William Fedirko

William Fedirko was a member of Park’s Math Department from 2006-18, and then returned in 2020. During his tenure, William has received grants for integrating math curriculum with both the arts and the sciences. One enduring project includes the development of a Cognitive Science curriculum which is now becoming part of the Neurological Education Initiative, or NEI, funded by Deb and Tim Finnell '58.

William’s undergraduate work includes a B.A. in Asian Studies from Wittenberg University during which time he studied and worked in Japan for a three year period. His fluency with the language and appreciation for the culture have had a deep impact on his work with Applied Calculus and sustainability projects. Following this chapter, William completed a B.S. in Engineering from Case Western Reserve University where he worked on Biomimicking engineering projects for NASA Lewis Research Center.

Most deeply influenced by his time spent in Tokyo and by his work on Biomimicry at the Center for Materials for Space Structures at Case Western University, Fedirko continues developing project-based work woven around Methods of Natural Optimization for his Calculus courses. Currently, William is currently teaching Functions I to the Freshman class in addition to teaching nearly 25% of Park’s Upper School student body dually enrolled in Calculus courses for Buffalo State College. In past years, William has taught Middle School science and Middle and Upper School math at Park, in addition to running multiple clubs from serving as the editor of, Miled Road, to hosting Philosophy Clubs, and he has traveled with students to Rome, Tokyo, Hamburg, Paris, and even San Francisco.

Fedirko’s teaching career before Park includes private school education as well as college and university-level positions at Ursuline College, John Carroll University and the Cleveland Institute of Art.