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.

  • Synchronous Help (Office Hours): One place to go to get help is our Office Hours hosted throughout the week. TAs staff office hours for many hours a day to provide you the help you need when you need it! This is a great place to go if you want to review a particular course concept, work on a practice problem with the help of a TA or your peers, or get help on a Creative Project or Programming Assignment if you are running into difficulties.

    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.

  • Asynchronous Help (Ed Discussion): With a class of our size, directly emailing a member of the course staff is not always recommended. There are many of you and only few of us, so if you email one person directly we can’t make a guarantee how quickly we can respond! To alleviate this one-on-one communication of email, we have a course discussion board that will be a much more lively place for discussion and a way to make sure you can are helped more quickly. The message board is set up so that all of the course staff can help you, which will make it more likely for you to receive a quicker response!

Ed Tips

  • If you are asking a general question about the course logistics or content, you can make a public post. This way other students can benefit from seeing your question, and you can even answer each other’s questions to share your perspectives!
    • If you want, you can choose to post anonymously so that other students in the course can’t see your name. Note that anonymous posting does not hide your identity from the course staff.
  • You’re encouraged to answer each other’s questions as well! Explaining a topic to someone else (even on a discussion board) is a great way to help you better understand the material. The course staff will still look over student answers and can nicely point out some misconception if there is one so that everyone benefits.
  • If you have a question that’s pretty specific to your homework solution, or, is about some personal details that you would not want to share with the class (e.g., DRS accommodations), you can make a private post on Ed that is only visible to the course staff. This way, any member of the staff can respond to get you the help you need!
  • For sensitive matters that you only want to discuss with Brett, you can instead email Brett if that makes you feel more comfortable. Note that the response time for the instructors’ email is longer than posting on the Ed board.

Instructors

Photo of Brett Wortzman

Office Hours

By appointment
Schedule 1:1 Meeting

Brett Wortzman he/him

brettwo@cs

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 sixth 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.

Teaching Assistants

Photo of Abosh Upadhyaya

Abosh Upadhyaya Him

mihiru@cs

Quiz Section: AD

Student, TA, Husky.

Diet Coke Gargler, Taco Bell Gorger, Cookie Monster.

Grillmaster, Underwater Basket Weaver, Future Vice President.

POV: you walk into my section this quarter: https://students.washington.edu/mihiru/party.html


Photo of Andrew Cheung

Andrew Cheung he/him

acheung8@cs

Quiz Section: BE

Hey! I’m Andrew, a master’s student studying computer science. I’ve TAed intro for 12 quarters, but this is my first time as a staff member of 123. When I’m at school and not TAing/doing homework, I do research in programming languages (more than happy to answer questions about that!). Outside of school, I love cooking, playing League (ARAMs only), and forcing my friends to (re)watch Hell’s Kitchen. Looking forward to meeting y’all!


Photo of Chaos Gao

Chaos Gao He/Him

gyq2018@uw

Quiz Section: BH

Hey all! My name is Chaos and I’m a senior in CS and Math major. It’s my third quarter TAing and I am very excited. Looking forward to share my experience with you all. Outside class, I love running, bridge, and basketball. Also, I am a Math-person. Feel free to discuss anything you want with me!


Photo of Chloe Fong

Chloe Fong she/her

cf2024@uw

Quiz Section: AM

yes, i always look this good ✨


Photo of Darel Gunawan

Darel Gunawan He/Him

darelg2@uw

Quiz Section: BC

Hi! My name is Darel and I’m currently a sophomore majoring in computer science. In my free time, I enjoy playing video games, playing/watching basketball, and most recently bouldering. I’m super excited to TA this quarter and I’m looking forward to meet all of you!


Photo of Eric Bae

Eric Bae he/him

ebae3@cs

Quiz Section: AN

Yo I’m Eric, studying Computer Science. As science enthusiast, I have a passion in learning about different technologies in niches like biology and aerospace. I enjoy talking to people, listening to what they have to say, and discussing with them. While my interests are constantly shifting, the delicate web of intricacies between technology and society fascinates me.


Photo of Ernie Liu

Ernie Liu he/him

eliu03@uw

Quiz Section: BK

Hi everyone! My name is Ernie. I’m from Taipei, Taiwan, and I am a senior studying ACMS(data science & statistics). In my free time, I enjoy exploring boba shops, playing golf and basketball. Looking forward to meeting y’all.


Photo of Esther Liu

Esther Liu she/her

estliu@uw

Quiz Section: BP

Hi everyone! My name is Esther and I am a freshman majoring in CS. In my free time, I like to draw, play soccer, and play guitar. This is my second quarter TAing and I’m looking forward to meeting you guys!


