Denis Gorodkov
Research Mathematician | EdTech Innovator | Curriculum Designer
Toronto, CA.About
Highly accomplished Research Mathematician and EdTech Innovator with a PhD from Steklov Mathematical Institute and extensive experience in advanced curriculum design and pedagogical development. Leverages deep expertise in higher geometry, topology, and abstract mathematics to solve complex problems, drive educational transformation, and develop high-impact learning solutions for academic and industry contexts. Proven ability to translate theoretical knowledge into practical applications, excel in research, and lead impactful educational initiatives.
Work
University of Toronto, Mississauga
|Sessional Instructor I
Mississauga, ON, Canada
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Summary
Delivering foundational mathematics courses, employing innovative pedagogical strategies to enhance student learning and engagement.
Highlights
Co-designed and instructed two sections of MAT 102: Introduction to Proofs for 230 first-year students, establishing solid foundations in proof comprehension and writing.
Implemented an active learning model with pre-class readings and a partial flipped classroom, significantly enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes.
Developed and facilitated in-class activities to foster active learning skills, improving student understanding and application of complex mathematical proofs.
University of Toronto
|Postdoctoral Research Scholar
Toronto, ON, Canada
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Summary
Engaging in cutting-edge mathematical research and contributing to the academic community through scholarly activities and collaborations.
Highlights
Pursuing advanced research in mathematics, contributing to ongoing projects and developing new theoretical insights, including publications in preparation.
Collaborating with faculty and peers on research initiatives, fostering an environment of intellectual exchange and scientific advancement.
Presented research findings at seminars and conferences, contributing to the broader academic discourse in higher mathematics.
Steklov Mathematical Institute
|Postdoctoral Fellow
Moscow, Moscow, Russian Federation
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Summary
Led advanced research in pure mathematics, contributing to the field's foundational understanding through rigorous analysis and publication.
Highlights
Conducted independent research in higher geometry and topology, resulting in multiple peer-reviewed publications and contributions to the field (e.g., Russian Mathematical Surveys 71 (2016) 1140).
Collaborated with leading mathematicians on complex problems, advancing theoretical frameworks and contributing to significant findings in combinatorial geometry.
Developed and applied advanced mathematical techniques to solve intricate problems, demonstrating expertise in abstract reasoning and analytical problem-solving.
Alderwood Education
|Tutor and Program Developer
Remote
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Summary
Provided individualized mathematics instruction and contributed to program development for US-based undergraduate students.
Highlights
Delivered one-on-one tutoring in undergraduate-level mathematics, resulting in improved student performance and conceptual understanding.
Contributed to the development of educational programs, enhancing curriculum structure and instructional effectiveness for diverse learners.
Customized teaching approaches to meet individual student needs, fostering a supportive and effective learning environment.
Russian School of Mathematics
|Competition Mathematics Teacher and Curriculum Designer
Remote
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Summary
Designed and delivered advanced mathematics curricula, preparing students for competitive environments and fostering deep conceptual understanding.
Highlights
Developed comprehensive competition mathematics curricula, integrating advanced problem-solving strategies for high-achieving students.
Instructed students in complex mathematical concepts, leading to enhanced performance in national and international competitions.
Leveraged pedagogical expertise to create engaging learning experiences, adapting complex topics for effective student comprehension.
MSU Gymnasium
|Curriculum Designer and Teacher
Moscow, Moscow, Russian Federation
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Summary
Designed and delivered comprehensive mathematics curricula for high school students, fostering academic excellence and critical thinking.
Highlights
Developed and implemented advanced mathematics curricula for 15 students per class, significantly improving student engagement and comprehension in complex subjects.
Instructed diverse groups of students in Algebra, Geometry, Calculus, and Higher Mathematics, adapting teaching methods to various learning styles.
Contributed to student success by cultivating a strong foundation in mathematical principles and preparing them for advanced studies.
Education
Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology
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PhD
Mathematics
Steklov Mathematical Institute
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PhD
Mathematics (Geometry and Topology)
Moscow State University, Department of Mechanics and Mathematics
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Specialist of Mathematics (BA + MA equivalent)
Higher Geometry and Topology
Grade: 4.8/5 GPA (summa cum laude)
Awards
F.V. Atkinson Teaching Award for Postdoctoral Fellows
Awarded By
University of Toronto
Recognized for exceptional contributions to teaching and pedagogical innovation as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Toronto.
Publications
Hurwitz numbers for complex reflection groups G(m,p, n)
Published by
In Preparation
Summary
Research in preparation on Hurwitz numbers for complex reflection groups, furthering contributions to combinatorial theory.
Geodesic nets with four unbalanced vertices on the plane
Published by
In Preparation
Summary
Research in preparation on geodesic nets with four unbalanced vertices on the plane, contributing to geometric analysis.
An explicit local combinatorial formula for the first Pontryagin class
Published by
Uspekhi Matematicheskikh Nauk
Summary
Co-authored a paper presenting an explicit local combinatorial formula for the first Pontryagin class, contributing to combinatorial topology.
A minimal triangulation of the quaternionic projective plane
Published by
Russian Mathematical Surveys
Summary
Authored a publication on the minimal triangulation of the quaternionic projective plane, advancing understanding in geometric topology.
Languages
English
Fluent
Russian
Native
French
Native
Skills
Research & Analysis
Higher Geometry, Topology, Combinatorial Mathematics, Abstract Algebra, Linear Algebra, Differential Topology, Post-quantum Cryptography, Mathematical Modeling, Problem Solving, Theoretical Mathematics, Proof Comprehension, Analytical Thinking, Data Analysis.
Teaching & Curriculum Development
Curriculum Design, Instructional Design, Active Learning, Flipped Classroom, Peer-to-Peer Learning, Assessment Design, Course Coordination, Remote Instruction, STEM Education, EdTech, Content Development, Student Engagement, Mentoring.
Technical & Software
LaTeX, Web-based Tools, Concept Mapping, Problem Libraries, Algorithms, Data Structures.
Professional Development
Academic Writing, Public Speaking, Cross-functional Collaboration, Strategic Planning, Project Management.
Projects
Web-Based Toolset for Structuring Curricula
Summary
Created a library of web-based tools and templates for curriculum development with a focus on modularity and cross-referencing.