Erik recognized early in life how empowering education can be for students who might otherwise feel lost. Although college was portrayed to him as financially unattainable, he worked to earn admission to Cornell University as a first-generation student, with his tuition fully covered. There, he studied computer science in the College of Engineering and specialized in education, while also delving into software development. 

During these years—working machine learning internships at companies such as Bloomberg LP and TE Subcom, conducting software research at multiple universities, building and launching web-based startups, and spending time as a professional web developer—he always gravitated back to the deep fulfillment of teaching, which he had started at age 15, tutoring students each week at his local library.

Eventually, Erik transitioned away from the software realm to pursue what truly set his heart ablaze. He has now spent nearly a decade teaching students around the world, from kindergarten through college. What drives his work is the opportunity to build long-term relationships that persevere through the ebb and flow of yearly academics, in which he is able to understand students holistically and create safe spaces to grow. Throughout his career, Erik has worked closely with a handful of students over multi-year periods, and he takes much pride in remaining close with them as they build and launch businesses, pursue high-level research, graduate from Ivy League universities, and more.

As an Academic Mentor at ESM Prep (joining part-time in 2022 and later moving into a full-time role), Erik specializes in high school and college-level STEM courses, breaking down complex ideas with a calm, personalized approach based on each student’s comfort level. He also enjoys guiding students across a wider range of subjects, including English and history, essay writing, executive functioning, extracurricular research and planning, test prep (SAT/ACT/AP), and occasionally Spanish. His most prominent goal is to help students find meaning and direction in their pursuits—to not only meet expectations, but to surpass them and follow their hearts toward their aspirations. Erik sees himself as a teammate rather than just an instructor, and he is always willing to go the extra mile to help students make their goals a reality.

Outside of academics, Erik has an eclectic range of interests.He has volunteered as a caregiver for adults with special needs, was a certified personal trainer, and has also spent time living out of an old camper van! As a younger mentor with broad experiences, he often finds natural common ground with students and brings a genuine curiosity to learn about their own stories and interests. 

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