What’s your favorite thing about competitive programming?
My favorite thing is having the opportunity to solve hard problems and then write real implementations of them that actually work!

How did you start out in competitive programming?
I started out in high school, it was a great way to practice programming while having fun.

What’s your favorite Topcoder SRM problem and why?
I really enjoy the problems that make you come up with clever algorithms.

Who do you think is the most fierce or talented coder at Topcoder and why?
I’m not sure who the most talented coder is, but the most fierce is scott_wu or Um_nik.

What do you do when not working?
I like to go ice skating!

Where do you work? Tell us about your space(s).
I usually work at our kitchen table across from Scott; there’s just enough space for our laptops and scratch paper.

What is the dream project you want to build, design, or solve for?
I want to design something that makes it easy for everyone to build amazing things.

What’s the best tip or piece of advice you can share with other members at Topcoder?
Practice!

What are you most excited about for this year’s TCO Finals?
I’m most excited to win!

Do you strive to be at TCO every year and if so, why does it matter to you?
Of course! It’s one of the greatest opportunities to compete with the best in the world.

What was your secret to getting a ticket for the TCO finals more than once?
Just keep going at it.