In this episode of TeacherTalks with Kurtz, Mehtaab reflects on his educational journey through the Commack School District and how his high school experiences, interactions with fellow students, and early collaborations shaped his path to success. After graduating from Commack High School in 2014, he pursued undergraduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania and MIT. Mehtaab went on to earn his PhD from MIT and is now an assistant professor at Columbia University. He also holds the prestigious title of Clay Mathematics Institute Fellow, a recognition awarded to researchers with significant achievements and the potential to lead in mathematics. Join us as Mehtaab shares how his early experiences and academic partnerships have fueled his outstanding accomplishments.