Tutor Biographies
Ada Lin
I recieved an AAS degree in Fashion Design and am currently working on earning a BA in Fashion Design at FIT. I tutor students in first and second semester draping, patternmaking, and fashion art, and third semester draping. I am also interested in poetry, religion, music, and painting. I plan to work as a Fashion Designer once I graduate from FIT.
My advice to students is to think about what you will remember most about your academic experience 10 years from now. It won't be about what grade you got in a class, but what you learned in that class that is helping you with your career. So don't focus on what grade you are going to get, but on what you can get out of that class. Have fun with what you're learning and let it positively contribute to your professional career.
Akino Sakaoka
My name is Akino Sakaoka. I recieved a BFA in Interior Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology, an MS in Construction Management from New York University, a Baccalaureate Certificate in TESOL from Columbia University, and I completed the Japanese Teacher Training Program at the Japan Society.
I currently tutor students in Auto CAD, perspective drawing, drafting, rendering, architectural working drawings, and other interior design courses. In addition, I tutor all levels of Japanese. I would like to teach at FIT some time in the future. I am always seeking out talented interior design students to work with me on freelance projects that I am currently involved with. I chose my profession in interior design because I like to express my creativity in 3D and to invent my own design styles.
My advice for current and future FIT students is to study hard, manage your time, complete assignments on time, and think like a professional.
Please take a look at my current Japanese cooking video for making Sukiyaki.
Artem Silantyev
My name is Artem Silantyev and I am currently a Computer Animation and Interactive Media major at FIT with a background in Fine Arts. I currently tutor students in Flash, website design, computer animation and post-production, and special effects related classes. My main goal in life once I graduate is to either work on programming for games, work in a company where I can produce interactive content,, or work in the computer animation field.
My advice to students currently studying at FIT, especially taking CG classes, is to take full advantage of everything you can get to learn the content of the courses. Sit next to people you can talk to so that you can share information you gather and learn more and learn faster. Lastly, if you find you are stuck and do not know how to get a specific result, Google it!
Some of the websites I find useful are:
- W3Schools - This site is useful for website design classes and it also has a section for PHP and JavaScript codes.
- CreativeCOW - This site has tutorials for flash animation, Photoshop, and pretty much anything else related to creating your own video content.
- JavaScript Lint - This website is used to help check JavaScript code to make sure there are no errors.
- Google.com - Trust me, one of the most useful websites I rely on.
Carissa Lam
Hey there! My name is Carissa Lam and my current major is Technical Design. I have an Associates Degree in Fashion Design. So why go on to Technical Design? It's fun. Even though you're not exactly a designer, you still have input because you have knowledge about patternmaking and how garments are sewn together.
The courses that I tutor in at FIT are for Fashion Design, Fashion Art, Apparel Production and Technical Design classes. I'm also intreseted in languages, movies, mini sewing projects, and exploring NYC! My plan for the future is to hopefully become a knowledgeable and successful Technical Designer with a speciality in knits, coats, and jackets.
My adivce for FIT students: Don't let what others think and say put you down! Criticism can be a good thing; it only helps you to improve your work!
Christine Yeh
I received a BFA in computer animation from FIT in 2010. I currently tutor FIT students in computer graphics courses, 3D computer programs, and Mandarin Chinese.
I was a graphic designer for 10 years. In 2008, I quit my job and came to FIT to study computer animation. I am working towards getting into the media industry.
My advice to FIT students is to aim high and be patient.
David Neiditch
I have a MS in Chemical Engineering. My last job was with Johnson and Johnson where I worked for 19 years. The last 14 years at J&J I was the Cheif Process Engineer for Splenda, the world's best-selling non-nutritive sweetener. I recieved the Johnson Medal, J&J's highest award for innovation, for the work I did on the Splenda project.
I am now retired,and besides tutoring math and science at FIT, I do metal sculpture and enjoy reading postmodern fiction.
My advice to FIT students is to take full advantage of all the help available at FIT outside of the classroom.
Denise deGoumois
In my first life, I worked my way through the University of Wisconsin and the University of Connecticut with a manual typewriter to earn a BS degree specializing in journalism, advertising, and home economics. I continued my education at the Art Students League, CUNY Hunter College, and Baruch College; I now study at FIT.
I was initially a print-oriented writer, editor, graphic artist, and production coordinator. With the advent of computerized programs, I re-invented myself by majoring in typography/layout and digital graphics software. I created my first website circa 2000 and explored timeline animation shifting my focus to online technology. I am now exploring fluid, responsive web site creation that is mobile-device adaptive.
I love learning and sharing accumulated and man-made trivia from copy editing to power-user shortcut keys. I am fluid in and qualified to tutor: Flash/Action Script, AfterEffects, Corel Painter, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, and cutting-edge website development using HTML, CSS3, JavaScript, and Dreamweaver.
Dongeun (Julie) Kwon
I recieved an AAS degree in Fashion Design and am currently working on a BFA in Fashion Design with a specialization in knitwear from FIT. I tutor students in fashion design and fashion art courses.
I chose to study fashion design because I love fashion styling, not only for myself, but for other people too. I enjoy seeing how other people style themselves. Eventually I began to design what I wanted to wear. I am interested in contemporary art and going to museums. I travel a lot to get some inspiration for my designs. I also enjoy watching movies.
My advice to FIT students is to manage your time well. It is important to know what you are doing and have to do. This is important not only here at FIT, but later in the work world because you will have to do things on a deadline for your boss or for customers. I personally keep notes and make a to-do list to manage my time.
Guiomar Giraldo
I attended FIT, where I recieved a BFA in Fashion Design. I am currently tutoring in FIT classes like fine arts, fashion design, fashion art, and surface design. I am interested in all cultures, music, art, and film. I plan to develop a website to sell tee shirts I recently designed. One of the reasons I chose fashion design as my major was so I could design anything I wanted, and I am.
