MARK ROBER

Mark Rober: The Engineer Who Makes Science Fun

Mark Rober is a renowned American engineer, inventor, and YouTube personality, celebrated for his engaging science and engineering videos. Born on March 11, 1980, in Santa Monica, California, he is currently 45 years old. Rober's YouTube channel, launched in 2011, has amassed over 67 million subscribers and nearly 12 billion views, making him one of the most influential science communicators on the platform .

Early Life and Education

Raised in Brea, California, Rober developed an early interest in engineering, exemplified by his creation of goggles to prevent eye irritation while cutting onions. He graduated from Brea Olinda High School in 1998 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Brigham Young University in 2004. Rober later obtained a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Southern California in 2014 .

Career at NASA and Apple

Rober's professional journey began at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where he worked for nine years. He spent seven years contributing to the Curiosity rover mission, which successfully landed on Mars in 2012. Additionally, Rober was involved in several other JPL missions, including AMT, GRAIL, SMAP, and Mars Science Laboratory. In 2015, he transitioned to Apple Inc., working as a product designer in their Special Projects Group for four years, focusing on virtual reality and autonomous vehicle technologies .

YouTube Channel and Content

In October 2011, Rober launched his YouTube channel, where he shares creative and educational videos on topics such as science experiments, engineering challenges, and innovative gadgets. His content often includes large-scale projects, like the glitter bomb trap for porch pirates and the backyard squirrel maze, which have garnered millions of views and widespread acclaim. Rober's videos aim to make science accessible and entertaining for audiences of all ages.

CrunchLabs and Recent Ventures

In 2022, Rober founded CrunchLabs, an educational technology company that offers hands-on STEM learning experiences through subscription boxes. These kits contain building projects and engineering challenges designed to inspire creativity and problem-solving skills in children . Additionally, Rober has collaborated with fellow YouTuber MrBeast on initiatives like #TeamTrees and #TeamSeas, which focus on environmental conservation efforts.

Personal Life and Advocacy

Rober resides in Sunnyvale, California, with his son, who is on the autism spectrum. He is an advocate for autism awareness and has used his platform to raise funds and support for organizations like NEXT for AUTISM . In September 2024, Rober publicly shared that he had been divorced for three and a half years, choosing to keep his personal life private for the sake of his family .

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Rober has received numerous accolades, including the Streamy Award for Science and Engineering in 2019, the Webby Award for Person of the Year in 2022, and the FIRST Robotics Competition Founder's Award in 2024. He was also honored as STEM Personality of the Year by the Institution of Engineering and Technology in 2021 and delivered the commencement address at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2023 .

Conclusion

Mark Rober's transition from a NASA engineer to a YouTube sensation exemplifies how passion and creativity can inspire and educate others. Through his engaging content and innovative projects, Rober continues to make science accessible and enjoyable, leaving a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.