Dr. Mariappan Jawaharlal is Professor of Mechanical Engineering at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Affectionately known as Dr. Jawa, he has been recognized as an outstanding educator for his innovative and engaging teaching pedagogy. His innovative teaching approach makes learning complex concepts simple and fun as he relates them to everyday life. He has received the Provosts' Award for Excellence in Teaching, the highest honor given to an outstanding educator at Cal Poly Pomona. Dr. Jawa is founder and director of Robotics Education through Active Learning (REAL), a unique K-12 outreach robotics program that reaches thousands of students each year. REAL has inspired thousands of young students to pursue STEM education. Dr. Jawa is also a co-founder of the Femineer outreach program, which the White House recognized for increasing educational outcomes and opportunities for female Hispanic K-12 students. A Fellow of the Biomimicry Institute, Dr. Jawa has more than 20 years of industrial, academic, entrepreneurial, product design and leadership experience. He is passionate about education and writes blogs on the subject for The Huffington Post. He is also a scuba diver and an avid runner who has completed 25 marathons and recently ran across the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim to Rim.