Introduction to Algorithms
CSE 421 | Spring 2025Staff List
If you have logistic questions, you can address them to our head TAs. However, for any matters relating to academic conduct or extenuating circumstances of the two-sigma variety, etc. please contact Prof. Nirkhe.
Chinmay Nirkhe
InstructorEmail: nirkhe@cs.washington.edu
Office Hours: Monday 4:30pm - 6:00pm, Wednesdays 4:30pm - 5:30pm CSE2 353
Faculty office: CSE2 217
I have been faculty at the University of Washington since Autumn 2024. My research is at the intersection of complexity theory and quantum computation. You are likely to find me wandering around campus on a walk. My favorite destination on campus is going to view the statue "The Seated IV" by Wangechi Mutu.
Timothy Tran
Head Teaching AssistantEmail: timttran@cs.washington.edu
Office Hours: Wednesday 10:00am - 11:00am, CSE1 Breakout Floor 2
Hey everyone! I’m a junior in CS, and algorithms was one of my favorite classes at UW, so I’m really excited to be TAing it this quarter! Outside of class, you’ll probably find me playing tennis or climbing - either at Crags or out in North Bend (if it ever stops raining)!
Jay Dharmadhikari
Head Teaching AssistantEmail: jayd1903@cs.washington.edu
Office Hours: Wednesday 4:30pm - 5:30pm, CSE2 353
Hey! I'm a junior studying computer science and excited to be your 421 TA. I’m interested in hashing, sketching, and streaming algorithms. Feel free to ask me about those, or give me advice about how to clear Expert+ levels in Beat Saber.
Owen Boseley
Teaching AssistantEmail: nulltm@cs.washington.edu
Office Hours: Tuesday 6:30pm - 7:30pm, CSE1 Breakout Floor 2
Hi, my name is Owen. I’m a little bit of everything with a special knack for terrible jokes and utter obsession with theoretical computer science. The best part? I want you to be obsessed too — come chat with me and let’s learn together!
Yichuan Deng
Teaching AssistantEmail: ycdeng@cs.washington.edu
Office Hours: Tuesday 3:30pm-4:30pm, CSE1 674
Hi, I am a PhD student in the Allen School. I have some background in Algorithms and am happy to TA 421 this quarter. I like to play badminton and paddleboarding in summer besides research.
Ajay Harilal
Teaching AssistantEmail: ajayh1@cs.washington.edu
Office Hours: Wednesday 9:00 - 10:00am, CSE2 151
Hi everyone! I’m a CS BS/MS student. I have TAed 421 for two quarters and it’s my favorite class! Outside of school, I love everything soccer ⚽ related and chess!
Shayla Huang
Teaching AssistantEmail: yushan13@cs.washington.edu
Office Hours: Tuesday 12:00pm - 1:00pm, CSE2 131
Hi! I'm Shayla, currently a third-year in CS and ACMS. CSE 421 is one of my favorites, and I’m excited to work with you all through this journey! Feel free to reach out and I’m happy to talk about anything. (p.s. I’m on a mission to find the best croissant in Seattle, so please send any recommendations my way :D)
Siddharth Iyer
Teaching AssistantEmail: siyer@cs.washington.edu
Office Hours: Tuesday 10:30am - 11:30am, CSE1 220
I am a sixth year PhD student in the theory group at the Allen School in UW. I am very fortunate to be advised by Anup Rao. I am interested in combinatorics and complexity theory (especially communication complexity).
Oscar Sprumont
Teaching AssistantEmail: osprum@cs.washington.edu
Office Hours: Monday 10:00am - 11:00am, CSE1 220
Hi! I am a grad student in CS theory at UW. I have TA'd CSE 421 before and really liked the class. In my free time, I play soccer and chess.
Jack Zhang
Teaching AssistantEmail: tzhang26@cs.washington.edu
Office Hours: Tuesday 9:00 - 10:00am, CSE2 153
Hello! I am a fifth-year MS student in CS. I TAed 421 two years ago and am excited to TA it again. In my free time, I enjoy snowboarding and have recently started exploring golf (when the snow melts :) ).