Our highly-trained passionate presenters are diverse role models to the young scientists they inspire. By sparking curiosity, confidence and imagination in the next generation, our presenters provide memorable opportunities for all children to see themselves as scientists.
Let’s meet one of our STEM expert presenters, Mobeen Raja.
What is your STEM background?
I have a strong research background in biomedical sciences, especially in drug discovery. I completed my Masters in Biochemistry and PhD in Biophysical Chemistry. During my PhD and postdoctoral fellowships, I worked on investigating the interaction of drugs with membrane proteins. The drugs were related to studying their interaction in diabetes and cystic fibrosis. My most recent research was at the Hospital for Sick Children where I studied and investigated several drugs in the treatment of cystic fibrosis in children.
Did you love STEM as a child?
Absolutely yes, when I was growing up as a child, I was particularly interested in general sciences and arts. I would draw pulleys, machines, human systems, etc. to help me understand more about different topics. I was and still am a visual learner.
What sparked your interest in STEM?
My dad was a physician. Seeing him as a dedicated physician, I wanted to become like him treating patients and learning about different diseases and conditions. With passage of time, and as I navigated through college and University, I found myself more passionate about the reasoning behind diseases. The complicated names of diseases sparked my interest in this area and this is why I chose biochemistry and biology.
What workshop topic(s) do you present?
I am currently presenting Gr 2-3 Get the Dirt on Plants. This topic was something which made me fascinated because its different than other topics I have had a chance to learn about. I took this topic as a challenge, and I love it.
What’s your favourite exploration in a workshop?
My favorite exploration in any workshop is discovering about students way of thinking, problem solving and their analytical skills in this young age. I am always fascinated by questions students ask not just about the workshop topics but they also relate Plants with many other systems in humans and nature.
What’s your favourite part of being a STEM Expert Presenter?
My favorite part is observing students doing hand on activities, their motor skills, and how they process new information. Every mind is different and this is what brings uniqueness in the STEM program.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I am a busy dad of 3 kids, plus 11 cockatiel birds. I love spending time with my babies (cockatiels), exploring their emotions, feelings and bonding. They all have characters and moods. I also like to go gym 3 times a week and spend quality time hiking in nature. Of course, discovering new places with my family is a part of this venture.
