Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because of my curiosity, creativity, and drive to think beyond the conventional. I developed an early passion for science and a belief that every problem has a solution worth exploring. I wanted to design meaningful scientific experiences that spark curiosity and discovery for every student. Teaching at the high school level allows me to inspire young minds and help students learn to think critically, solve complex problems, and apply science to challenges in their communities

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Most memorable has been teaching students how to face failure in the lab and build resilience. Many research students hesitate to begin their science fair projects because they fear failure. They wait for the “perfect” moment when everything will go according to plan. But in research, things rarely work that way. I often remind them that failure is simply the other side of success. In fact, research has been defined as “what you are doing when you don’t know what you are doing.”

What would you do with the $25,000?

I am planning to use this funding for a few items on my agenda in life: create mini scholarships and science fair grants for science fair projects in local elementary schools; have awards for my top students under the “young scientist” category (currently, I pay them out of my pocket); visit a couple of low socioeconomic schools in America or India and support their qualified students with STEM grants.