Lead Staff

Dr. Shaanan Cohney

Dr. Shaanan Cohney

Principal Coordinator

Deputy Head of School, School of Computing and Information Systems
PhD, Master in Law, Piano player, mischief maker.


Office Hours:

Private and Zoom Consultations Available by Appointment

Dr. Hanzhi Wang

Dr. Hanzhi Wang

Subject Coordinator

Subject Coordinator, School of Computing and Information Systems


Office Hours:

Private and Zoom Consultations Available by Appointment

Kacie Beckett

Kacie Beckett

Head Teaching Fellow

Hello World! I’m currently a Master of Electrical Engineering student, with my main interest being in electronics and embedded systems, from both a hardware and software perspective. C is one of my favourite programming languages, and conveniently for me, the language you will be learning!



Feel free to say hi if you see me around campus! I hope you enjoy the subject!


Fun Fact: I self host various replacements for 'cloud' services from a computer at my home, so I don't have to trust companies with my data (it's also more fun).
Rithik Rakesh

Rithik Rakesh

Production Associate

Hey! I am a second-year MSc student in Physics with the Experimental Particle Physics research group. When I’m not manipulating equations, I’m usually manipulating videos—I am passionate about cinematography and have also been doing VFX, editing, and 3D animation for a few years now.



I’m also a committee member of the Filmmakers Collaborative at Unimelb.


Fun Fact: I have a different bone structure in my right hand which causes my right thumb to fold inwards in an odd way — I am incapable of making a perfect C shape with the index finger and thumb on my right hand.

Senior Fellows

Senior Teaching Fellows are Teaching Fellows with multiple years of experience.

Isabelle Ostrowski

Isabelle Ostrowski

Senior Teaching Fellow

I am a second-year PhD student in Physics with the experimental particle physics research group, working on the Belle II experiment. This is my sixth year working as a computing tutor and 8th semester tutoring COMP10002. Outside of studies, I spend my time indulging in Melbourne food and coffee, doing some baking, and working with the University of Melbourne Postgraduate Physics Society (PPSS).


Fun Fact: I skipped the Taylor Swift concert despite having a ticket! I also passed on Billy Eilish.
Lenny Bloom

Lenny Bloom

Senior Teaching Fellow

I studied a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Electronic Engineering at Melbourne University in 2012. I currently work as a professional tutor and tour guide in Melbourne. I look forward to teaching you programming.


Fun Fact: I can do a backflip
Tracy Bu

Tracy Bu

Senior Teaching Fellow

I (on the left) am a second-year PhD student in Electrical Engineering and Physics in the OzGrav and Opinion Dynamics groups, studying gravitational waves and modelling opinions physically. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking fancy meals, running long slow distances, brewing and consuming coffee, playing Zelda, and playing fetch with Nano (on the right).


Fun Fact: My best friend ditched me and missed the Taylor Swift concert despite having a ticket. :(

Teaching Fellows

Teaching Fellows lead workshops, support labs, and help keep the learning experience sharp and welcoming.

Jerry Chen

Jerry Chen

Teaching Fellow

I’m a final-year BSc student majoring in Mechatronics Engineering, but on a side quest (Concurrent Diploma) in Computing. In my free time, I like playing badminton, the guitar, riding my motorcycle, and making stuff.
Although I have been tutoring for a couple years, this is my first time tutoring at the University. I hope to make your time studying FoA more sufferable ;)


Fun Fact: I deal with web developers (spiders) on my car every day :)
Maria Bulychev

Maria Bulychev

Teaching Fellow

Hi everyone! I completed my MSc in Mathematics in 2024 and am currently a second-year PhD student researching Security and Robustness of AI and Adversarial Learning. This is my second semester tutoring for Foundations of Algorithms, and I hope that together we can turn it into one of your favourite subjects!



In my free time, I enjoy aerial dance. So, most of the time, you’ll find me spinning upside down on a hoop or hammock.


Fun Fact: Despite having two degrees in Mathematics, I'm still not great with numbers. Better don't trust me with any basic arithmetic. Calculators exist for a reason!
Oscar Geerts

Oscar Geerts

Teaching Fellow

I’m a programmer, computer scientist, and mathematician, with a particular passion for C, algorithms, and systems programming! I’ve been a tutor for several years, and I love sharing any knowledge I can with others!


Fun Fact: I helped NASA discover and confirm an exoplanet about 400 light years away!

First Year Fellows

First Year Fellows run drop-in sessions in the CIS Learning Centre.

Brian Sumartono

Brian Sumartono

First Year Fellow

Helloo, I’m in my second year of a Bachelor of Science, majoring in computing and software systems. I enjoy competitive programming (join UMCPC!!) but I also like building projects in C++.
Looking forward to my first semester teaching FoA!


Fun Fact: You can find me on instagram reels @unimelbcpc
Jamie Vu

Jamie Vu

First Year Fellow

Hi! I’m in my final year of a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Pure Mathematics alongside a Diploma in Computing. This is my second semester teaching Foundations of Algorithms. Outside of uni, I love going on long walks and catching Melbourne’s very pretty sunsets.


Fun Fact: I'm currently on a mission to try every type of jam I can find.
Liam ZeFu Li

Liam ZeFu Li

First Year Fellow

I’m a final-year BSc student majoring in Mathematics with a Diploma in Computing. Outside of uni, I enjoy going to the gym and doing research (yes, apparently that counts as a hobby). This is my first semester teaching Foundations of Algorithms, and I hope that together we can make this subject fun!


Fun Fact: I can play the erhu.
Maya Schildkraut

Maya Schildkraut

First Year Fellow

Hi everyone! I’m a fourth year BSc student majoring in pure maths, and I’m also doing a concurrent diploma in computing. Apart from studying, I spend my time volunteering on multiple club committees, working as a medic on camps for young people with disabilities, doing maths outreach, and running programming workshops for high school girls.


Fun Fact: I'm on a quest to visit, rate, and review every train station in metropolitan Melbourne!