LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Kahhori stated, "I am passionate about providing high-quality STEM education to middle school students and fostering an environment that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and a love for science and technology. I am dedicated to ensuring equal access to resources and opportunities for all students, regardless of their background.
 
As a dedicated and globally experienced STEM educator, I am committed to inspiring students and nurturing a love for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Over the past decade, I have taught and mentored students in diverse international settings, including the United States, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, and Turkey. Throughout my career, I have consistently delivered high-quality education that meets academic standards and cultivates critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.
 
I hold a Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology and have completed several engineering courses through Project Lead The Way (PLTW). I am pursuing a Master's degree in Software Engineering while simultaneously completing the Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) program.
 
I serve as a middle school STEM teacher, Science Olympiad Head Coach, and FLL Challenge Robotics Head Coach at River City Science Academy Mandarin in Jacksonville, Florida. Our teams have achieved top honors, securing first and second places in Florida Regional Science Olympiad competitions. I teach the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) curriculum, which includes various STEM courses such as Design and Modeling, Automation and Robotics, App Creators, Green Architecture, and Medical Detectives. I believe in the power of hands-on, project-based learning to ignite curiosity and engagement in my students. I also guide our robotics team through challenging projects integrating engineering, design, and coding, preparing students for success in the rapidly evolving field of robotics.
 
I have also integrated virtual reality (VR) into my curriculum using Oculus Pro to provide students with immersive, interactive learning experiences. This technology allows students to explore complex concepts dynamically and engagingly, further deepening their understanding of STEM principles.
 
In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I lead the College Mentorship Program (CMP), where I mentor students in SAT preparation, leadership development, and future academic aspirations. As an advocate for holistic development, I organize various student activities—from leadership camps to school lock-ins—designed to build confidence and teamwork.
 
My international teaching experiences have broadened my understanding of diverse learning needs. I take pride in adapting to multicultural environments while building strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues. As a lifelong learner, I continuously expand my knowledge in STEM education and technology to enhance the learning experiences I provide.
 
My classroom urgently needs updated technology and lab equipment to enrich the hands-on learning experience for students. Specifically, we require the LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime Set, drones, and educational software licenses to support our coding and robotics modules. Additionally, we need general supplies such as notebooks, pens, and art materials for project-based learning. Meeting these needs would significantly enhance the learning experience, providing students access to the latest technology and enabling more interactive, immersive learning. This would deepen their understanding of STEM concepts and better prepare them for future academic and career opportunities."