quiz Section: AH
Hey everyone! My name is Anum, and I’m excited to begin as a CSE 121 TA this quarter! This is my second year at UW, and I intend on majoring in CS. Teaching is one of my biggest passions, and I’ve been a tutor for the past few years. Aside from that, I enjoy robotics, traveling, and trying out new things. Can’t wait to meet you all!

Caleb Hsu he/him
Quiz Section: AW
Hi, my name is Caleb and this is my third time TA’ing for the intro CS series! Look forward to working with yall

Cayden Zhan he/him/his
Quiz Section: AD/BD
Hello everyone! I’m a second-year majoring in computer science from Bellevue, WA. Outside of class, I enjoy puzzle hunts, learning fun facts about languages, and sawing away on my violin. I’m super excited to be a TA this quarter and I look forward to meeting you all!

Elden Martial he/him
Quiz Section: AK
Hi! Im Elden, a sophomore studying computer science. I love all types of art and design: music, fashion, visual, graphic, UI/UX. I’d love to have conversations about these interests or about CSE. Im excited to aid in your learning and success! xx

Janvi Jagtap she/her
Quiz Section: AM
Hey guys I’m Janvi!! I’m a senior majoring in Computer Science with an Applied Math minor from Woodinville WA and this is my 7th quarter being a 121 TA. I am a big Seattle sports fan especially football and I absolutely love travelling and anything outdoorsy (please talk to me about any fun places you’ve been to or yummy food places). I am so so excited to meet and work with everyone this quarter :))

Jesse Tang he/him/his
Quiz Section: AG
Helloo everyone, I’m Jesse! I’m a junior majoring in amath-ds and info. In my free time, I like to read, watch anime, play tennis, and go to the gym. Recently, I’ve been getting more into bouldering and outdoor climbing. I would love to talk about any of that and much more! This is my first quarter as a ta, and I’m very excited to meet you all. Don’t hestiate to ask questions :)

Jessica Luo she/her/hers
Quiz Section: AL
Hi all, I’m Jessica! I’m a sophomore studying Computer Science and this is my first(!!) quarter as a CSE 12X TA. Outside of school, I enjoying going to cafes with friends, reading manga, and making jewelry. Can’t wait to meet everyone!

Johnathan Chi
Quiz Section: AF
Hi everyone! I’m Johnathan, currently a senior studying CS and psychology! This is my third quarter TAing, and in my free time, I Iove to play badminton, go running, and play brawl stars. I’m looking forward to getting to know you all, and feel free to reach out to me for any reason at all!

Minh Vu
Quiz Section: AV
Hi all! I’m Minh and I am a fourth year majoring in Finance and Information Systems. Outside of my academic life, I play IMleagues sports (Soccer and Flag Football), lift, rave, and listen to Dom Dolla. CSE 121 was my first ever class here at UW and I was in y’all’s shoes not too long ago so don’t hesitate to reach out!

Navya Jain
Quiz Section: AX
Hi! I’m Navya, and I’m a sophomore studying computer science and biochemistry. In my free time, I love to read, hike, make jigsaw puzzles, and listen to music! I’m psyched to be meeting and working with y’all this quarter :) Feel free to reach out anytime to talk about CSE, 121, or anything else!

Nhan Truong he/him/his
Quiz Section: BB
Hi everyone! I am a second-year in CS and this is my first TA quarter! Outside of class I like to draw maps and stargaze. Excited to meet everyone!

Paul Rabel
Quiz Section: AA
Hi everyone! My name is Paul and I am a sophomore studying Computer Science. In my free time I like to run, row, bike and hike. I’m looking forward to a great quarter together!

Reese Fairchild He/Him
Quiz Section: AR
Hello! My name is Reese, and I’m a Computer Science and Mathematics major. Some fun facts about me: I spent the past summer doing research in Taiwan, I have a Boston Terrier named Rocky, and my favorite TV show is (probably) “Horimiya.” It’s my first quarter TAing, and I am excited to meet you!

Ryan Deng He/Him/His
Quiz Section: BC
Hi! I’m Ryan and I’m currently a sophomore studying Computer Science. This is my first quarter TA’ing and I’m super stoked to meet everyone. Outside of class, I enjoy spending my time outdoors running, hiking, and skiing amongst a variety of other activities. Fun fact: I was once ranked #22 in the world for a Mario Party Jamboree mini-game.

Samrutha Babu she/her/hers
Quiz Section: AC
Hi, I’m Samrutha and I am a junior in Informatics. This is my third quarter as a TA, and I am beyond excited to meet you all! Outside of classes, I love to paint, go on hikes, and hang out with friends. If you have any questions please feel free to email me anytime!

Savannah Garrard She/her
Quiz Section: AP/BP
Hello! My name is Savannah and I am a sophomore from Kirkland pursing Computer Science. Some of my hobbies include playing video games, hiking with my dog, and experimenting with recipes! Please feel free to come talk to me about your favorite musical artists or for advice about taking CS classes. I hope you all have an amazing quarter! :)

Spencer Gardner he/him
Quiz Section: BK
Hello everyone, my name is Spencer! I’m a senior studying Informatics. This is my first time as a TA and I’m excited for a great quarter! Outside of school I enjoy cooking or playing sports like basketball and soccer. Looking forward to meeting everyone!

Sthiti Patnaik she/her
Quiz Section: BE
Hi, I’m Sthiti! I’m a senior majoring in CS. I love playing and watching racket sports (especially tennis), traveling, trying new coffee spots and eating! Excited to meet you all :)

Suyash Pandit he/him/his
Quiz Section: AO
Hello! I’m Suyash, and I’m a junior double majoring in CS and math. This is my first quarter as a TA! In my free time, I enjoy hiking, chess, poker, and following politics. I’m looking forward to working with you all!

Tamsyn Henke she/her/hers
Quiz Section: AJ
Helloooo, I’m Tamsyn, a sophomore studying Computer Science. I grew up moving around a lot (11 times before college!), so I’ve lived in a great number (nine, counting) different places, but I’m instate to Spokane, WA. This will be my first time TAing! In my free time, I enjoy swimming, watching anime, gaming, and sharing/performing music (especially anything VOCALOID related). Looking forward to meeting everyone!

Tj Wada He/him/his
Quiz Section: AN
Helloo. My name is TJ Wada and I am a second year international student studying Computer Science and Economics. I am half-Japanese half-Korean and outside of school I play tennis and basketball. Let’s have a great quarter!!

Zach Wu He/Him/His
Quiz Section: AB
Hey everyone! I’m a Junior currently double majoring in Informatics and ACMS. This is my 4th quarter being a TA. In my free time I like playing basketball and spikeball, as well as watching football and baseball with friends. I can’t wait to meet everyone!
Getting Help¶
Having questions or getting stuck on something is entirely expected in the learning process. If you find something challenging with your studies, that is a sign you are learning! Learning is not something that you need to do alone though! In fact, connecting with your peers or asking a member of the course staff for help can add extreme depth to your knowledge.
Outside of lecture and quiz section, there are three resources in this class specifically designed to answer your questions:
- TA office hours (the “IPL”) (synchronous, in-person only)
- Instructor office hours (synchronous, in-person and remote)
- Ed Discussion board (asynchronous)
Tip
A common misconception is that you can only go to office hours with specific homework questions. That is not true! If you have any questions about course concepts (e.g. from class that day), you are super encouraged to go work on that concept with a member of the course staff at office hours! Getting help with a concept earlier, when you first are feeling unsure, is much better than saving it until you need it on the homework.