Tell us about where you are from and what your childhood was like.

I’m from Jeddah, a major city in Saudi Arabia where I grew up and spent most of my life. I’m the middle child among four siblings—three brothers and a sister. In our family, academic excellence was the norm, and getting A’s was simply expected. For a long time, I thought it was the same everywhere! I don’t recall struggling much in school (college was a different story, of course). My parents placed a high value on education, always supporting us with the resources we needed to succeed academically. They’ve encouraged us to pursue higher education at every stage, and their unwavering support has been instrumental in shaping who I am today.

When did you first learn about engineering? What about it interested you the most?

For a long time, I thought I’d follow a medical career path, especially since my older brothers went to medical school. But everything changed in high school when I participated in a national math competition and won second place. That experience helped me realize how much I loved math and physics. I began exploring disciplines that combined those interests and found myself drawn to machines, cars, and all things mechanical.

I also realized how much I loved the sound and visuals of machinery—transformers coming together in Transformers and Tony Stark building his Iron Man suit fascinated me (especially Mark V). Those moments sparked a deep passion for mechanical engineering, and I knew it was the right path for me.

Why did you choose to study engineering education?

Building complex engineering systems requires a foundation of knowledge built over time. Most people only begin studying engineering in college and explore it in depth during graduate school. But what if we could start earlier? I believe that introducing kids to engineering concepts at a young age can help accelerate this process, enabling them to dive deeper into technical knowledge as they grow. By starting young, we can cultivate a generation that’s not only proficient, but also innovative, leading to advancements that benefit society as a whole.

Tell us about your research. 

My research focuses on integrating systems engineering principles into K-12 education. I’ve developed tools and methodologies, like using Agile project management adapted for younger students, to teach collaboration, problem-solving, and technical skills. One of my favorite projects involved guiding students to build a smart city model—watching them learn and innovate was incredibly rewarding.

Why did you choose to study this? 

I believe the experiences I’ve had throughout my life naturally led me to this path. I started with a degree in mechanical engineering and went on to work professionally on large-scale engineering projects. During this time, I noticed how vastly different professional engineering settings were from what we were taught in college. In college, we mostly worked on individual assignments with all variables predefined, leaving little room for decision-making, especially group decisions.

This realization inspired me to pursue a master’s degree in engineering management, where I learned how to manage engineering projects and systems, including the non-technical aspects that are critical to success. Later, during my second master’s in mechanical engineering, I delved into advanced technologies that I believe would resonate with kids.

By combining the need for developing soft skills in engineering, the appeal of cutting-edge technology, and the project management tools used in professional settings, I saw an opportunity to introduce these concepts to kids. My goal is to adapt the tools and methods used in managing complex engineering projects to help children collaborate, innovate, and learn in ways that mirror real-world engineering.

What do you like about Tufts?  

What I love most about Tufts is the incredible sense of community I’ve encountered here. The people at the CEEO (Center for Engineering Education and Outreach) are unlike any I’ve met elsewhere. That same collaborative and supportive culture extends to the mechanical engineering department and other areas of Tufts. Everyone is genuinely helpful, humble, and fun to work with. They’re also eager to share knowledge rather than keep it to themselves, which fosters a spirit of collaboration and growth.

Another aspect I admire is the culture of “making,” or as the CEEO likes to call it, “hacking.” There’s a mentality here of quickly building prototypes rather than just discussing ideas. That approach has changed my perspective significantly—I now think of creating a simple prototype first as a way to bring ideas to life and test them. It’s a mindset I’ll carry with me throughout my career.

What do you want to do after graduation?

I want to teach. While I don’t claim to know everything, I believe the knowledge I’ve gained through my studies can benefit people of all ages and academic backgrounds. At the CEEO, I’ve had the opportunity to work with kids who often have little to no experience with engineering or technology. This experience taught me how to effectively introduce complex concepts to non-experts, and it’s something I’m passionate about continuing.

My official path will take me back home to Saudi Arabia, where I’ll be appointed as a professor of mechanical engineering at King Abdulaziz University.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I’m a big fan of soccer (football)—I enjoy watching games, attending matches, and even playing whenever I get the chance. I also love making things, whether it’s experimenting with building new technologies or hacking together creative solutions.

Listening to podcasts is another favorite pastime of mine, especially those focused on technology, business, and the development of different countries. And when it comes to coffee, I’m a bit of an enthusiast—I enjoy making coffee and exploring new methods and flavors to perfect the experience.

Anything else you want us to know?

I’m incredibly proud of my home country, Saudi Arabia, and the transformative development happening there. The Vision 2030 initiative has opened up amazing opportunities for innovation, education, and collaboration. I wholeheartedly invite people from all over the world to visit Saudi Arabia, experience its rich culture, and witness the exciting progress firsthand. And if you do visit, I’d be honored to host you and show you the warmth and generosity that Saudis are known for.

I’m also deeply thankful to the people who have supported me along the way. My advisor, colleagues, and the team at the Center for Engineering Education and Outreach (CEEO) have been instrumental in shaping my journey. Their guidance, encouragement, and collaborative spirit have inspired me to pursue my goals with confidence and enthusiasm.

On a personal note, my journey wouldn’t have been possible without the love and support of my family, who have been my foundation throughout this experience. Above all, I thank Allah for guiding me and granting me the strength to pursue my dreams. Everything I’ve accomplished is by His blessing.

Read more about Mohammed’s research on his portfolio site!