Blue Ridge Boost Team

Nora is originally from Bucharest, Romania. She earned a B.Sc. in Computer Science at the Polytechnic University of Bucharest and moved to Charlottesville in the Fall of 2004 to pursue graduate school at the University of Virginia where she earned a Master's in Computer Science in 2006, a Master of Science in Mathematics in 2014, and a Master of Teaching in 2022. Nora published several research articles in computer science and has several years of industry experience as a software developer. Nora has extensive teaching experience as Lecturer in the Mathematics Department at UVA, Algebra teacher at Peabody School, math student-teacher at Monticello High School, and a teaching assistant in Computer Science at UVA.

At Blue Ridge Boost, Nora selects and develops class content, coaches the robotics competition teams, teaches advanced math and computer science classes, and tutors students in math and computer science.

Originally from Charlottesville, Seth is a graduate of James Madison University with a degree in GIS. As Head of Operations at Blue Ridge Boost, he helps keep everything running smoothly — from payroll, scheduling, and event coordination to website editing, logistics, and supporting counselors and instructors behind the scenes. Seth is passionate about helping students succeed and grow in confidence, especially through mentorship and teamwork. Outside of work, Seth enjoys playing Minecraft, building LEGO sets, listening to rock and roll, and talking basketball whenever possible. He also firmly believes he could still hit a game-winning shot if given the opportunity.

David is a Professor of Computer Science at the University of Virginia where he teaches classes in Discrete Mathematics, Computer Science, Theory of Computation, and Artificial Intelligence (among other topics) and leads research on computer security and privacy. He won an All-University Teaching Award and Outstanding Faculty Award from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.

At Blue Ridge Boost, David helps instructors develop computing, math, and cryptography courses, teaches classes when he can, moves furniture, edits ChatGPT’s writing, and makes sure there is yummy food for the CEO and Teaching Assistant.

Nathaneal is a second year Math and Computer Science major at UVA who is originally from New Mexico. He is interested in most areas of math and has experience tutoring Algebra, Geometry, Precalculus and Calculus. Nathaneal did Quiz Bowl in high school and was Regionally Ranked, and was also a writer who placed 3rd at a UVA short fiction competition.
Eventually he hopes to pursue a postgraduate education, and at Blue Ridge Boost he coaches Math Kangaroo and AMC 8/10 prep courses. Over holidays he teaches Minecraft Coding and Roblox Studio camps.
Outside of his job and actuation, Nathaneal is an avid reader and especially enjoys Sci-Fi novels. He also enjoys playing chess casually, so feel free to challenge him to a game if you meet him.

Lain graduated from the University of Virginia in 2024 with a double major in Computer Science and Physics. They are interested in the use of programming and simulation to expand our understanding of the physical universe. Originally from Appalachia, they care deeply about accessibility of education, and the importance of inclusivity in STEM. Lain is the oldest of five siblings, and has spent years supporting their education and encouraging their love for learning.

At Blue Ridge Boost, Lain is involved with web development and programs custom professional tools. They design and create class content, provide one-on-one tutoring in math and physics, and teach math, robotics, and computer science both at Blue Ridge Boost and on-site at local schools.

Carter is a senior at Albemarle High School, and a Community Scholar at the University of Virginia. He is a Field Captain in the Albemarle marching band, a lead programmer on Cavalier Robotics, and is taking Game Design and Entrepreneurship at Ace Academy. He has also attained official Unity certifications in game design and programming. Carter has experience teaching Unity and C#, Unreal Engine, JavaScript, Roblox Studio, Python, and VEX IQ.

Having never studied it in school, programming has always been a passion and hobby for him. Carter hopes to share this passion and knowledge with the next generation.

Dorina is a eight-grader at St. Anne’s-Bellfield School. She is passionate about robotics and mathematics.

Dorina is a member of the Next Level FLL Challenge Team, which won the Robot Design Award at the 24-25 FIRST Championship. Dorina leads the Blue Ridge Robotics FIRST Tech Challenge Team, which earned a Control Award for programming and robot design in January 2025, and co-leads the Aerial Drone Team, which qualified for the Northeast Regional Championship in 2025. At the 2024 Girls Excelling in Math (GEM) competition, Dorina earned first place in the individual competitions, first overall in team rankings, and third place in team engineering.

1st year at PVCC, pursuing associates of CS and planning on transferring to a 4 year for computer science. Grew up in little ol’ Greene County just north of Charlottesville. Coder and former coding captain of FTC Team Monroe Robotics.

As graduate from UVA’s School of Engineering, Asher works at Blue Ridge Boost as an instructor.

Graduate of James Madison University’s College of Arts and Sciences as well as College of Business. She has a passion for STEM education, hands-on learning, and helping students build confidence through problem solving.

Education student at University of Virginia with a strong passion for working with children and helping students grow both academically and personally through engaging, supportive learning experiences.