Our Team

Rishi Shah

Rishi Shah is a freshman in High School with a core GPA of 4.5. Beginning his STEM path in middle school, Rishi grew fond of biology and mathematics. Rishi has fostered his passion for STEM, from ranking 9th nationally in Math Kangaroo to earning various medals in Anatomy and Physiology for SciOly. In recent years, Rishi has extensively continued his path in biology, where he was honored with an honorable mention at the USA Biology Olympiad. Rishi co-founded STEM SURGE in the hope of increasing passion and involvement in STEM. He aims to help spread STEM to underprivileged areas to help them get more involved. However, when he is not surrounded by books, you might find him baking another delectable pastry!

Rishi teaches school-curriculum geometry and intro to comp math. However, he also tutors for biology and various programming languages.

Benjamin Sun, President

Ben is a high school freshman and co-founder of STEM SURGE, with a 4.5 core GPA. Since elementary school, he's seen math as a means to explore the beauty of nature. He's followed this passion for years, which even yielded him results in competition math, such as a qualifying for MATHCOUNTS States, getting Distinguished Honor Roll for the AMC 8, and qualifying for the AIME. More recently, he's been using math to approach practical problems in robotics, with his contributions helping his team reach the state level.

Ben co-founded STEM SURGE with the hope that he would be able to cultivate the same passion for STEM in students as well. Ben's love for math and robotics, coupled with his achievements, make him an accomplished individual, a success he wants to share with others. But when no one's looking, he'll also draw or juggle!

Ben teaches both school-curriculum math, as well as competitive math (e.g. MATHCOUNTS, AMC Prep). He also does 1-on-1 tutoring for the same subjects.

Kailin Kang, Vice President

Kailin Kang is an exceptional student with a remarkable academic record, including a current core GPA of 4.5. Her accomplishments span numerous competitions, such as winning bronze medals in Codebusters and Write-It, Do-It at the Science Olympiad Cameden CC Regionals, a bronze medal in Code Analysis at the Boyceville Invitationals, and 5th place finishes in Codebusters and Write-It, Do-It at the Science Olympiad States. Kailin has also excelled in mathematics, qualifying for Mathcounts States, earning AMC 8 Honor Roll, and securing 1st place in the Euclidean CML and Computer Science CML. She was awarded the 1st Place Best Paper Award for Thermodynamics and Optics in the Art of Physics Education competition. Kailin's diverse achievements demonstrate her intellectual prowess, and dedication to learning, as well as helping younger students learn as well.

Kailin teaches school-curriculum algebra, but she also tutors 1-on-1 for physics.

Claire Cheng

Claire Cheng is a 9th grader at Livingston High School in Livingston, New Jersey, and has been engrossed in STEM ever since she was young. She has qualified for Mathcounts States (2023), and has received the AMC8 Honor Roll (2022 & 2023), ECML 1st Place (Algebra 2022), Computer Science CML 1st Place (2023), and CML 1st Place Euclidean Division (2022 & 2023). Currently, she has a core GPA of 4.5.

In addition, Claire is a chess lover and currently is in varsity chess at LHS. Claire has qualified for the World Cadet, World Youth, and the Ruth Haring National Tournament of Girls, and played in many national & international tournaments such as the North American Youth Chess Championships, Pan American Youth Chess Championships, All-Girls, and more. Moreover, Claire participated in numerous chess team competitions and their team received many awards such as the 2022 K-8 National MS Championship 2nd Place, 2024 K-12 National HS Championship 2nd Place, Top Middle School in the 2022 US Amateur East Team Championships, 2024 HS NJ State Champions, and Top 3 in the NJ State Championships in 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2023. Ultimately, her chess experiences imparted valuable lessons that contributed to her learning in STEM.

