Alex Yuschik graduated with a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh and originally came to the city to study math as an undergraduate at Carnegie Mellon. With over ten years of teaching experience as well as earning the Graduate Award for Excellence in Teaching in the Math Department at the University of Pittsburgh, Alex loves a good puzzle, from twisty calculus problems to college-level mathematics. When not being awed by the world of math, Alex is an ardent student of Japanese, a passionate volunteer for animal welfare organizations, and a writer of science fiction and fantasy.