Photo of Gabe Guo

Gabe Guo

gabeguo1@uw

Quiz Section: BJ

Who else puts chapstick on like this?


Photo of Hawa Drammeh

Hawa Drammeh she/her

hdram3@cs

Quiz Section: AK

hi, this is hawa, and I am very excited to meet you all! 21 years ago, I was born in the overlake hospital in bellevue, and the world hasn’t been the same since :)

im a 3rd year in cs and entrepreneurship! my family is originally from The Gambia, West Africa, aka, ‘the smiling coast of Africa’, so you are always going to see or hear me laughing, so you might have to mentally prepare for that…

some fun facts: first quarter as a TA, I have a twin brother (im cuter), I speak 5 languages, played competitive soccer for a couple of years, and very passionate about linguistics + comparative religion.

you can find me on the ed board, or in the cse dungeon! hmu if you ever want to chat about anything!


Photo of Hayden Feeney

Hayden Feeney he/him

hbfeeney@uw

Quiz Section: BO

Hello, Hayden Feeney here! About me: I’m from Tacoma Washington. My favorite activities include taking walks, playing guitar, and drinking tea. I am a first year computer science student and this will be my first time being a TA. Looking forward to meeting everyone and having a great quarter!


Photo of Hilal Mufti

Hilal Mufti he/him

hmufti@cs

Quiz Section: BN

Hi everyone, I’m Hilal. I’m a sophomore majoring in cs & math. Outside of class, I enjoy reading (mostly philosophy & lit), playing games, and science & math. I’m excited to meet everyone and hope to have a great spring quarter!


Photo of Hitesh Boinpally

Hitesh Boinpally he/him

hiteshb@uw

Quiz Section: AM

Hi everyone, I’m Hitesh! I’m a master’s student studying computer science originally from Maple Valley, WA. Some things I like to do outside of school are biking, watching football, and trying new foods. I’m looking forward to getting to know you all this quarter!


Photo of Ido Avnon

Ido Avnon he/him

idoavnon@uw

Quiz Section: AC

Hi all, My name is Ido! I am a third year studying education and CS, and I use he/him pronouns. Outside of class, I love birding, reading (U. K. Le Guin is unbeatable), and hiking! Excited to be TAing for 123!


Photo of Jake Page

Jake Page he/him

jakep11@uw

Quiz Section: BL

Hi everyone! My name is Jake Page and I’m currently a sophomore studying Computer Science. This is my 3rd quartering TA and looking back it’s been one of the most fun experiences I’ve had at UW. If anyone has interests in TA feel free to reach out and I’m always happy to respond. To keep myself active(and not staring at a screen all day) I’m usually either working out or playing bball on any given day. The last couple of years I’ve also gotten into producing music which has allowed me learn the ins and outs of how to make a song. I’ve so far mostly produce in the hip-hop, trap, and rnb genres. I’m always looking for new artists and genres to listen to and learn from so feel open to putting me on to your favorite artists throughout the quarter. Overall I’m super excited to get to meet all of you in person and work to make section this quarter chill, fun, inviting, and maybe most importantly worth the time :)


Photo of Jay Dharmadhikari

Jay Dharmadhikari

jayd1903@uw

Quiz Section: BG

Howdy! I’m Jay, a double major in Computer Science and Economics. I enjoy painting, listening to music, making wicker furniture, and watching Netflix. See you in section!


Photo of Jolie Zhou

Jolie Zhou she/her

joliez@uw

Quiz Section: AB

Hi, I’m Jolie! I’m a sophomore studying Computer Science and this is my sixth quarter TAing the intro series. I enjoy transcribing music (unsuccessfully), crocheting amigurumi, and baking. Looking forward to meeting everyone ( ´ ▽ ` )ノ


Photo of Joshua Chen

Joshua Chen he/him

jmzchen@uw

Quiz Section: BM

Hi everyone! My name is Joshua, and I’m from San Jose, CA, and I study CS and Math. This will be my second quarter TAing 123, and I’m very excited to get to know you all! Outside academics, I enjoy hiking, backpacking, and playing the piano. I also play trombone in the Husky Marching Band, so maybe you’ll see me around cheering on our teams at the football/basketball/softball games! (or at rehearsal if you’re in band too)


Photo of Karen Haining

Karen Haining

khaining@uw

Quiz Section: AL

Hey, I’m Karen! I’m a third-year majoring in computer science and piano performance, and am super excited to TA 123 for the first time after TAing 122 for a couple quarters! In addition to TAing, I’m also part of the Husky Satellite Lab, working on sending our second cubesat into space :o Outside of school, some of my hobbies include reading, ultimate, and sewing. I’m really looking forward to this next quarter with you all–feel free to reach out if you want to chat about anything!


