Tutor of:
SAT, ACT
Mathematics: AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics, AMC 8, AMC 10, AMC 12, AIME, Pre‑Algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Number Theory, Pre‑Calculus, Multivariate Calculus, Linear Algebra, Ordinary Differential Equations, Discrete Mathematics, Undergraduate Mathematics, Undergraduate Statistics, MBA‑level Statistics
Miscellaneous: Mathematical Olympiad, Contest Problem‑Solving
Kovan earned a First Class Honors degree in Mathematics from Oxford University and a Ph.D. in Statistics from New York University, where he received the Edward Deming Fellowship. His academic work includes published research in General Relativity and in the development of CPAP medical technology.
Kovan began teaching mathematics in 1985 and has since worked across several quantitative fields—including astrophysics, medical research, and portfolio management—each of which has deepened his applied mathematical perspective. He has taught in Hong Kong, London, and New York, including at the United Nations International School, and he currently serves as the executive director of the New York Math Circle.
He has extensive experience preparing students for mathematics competitions, including the AMC 8, AMC 10, AMC 12, and AIME, and has coached students at every level of contest readiness. His students develop strong foundations in number theory, combinatorics, geometry, and algebraic reasoning—core domains of mathematical problem-solving.
As both an educator and a parent of a Trevor Day School alum, Kovan brings a nuanced understanding of the academic challenges students face at each stage. He has guided students through AP‑level coursework, standardized test preparation, and advanced undergraduate mathematics and statistics.
Kovan is known for his clarity, patience, and ability to help students build confidence through disciplined problem-solving. Outside the classroom, he enjoys cycling throughout New York City.