Courses

Dr. Raha is the director of the McMaster Children and Youth University and an associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics at McMaster University. Following his PhD in biochemistry at the University of Toronto, he trained at the Hospital for Sick Children in the area of metabolic disorders and transitioned into the biotechnology sector leading a research group focused on developing point of care devices. Since 2007, Dr. Raha has been a principal investigator in the Department of Pediatrics, where his research has focused on understanding the role of the endocannabinoid system in pregnancy and fetal development.

In 2011, Dr. Raha cofounded the McMaster Children and Youth University (MCYU), a community engagement initiative which strives to demonstrate that discovery and creativity can be powerful allies in breaking down the barriers between community youth and post-secondary educational institutions. Based on his mentorship expertise and novelty of the MCYU program, Dr. Raha has been awarded a number of awards, such as the Health Sciences Graduate Student award for outstanding graduate teaching in 2010, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Synapse Award in 2013 for his community engagement and mentorship, McMaster’s top teaching award in 2017, the Presidents award for Outstanding contributions to Teaching and Learning, as well as the Ronald G. Calhoun Science Ambassador Award in 2019, which recognizes community members who show leadership in promoting research.

Dr. Raha is the director of the McMaster Children and Youth University and an associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics at McMaster University. Following his PhD in biochemistry at the University of Toronto, he trained at the Hospital for Sick Children in the area of metabolic disorders and transitioned into the biotechnology sector leading a research group focused on developing point of care devices. Since 2007, Dr. Raha has been a principal investigator in the Department of Pediatrics, where his research has focused on understanding the role of the endocannabinoid system in pregnancy and fetal development.

In 2011, Dr. Raha cofounded the McMaster Children and Youth University (MCYU), a community engagement initiative which strives to demonstrate that discovery and creativity can be powerful allies in breaking down the barriers between community youth and post-secondary educational institutions. Based on his mentorship expertise and novelty of the MCYU program, Dr. Raha has been awarded a number of awards, such as the Health Sciences Graduate Student award for outstanding graduate teaching in 2010, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Synapse Award in 2013 for his community engagement and mentorship, McMaster’s top teaching award in 2017, the Presidents award for Outstanding contributions to Teaching and Learning, as well as the Ronald G. Calhoun Science Ambassador Award in 2019, which recognizes community members who show leadership in promoting research.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN SKILLS STUDENTS WILL GAIN THROUGH YOUR INSTRUCTION?

My instruction always prioritizes critical thinking and student engagement. This class is also unique as there are several other faculty providing their expertise on pedagogical design, community engagement and knowledge mobilization, so students will get the opportunity to learn about these important skills from a variety of instructors’ perspectives, including my own.

CAN YOU SHARE A CAREER HIGHLIGHT WITH US?

My career highlights have come from positive feedback when it comes to teaching. In particular, I am encouraged by students who have shared that my instruction has helped them think more critically about the world around them and/or ignited a passion in the subject matter.

FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF?

I am an avid sports fan who grew up playing several different sports including competitive basketball (despite my short stature). I can still be found playing in hockey and basketball leagues around the city!

WHAT ARE THE MAIN SKILLS STUDENTS WILL GAIN THROUGH YOUR INSTRUCTION?

My instruction always prioritizes critical thinking and student engagement. This class is also unique as there are several other faculty providing their expertise on pedagogical design, community engagement and knowledge mobilization, so students will get the opportunity to learn about these important skills from a variety of instructors’ perspectives, including my own.

CAN YOU SHARE A CAREER HIGHLIGHT WITH US?

My career highlights have come from positive feedback when it comes to teaching. In particular, I am encouraged by students who have shared that my instruction has helped them think more critically about the world around them and/or ignited a passion in the subject matter.

FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF?

I am an avid sports fan who grew up playing several different sports including competitive basketball (despite my short stature). I can still be found playing in hockey and basketball leagues around the city!

I am a graduate of McMaster University’s PhD in English, where I studied nonsense literature, like Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

I am working with the McMaster Children & Youth University to research the connections between success, lifelong learning and confidence in youth.

A fun fact about me is that I have a blind dog named Atlas who loves to play fetch! We can be found in parks across Hamilton, kicking around his favourite special ball that makes sounds so that he can hear it.

I am a graduate of McMaster University’s PhD in English, where I studied nonsense literature, like Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

I am working with the McMaster Children & Youth University to research the connections between success, lifelong learning and confidence in youth.

A fun fact about me is that I have a blind dog named Atlas who loves to play fetch! We can be found in parks across Hamilton, kicking around his favourite special ball that makes sounds so that he can hear it.

Can you please describe what you will be teaching the students in this course?

I will focus on communicating science through stories, with the goal of making science accessible and engaging for all children.

What are the main skills students will take away from your instruction?

Students will build a toolkit for speaking and writing about scientific concepts and conundrums clearly, concisely and creatively.

Career Highlights

Katie brings a unique background to this role. After finishing her PhD in pathology at the University of Western Ontario, she got her master’s in journalism at Columbia University in New York. Her writing has appeared in Scientific American, The Atlantic and Spectrum and she was health editor at ABC News.

Can you share a fun fact about yourself?

When I’m not at work, I love to talk science with my kids: five-year-old Gus, who loves dinosaurs, and three-year-old Lou, who plans to be a “kitty cat scientist” when she grows up.

Can you please describe what you will be teaching the students in this course?

I will focus on communicating science through stories, with the goal of making science accessible and engaging for all children.

What are the main skills students will take away from your instruction?

Students will build a toolkit for speaking and writing about scientific concepts and conundrums clearly, concisely and creatively.

Career Highlights

Katie brings a unique background to this role. After finishing her PhD in pathology at the University of Western Ontario, she got her master’s in journalism at Columbia University in New York. Her writing has appeared in Scientific American, The Atlantic and Spectrum and she was health editor at ABC News.

Can you share a fun fact about yourself?

When I’m not at work, I love to talk science with my kids: five-year-old Gus, who loves dinosaurs, and three-year-old Lou, who plans to be a “kitty cat scientist” when she grows up.