ESS Biography



JOE DEFERRARI, Brandeis sophomore




Major: Politics

College/Employer: Brandeis

Year of Graduation: 2018

Picture of Joe DeFerrari

Brief Biographical Sketch:

I am currently a sophomore at Brandeis studying politics and economics. I have been playing chess since I was 7 years old, and have been playing seriously for the past 4 years. I have won multiple tournaments, including the 2nd Greater Boston Open U1500 section. I've been working and volunteering with children for upwards of 5 years. Outside of chess and school, I sing with Chamber Choir, University Chorus, and Proscenium, and am Event Coordinator for French Business and Lifestyle Club.



Past Classes

  (Clicking a class title will bring you to the course's section of the corresponding course catalog)

X109: Beginner's Chess in Splash Fall 2015 (Nov. 01, 2015)
Playing chess may just seem like a whole lot of fun to the kids playing, but they are actually thinking their way to success! Chess is extremely helpful in brain development, particularly when it is played regularly from a very early age. Regular play helps children gain confidence, learn to solve problems, increase concentration and patience, and develop analytical skills. And, of course, it's extremely fun! The course will be geared towards beginners with little to no experience. It will aim to teach the basics of the game and general methods of improvement.


A137: Introduction to Singing in Splash Fall 2015 (Nov. 01, 2015)
A beginner's singing class that will focus on teaching basics of breathing, posture, vowel shaping, space creation, and methods of improvement.


O138: American Political Foundation and Ideas in Splash Fall 2015 (Nov. 01, 2015)
A brief look at the political foundations of America. Will quickly talk about our Constitution, particularly debates about the first and second amendment, and also the unique mindset of the United States that fosters debates on these subjects. Will encourage discussion.


X143: Intermediate Chess in Splash Fall 2015 (Nov. 01, 2015)
This class is targeted at people with some experience playing chess. We will go over opening theory and strategies for attacking, through the lens of master games.