Aside from STEM & chess, she enjoys composing & making music, playing the clarinet, swimming, and photography. She was in New Jersey School's Music Association's region Wind Ensemble (2023) and Symphonic Band (2024), the New Jersey Youth Symphony's Youth Orchestra (2024). She will participating in the Youth Symphony in the fall of 2024.

Claire teaches school-curriculum algebra. You can also contact her for chess tutoring.

Wesley Yang, Vice President

Wesley Yang is an exceptional student with a remarkable 4.5 core GPA. He has achieved numerous accolades, including qualifying for VRC States in 2023, winning the VRC Monroe Township High School Tournament, being ranked the #1 VAIRC team in the state, and earning 1st place in the Euclidean CML competition in both 2022 and 2023. In addition to this, Wesley has a strong passion for music and has been accepted into high seats in the New Jersey Area Wind Ensemble, New Jersey School Music Association’s region Symphonic Band, and New Jersey Association for Jazz Education’s senior Jazz Band. Wesley's impressive accomplishments in academics, robotics, mathematics, and music showcase his well-rounded talents, dedication to excellence, and passion for STEM and music fields.

Wesley teaches school-curriculum geometry, but also contact him for any 1-on-1 robotics help.

Annie Jiang

Annie Jiang is an extraordinary young achiever with a current Core GPA of 4.5. Her impressive accomplishments include: 2nd Place Connect Award and 2nd Place Inspire Award in FTC Robotics competitions (2024); 1st Place Connect Award in FTC Robotics Leagues (2024); Silver Medal in Science Olympiad States Fast Facts (2023) and Bronze Medal in Science Olympiad Regionals Meteorology (2023); 1st Place awards in Euclidean CML and Computer Science CML (2022); 1st Place in Academically Speaking Essex County (2023); and 2nd Place in Challenge 24 Essex County (2023). Annie is also in the New Jersey Symphony's Youth Orchestra and has been accepted into the NJMEA All-State Orchestra (2024). Annie's exceptional academic and extracurricular achievements demonstrate her dedication, intellect, and passion for learning, making her a truly outstanding instructor for rising freshmen.

Annie teaches school-curriculum algebra, but also tutors for school-curriculum math in general.

Rewa Jain,Vice President

Rewa Jain is an exceptional young scientist who has demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm and dedication to her scientific pursuits. She is an International Climate Olympiad semifinalist and a three-time returning member of the prestigious Science Olympiad, showcasing her deep understanding and passion for environmental science, sustainability, and a wide range of scientific disciplines. Rewa's enthusiasm extends beyond her academic achievements, as she is actively involved in various scientific outreach and research initiatives, inspiring others to explore the wonders of the natural world. Her impressive accomplishments and unwavering commitment to scientific exploration make Rewa Jain a true role model for aspiring young scientists.

Staff Spotlight

Here is what the staff have been up to the past few weeks!

5/18/24: STEM SURGE Wins STEM Ambassador Award at East CACS Symposium

Staff members Benjamin Sun, Claire Cheng, Rishi Shah, Annie Jiang, Kailin Kang, and Wesley Yang attended the East Chinese American Chemical Society annual symposium. We entered in a research poster, attended talks, and spread our message about STEM SURGE. The East CACS recognized our hard work, dedication, perseverance, and ambitions in the research we presented by awarding our organization the prestigious STEM Ambassador's award.

Staff members Benjamin Sun and Wesley Yang supported our STEM initiative by volunteering their time and effort at the FLL Robotics Invitational, that saw over 60 middle school teams from across the country participate and compete. Their efforts supported our nationwide STEM community, and helped to make the event a success!

5/19/24: STEM SURGE Staff Volunteer at FLL Robotics AROC Competition

6/8/24: STEM SURGE Staff Volunteer and Marketed at the Livi Chess Tournament

Staff member Claire Cheng supported our STEM initiative by volunteering at the Livingston Chess Tournament. Her efforts helped make the Chess tournament run smoothly. She had the chance to help out the STEM community which is exactly what STEM SURGE is all about.