Mr. Brill started teaching at Westwood Regional High School this September. He teaches two different subjects: “Principles of Engineering” and “Digital and Analog Electronics”. The former he teaches four sections of and the class is an introductory course to engineering and design. “Digital and Analog Electronics” has one section, consisting mostly of upperclassmen. In that class, students build basic circuits by soldering components to a printed circuit board.
Principles of engineering was a class that he took back in high school, when former Westwood teacher Ms. Gann still taught it. That’s what got him hooked on architecture in the first place. Ms. Gann helped him decide on his college path, as she held the same degree that he would go on to earn from NJIT. He went into the field riding on the promise of minimal math and a strong artistic side to the work. That’s what interested him the most: the creative and artistic side of architecture.
Before coming to Westwood, Mr. Brill worked professionally in an architectural firm while earning a Bachelor of Architecture, a 5-year degree from NJIT. It was there that he worked on semester-long projects, like designing a site or building. However, it didn’t scratch the same itch that teaching has for him so far. The early mornings and 18-20-hour days at his architecture firm are a harsh contrast to his days here at Westwood. He feels “like [he’s] actually… making a difference” here at Westwood, and he’s happy with the choice to move here.
Outside of work, Mr. Brill finds an escape through music. He plays a bunch of different instruments, writes, and records music. The thing that got him hooked into the world of music was his high school music tech class, taught by Mr. Peña. He took it for two years and learned the basics of music production. He also likes to watch sports and keep up with modern architecture. He made a point to try and visit some of the sites that he spent so many years studying.