Ephraim Jhirad
I hold a BS in Civil Engineering from Columbia University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, where I completed the advanced calculus sequence under Professor Lipman Bers. I also earned an MBA in Finance from NYU Stern School of Business as a Marcus Nadler Fellow, with graduate coursework in derivatives and portfolio insurance under Professor Martin Gruber.
Before dedicating myself entirely to teaching, I gained experience in quantitative finance, where I built analytical and software systems for portfolio analysis, pricing, and risk management at leading financial firms and hedge funds. My responsibilities involved developing and coding fixed-income and convertible-bond analytics, equity-selection strategies, and assessing the technical skills of candidates trained in mathematics, physics, and computing.
Since 2011, I have specialized in teaching advanced mathematics, competition prep, physics, and quantitative finance. I collaborate with high-achieving students globally, helping them prepare for exams like AMC 8, AMC 10, AMC 12, AIME, and Olympiad-level work. My students also participate in MATHCOUNTS, the Harvard-MIT Math Tournament (HMMT), and The Princeton University Mathematics Competition (PUMaC). Additionally, I guide students through demanding coursework such as calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, and proof-based mathematics.
Students I mentor have achieved AIME qualification at notably young ages, secured distinctions in both national and international contests, and gained entry into top STEM programs. My teaching approach focuses on foundational comprehension, structural reasoning, and effective problem-solving techniques instead of rote memorization. I also teach advanced physics, such as AP Physics and Olympiad-track preparation, as well as quantitative finance.
Teaching Philosophy
I focus on building a strong conceptual foundation and teaching students how to think critically and systematically. A key part of my approach is identifying and addressing learning gaps—whether they stem from missing prerequisite knowledge or inefficient problem-solving strategies. Students often struggle due to a lack of preparation or improper instruction.
Through diagnostic conversations and targeted practice, I detect misunderstandings and replace inefficient algorithms or guesswork with clear, proven strategies. I show students not only how to solve problems, but why the solution works—helping them develop mathematical intuition, speed, and confidence. I help them cut down on errors and mistakes by reinforcing precision, clarity, and effective checking techniques in every step of the problem-solving process. I also show many proofs using various mathematical methods to deepen their understanding and expose them to multiple problem-solving perspectives
This level of precision and personalization is rarely offered by online programs, which can leave students applying inappropriate methods and reinforcing bad habits. My one-on-one instruction corrects these issues and fosters mastery.
Courses & Instruction
I offer advanced, specialized courses in:
- Algebra I/II
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Precalculus
- AP Calculus AB/BC
- Advanced Calculus I and II
- Linear Algebra
- Differential Equations
- Physics (AP and Olympiad-level)
These courses go far beyond the standard curriculum, integrating deep theoretical understanding with rigorous problem-solving. They are ideal for students who aim to stand out in competitive math environments or succeed in elite college STEM programs.
I also prepare students for standardized tests, including the SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT, with an emphasis on diagnostic review, efficient strategies, and high-yield techniques for improving accuracy and performance under pressure.
Competition Training
I provide expert training for students preparing for:
- AMC 8, AMC 10, AMC 12
- AIME
- USAJMO / USAMO
- MATHCOUNTS
- American Regions Mathematics League (ARML)
- Princeton University Mathematics Competition (PUMaC)
- Harvard–MIT Mathematics Tournament (HMMT)
- Math League
- Mu Alpha Theta
- Canadian Math Competitions
- F = ma Exam
- U.S. and International Physics Olympiads (USAPhO & IPhO)
Competitions require deep mastery, quick thinking, and exposure to advanced topics. I help students develop the full skillset needed—both in content and problem-solving structure—to perform at a national or international level.
Geometry instruction in most schools is woefully inadequate—a brief survey begins in September and ends in May, then vanishes forever. At Ephraim’s Math Lab, we know true mastery demands a continuous journey from middle school through high school, with geometry given its own dedicated focus and pace, tailored to each student.
- Continuous curriculum
Instead of a single, isolated course, geometry is woven seamlessly into each year’s studies. We adjust topics and challenge levels to match learners’ growth—whether reinforcing foundational skills or introducing advanced constructions. - Periodic reinforcement of challenging techniques
Each month, students revisit sophisticated geometric methods in progressively demanding contexts. Steady review ensures concepts are fully mastered and skills continually sharpened. - Competition-ready practice
In regular Challenge Rounds, students tackle contest-style problems that emphasize diagram-first strategies, mental visualization drills, and layered problem sets. They learn to spot hidden symmetries, add auxiliary constructions, and translate intricate figures into algebraic relationships. - Cultivation of transferable problem-solving habits
This focused approach instills essential habits—sketching clear diagrams, testing special cases, recognizing patterns, and linking geometry with algebra—that empower learners to conquer multi-step mathematical challenges across all STEM fields.
I also teach Algebra I/II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Precalculus, AP Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Calculus I, Calculus II, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, and AP Physics 1, AP Physics C, I also prepare students for standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT, focusing on diagnostic assessment, strategic content mastery, and performance optimization under timed conditions. Many of my students have achieved scores in the 99th percentile.
I focus on building a solid conceptual foundation while training students to think critically and systematically. My approach includes identifying and addressing learning gaps, whether caused by missing prerequisites or inefficient problem-solving techniques. I replace these gaps with clear, proven strategies. Through diagnostic discussions and targeted practice, I help students develop intuition, speed, precision, and confidence while reinforcing accuracy and structured checking methods. I also employ a range of proof techniques to deepen understanding and encourage flexible thinking. In addition to mathematics and physics, I offer instruction in finance, covering topics such as derivatives pricing, options, forwards, futures, fixed-income securities, and corporate finance.
Online Instruction
All lessons are conducted online via Zoom. I use interactive whiteboard tools, custom materials, and real-time analysis to engage students and support active learning. Each session is tailored to the student’s goals and progress.
If you’re looking for tailored, high-level instruction that bridges theory and application—and helps students correct weaknesses while building true fluency—I look forward to working with you.