My advice to FIT students is to follow your heart's call and lead the way.
Jamshed R. Irani
Hi. My name is Jamshed Irani and I'm a tutor for fashion design as well as English and fashion merchandising management courses. I have a Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design and more than five years of working experience in both the U.S. and Pakistani fashion industries. I am also currently a 5th semester student in Fashion Merchandising Management at FIT, learning about the business end of fashion.
My passions include painting and illustration and I have taken part in and won illustration competitions internationally. I take pride in being detail oriented and love to share my training and knowledge to help new students. I believe that a positve attitude and determination can help you overcome almost any challenge. I look forward to working with each and every one of my tutees.
Jonathan Mindell
I recieved a BA in English and Journalism and a Minor in Art History from Syracuse University, took graduate classes in personality development at NYU in the MSW program and received a Certificate in TESOL from Teachers College, Columbia. I worked as the Creative Director, SVP, N.W. at Ayer and D'Arcy Advertising and an editor for the Associated Press. I am a member of the Actor's Equity and SAG-AFTRA unions, and the author of two off-off Broadway plays. I was a creative consultant for the film documentary, Lion of Judah, Los Angeles Film Festival, 2012.
I currently tutor students at FIT in advertising and Marketing courses, Social Sciences, Art History, Philosophy and others. I have also been a tutor and assistant teacher for the Educational Opportutnity Program at FIT and an accomodative aide for the FIT-ABLE program at FIT.
I am a volunteer reader and Pencil Pal in NYC Public Schools. A favorite website is: BritishMuseum.org.
My advice for FIT students is to work with a friend, counselor or tutor to figure out how you learn best.
Morgan Cole
My name is Morgan Cole and I have an AAS in Fashion Design from FIT. I am cuurently in my 5th semester working on my BA and will be starting a concentration in knitwear in 2013. I tutor students in fashion design courses.
I love knitting, sewing, drawing, fashion, baking, and being crafty! In the future, I hope to work for a well known company, work my way up, and make a name for myself in the fashion industry. I hope to save enough money to some day start my own company. I chose my major because I've been sewing my whole life and I love art and fashion. I decided that I should persue a career in the areas I am so passionate about.
My advice for FIT students is to be organized--time management is key. Be timely and efficient with your projects. Homework and school should take priority, but don't forget to save some time for yourself to relax. Also, be confident in your work, don't be afraid to think outside the box, and don't hesitate to ask questions or get extra help if something is difficult to understand. But most of all, get involved in the school, explore the city, and enjoy yourself!
Robert Roth
In 1987 I helped start a magazine called And Then which is still in existence. In 2007 my book called Health Proxy was published. Currently I am working on a number of differeent projects including acting in a movie called The Education of Thomas Jefferson. Over the years, I have been involved in various movements for social change. I have had very deep and rich friendships. I very much enjoy my contact with students and have learned a lot from working with them.
My advice to FIT students is to hang in there. Take a deep breath. Don't be afraid to ask any questions.
Russell Jenkins
I recieved a BA in Economics form Rutgers University. I am currently awaiting state certification for a vocational school where applicants can recieve job training in project mangement. While waiting for my certification, I am tutoring students at FIT in economics, statistics, Microsoft (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) and mathematics courses.
My advice for students is to allow yourself to think of your course work (especially those classes which are required but not directly related to your major) as the "broader tapestry/medium" of which you have to work in. As a person coming from a non-fashion background, I am surprised by the creative way some fashion students approach the use of traditionally non-fashion type tools and subjects in pursuit of their projects and/or designs.
Samantha Tal
I have a BS in Applied Economics and Management and hope to attend graduate school in the future. I chose to study economics because it provides a different perspective from which to think about everyday concepts. I currently tutor FIT students in math, economics, and accounting courses. Aside from tutoring, my interests include engaging in nature-oriented activities.
My advice to FIT students is to always take some time out of your day to do something you enjoy.
Travis Holt
I received a BSME (Mechanical Engineering) from Georgia Tech in 2010. I am currently tutoring students at FIT in math, physics, and economics.
I am interested in music production, CAD, processing, ultimate frisbee, stand-up, and algorithmic art. I would like to become a draftsman using AutoCAD to make physical models. I chose to study mechanical engineering because it combines the best of both worlds. As an ME student, you get to study mechanics, circuits, chemistry, computing, and more. I have always been curious about the way things work, and a ME degree gives you a broad overview of many facets of natural science.
My advice to FIT students: When you are trying to learn something, don't say, "I can't do this." Instead say, "I can't do this yet." The change in attitude really does make a difference.
Yaxiong (Tommy) Huang
My name is Yaxiong (Tommy) Huang. I have a BS in Mathematics and Economics from the college of Staten Island. I also have an MA in Statistics and Applied Math from Hunter College. I tutor math courses at FIT.
My interests involve using math, statistics, and algorithms to solve IT/business problems. I plan to be an actuary analyst or data analyst in the near future. I chose my majors because they can be applied to business/science fields and used to solve real world problems. Those majors have trained me with analytical and problem solving skills.
My advice to FIT students is to follow the proper method of study for each subject and to have a passion for studying in their majors.
Yukiko Nakamura
I received a BA in Art and Archaeology from the International Christian University in Toyko, Japan. I then went on to recieve an AAS in Fine Arts from the Fashion Institute of Technology. I chose my major at FIT because I wanted to explore and improve my painting. I am currently tutoring students in fine arts, history of art, and Japanese.
My advice to FIT students: Don't go into a panic, even if you have a lot to do. If you need help, feel free to use the Tutoring Center.