CMTYENGA 2MD3

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?

Theatre skills are life skills. My area of the course will explore the performance of presentations and how theatre and improv can improve presentation skills and the communication of complex ideas.

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

Creative thinking, presentation skills, communication skills and adaptability.

Can you share a highlight from your career with us?

I spent a month training in a theatre laboratory in the Rhodope Mountains, Bulgaria.

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

I never learned how to ride a bike.

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

Theatre skills are life skills. My area of the course will explore the performance of presentations and how theatre and improv can improve presentation skills and the communication of complex ideas.

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

Creative thinking, presentation skills, communication skills and adaptability.

Can you share a highlight from your career with us?

I spent a month training in a theatre laboratory in the Rhodope Mountains, Bulgaria.

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

I never learned how to ride a bike.