Photo of Ken Oh

Ken Oh

kenoh17@uw

Quiz Section: AE

Hey everyone! My name is Ken. In my free time, I like to do lots of random things but I mainly play sports and hangout with friends. Excited to get to meet y’all!


Photo of Liza Zakharova

Liza Zakharova she/her

lizazak@uw

Quiz Section: AR/BR

Hello everyone! I’m a second year student studying Computer Science here at UW. This is my first time TAing, and I’m super excited to help and support you guys out as you complete your last step of the intro series. Outside of CS, I’m involved in some dance/theater organizations in and outside of the UW community. I’m also an avid skier/hiker. Feel free to reach out with any questions about the course or CS in general :)


Photo of Logan Dinh

Logan Dinh

ldinh2@uw

Quiz Section: AE

Hi guys! My name is Logan and I am a second-year student studying Computer Science. This is my third quarter teaching the intro series! Why do I keep TAing? It is because I loved my first intro to programming classes, so I hope you will too! Outside of class, I love to play video games, workout, and going to RAVES! Feel free to talk to me about anything rave related! Lastly, I hope you enjoy this class and have fun in the process!


Photo of Malak Zaki

Malak Zaki she/her

mzaki@uw

Quiz Section: AH

sophomore in CS super excited to be a TA this quarter!! you can call me malak or zak (last name) i like both! i also like middle eastern food (biased) and wasting countless hours on valorant, hmu for anything! here’s a poem

HEY GANG my name is zak welcome to the paCK the skill is immac in CS if u lack i got ur BACK swag :D


Photo of Nick Chung

Nick Chung he/him

nschung@uw

Quiz Section: BD

Hi! My name is Nicholas, but you guys can just call me Nick! I’m a second year studying Computer Science and outside of school I like to hang out with friends, listen to music, and watch anime! This is my second quarter TAing and I’m looking forward to meeting everyone!


Photo of Nicolas Matthew Suhardi

Nicolas Matthew Suhardi he/him

nicmatt@uw

Quiz Section: BB

Howdy folks 👋 This is my 8️⃣th quarter TAing and I’m excited to guide your journey through CSE 1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣ and make this quarter an amazing experience. Outside of CS, I’m an aviation enthusiast working on my private pilot license in KRNT (Renton Municipal Airport) ✈️. I’m also a big fan of indomie (arguably the best instant noodle) 🍜, tech products 🖥️, and carnivorous plants 🪴. My email is always open whenever you need help ✌️


Photo of Owen Boseley

Owen Boseley He/Him

nulltm@cs

Quiz Section: BQ

Hi There, I’m Owen and I am excited to be teaching you all in CSE123. My Hobbies include marathon running, competitive computer science, and learning as much as I can. I am striving to be the best TA I can be, so don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns. Thanks.


Photo of Rohan Simon Shanthanu

Rohan Simon Shanthanu he/him

rshanth@uw

Quiz Section: AO

Hi! My name is Rohan and I’m a freshman studying computer science. Outside of class I like to play basketball, read manga, sleep, and stare into the sun. Looking forward to meeting all of you :)


Photo of Sara Wu

Sara Wu she/her

szwu00@cs

Quiz Section: BF

Ayo, what’s up! I’m Sara, this is my second quarter teaching 123 and third quarter as an intro TA! I’m excited to teach 123 again this quarter and hope you guys all enjoy the nice weather :D


Photo of Suhani Arora

Suhani Arora she/her

suarora@uw

Quiz Section: AF

Hi there! I’m Suhani and I’m a second year majoring in Computer Science. I’m from Redmond, WA and in my free time, I love watching TV and movies (especially Bollywood), spending time with friends and listening to music. I’m looking forward to this quarter and I’m really excited to work with everyone!


Photo of Trien Vuong

Trien Vuong he/him

mtrienv@uw

Quiz Section: AG

Hey y’all, I’m Trien! I am a Freshman and this is my first time TAing the intro series. I’m super excited to get to know y’all! Outside of academics, I mainly spend my time playing video games. Currently, I am playing League, Terraria, and FFXIV the most right now, so hit me up if you wanna join in! Looking forward to meeting everyone!


Photo of Ziao Yin

Ziao Yin he/him

ziyin@cs

Quiz Section: BA

Hey everyone! I’m Ziao and I am currently a sophomore majoring in CS and biochem. When I’m not busy, I enjoy spending time outdoors, traveling, making music, and skiing. Looking forward to meeting everyone and we’ll get through this quarter together!