Aaron Zoll

(314)-358-4458

aaronzoll360@gmail.com

https://aaronzoll.github.io/


EXPERIENCE

Johns Hopkins, Baltimore — Teaching Assistant

January 2020 - PRESENT

Supported instruction in multiple undergraduate and graduate-level courses through grading, leading weekly discussion sections, and providing academic support to students. Collaborated with faculty to reinforce core course concepts and foster a strong learning environment.


Johns Hopkins, Baltimore — Course Developer

Summer 2021 - 2025

Contributed to the design and development of new mathematics and engineering courses. Authored original lecture material, problem sets, and instructional resources tailored to enhance pedagogical clarity and student engagement.


Johns Hopkins, Baltimore — MSE Orientation Review Session

August 2023/2024

Designed and led a series of review sessions for incoming Master’s students, covering foundational concepts in linear algebra.

Developed comprehensive lecture notes and facilitated interactive discussions to prepare students for rigorous graduate coursework.


Mathnasium, Baltimore — Tutor

August 2019 - December 2019

Tutored students ages 6 to 18 in fundamental and advanced math topics. Adapted instruction to individual learning styles, promoting confidence and mastery in mathematics.


EDUCATION

Johns Hopkins, Undergraduate — B.A in Mathematics

August 2019 - May 2022


Johns Hopkins, Undergraduate — B.S in Applied Mathematics

August 2019 - May 2022


Johns Hopkins, Graduate — M.S in Applied Mathematics

August 2022 - May 2023

SKILLS

PROJECTS

College Algebra (AS.110.102) Complete

Course Developer, Johns Hopkins University

Collaborated with the Director of Online Programs to develop a comprehensive College Algebra course aimed at preparing incoming students for success in higher-level mathematics. Designed instructional content to reinforce key algebraic concepts through accessible and engaging materials.


Data Analysis Workshop (AS.110.020) Complete

Course Developer, Johns Hopkins University

Developed and launched a summer course for high school students introducing the fundamentals of data analysis, probability, and statistics. Encouraged students to master affection presentation skills and collaborative work.

Produced a full suite of materials, including lecture videos, online quizzes, interactive assignments, and guided Excel tutorials, delivered to over 50 students annually.


Optimization Research Ongoing

Research with Dr. Benjamin Grimmer, Johns Hopkins University

Conducting theoretical research on composite optimization problems involving heterogeneously Hӧlder smooth and uniformly convex functions. Current work focuses on designing primal-dual algorithms with optimal convergence rates. Future directions include exploration in characterizing these dual notions, generalizing interpolation frameworks, and advancing performance estimation techniques.


Signal Processing Research Upcoming

Planned collaboration with Dr. Mario Michelli & Kaleigh Rudge, Johns Hopkins University

Preparing to investigate spectral properties of the Discrete Fourier Transform and its connections to signal representation and harmonic analysis. Further investigation will include advancing understanding of the Fractional Fourier Transform, smoothly interpolating between the signal and frequency domains.


PAPERS UNDER REVIEW


- “A Universally Optimal Primal-Dual Method for Minimizing Heterogeneous Compositions”

Aaron Zoll, Benjamin Grimmer

April, 2025

arxiv


TALKS

On Minimizing Heterogeneous Compositions


  • Junior MINDS Seminar, The Johns Hopkins University

  • International Conference of Continuous Optimization (ICCOPT),

    The University of Southern California

  • The Institute for Operations Research and the Management

Sciences (INFORMS), Atlanta, GA

March, 2025

(upcoming) July, 2025

(upcoming) August, 2025