Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Affiliations
Languages
Timeline
Other Professional Experience
Generic

Raia Hamad

Chicago

Summary

STEM educator and biomedical engineer with experience teaching students from high school through graduate level in subjects including biomedical engineering, biochemistry, prosthetics and orthotics, and advanced mathematics. Combines hands-on technical expertise in medical device design, computational modeling, and laboratory research with a passion for student engagement and clear, accessible instruction. Skilled in preparing students for both academic success and real-world technical applications. Known for strong communication skills and results-oriented approach by leveraging experience to foster collaborative and supportive learning environment to ensure impactful results.


Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

Freelance English & Academic Tutor

Freelance English & Academic Tutor
01.2022 - Current
  • Delivered one-on-one and small-group instruction for subjects including English as a Second Language, calculus II & III, biochemistry, introductory programming, prosthetics & orthotics, GRE test preparation, and academic writing.
  • Designed custom curricula for students from high school to master's level, balancing theory with practical application.
  • Applied technical tools such as MATLAB and computational modeling in advanced STEM tutoring sessions.
  • Guided students in developing problem-solving strategies for technical and research-oriented exams.
  • Tutored diverse groups of students to strengthen subject comprehension, boost confidence, and build important learning skills.
  • Maintained accurate records of student progress, using data-driven decision-making to inform future instructional planning.
  • Empowered students to take ownership of their learning process, setting goals and tracking progress towards those objectives.
  • Provided support for struggling students through one-on-one mentoring and small group instruction sessions.

Molecular Genetics Engineer

Hematogenix
01.2023 - 06.2023
  • Conducted genetic testing methodologies for diagnosing inherited disorders and detecting cancer-related markers.
  • Performed DNA extraction, amplification, and sequencing for research and clinical diagnostics.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to analyze and interpret molecular data.
  • Wrote, reviewed and edited technical document in accordance with template requirements.
  • Established strong working relationships with clients through exceptional communication skills, fostering trust and collaboration.

Clinical Communications Specialist & Biomedical Engineer

Sidra Medicine
01.2020 - 07.2020
  • Developed educational and technical content for clinical and research teams, converting complex medical concepts into accessible documentation for diverse audiences.
  • Coordinated operational workflows and public relations for a newly opened hospital.
  • Contributed engineering expertise to prosthetics and orthotics projects, ensuring compliance with FDA and ISO standards.
  • Streamlined internal communication processes by implementing effective communication tools and platforms.
  • Copyedited, proofread and revised company advertisements, print materials and press releases before dispersal.
  • Created persuasive sales collateral that effectively communicated product benefits, resulting in increased lead generation efforts.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to create cohesive messaging for promotional materials and events.

Design Engineer

Cook County Electronic Monitoring Bracelet Project
08.2018 - 12.2018
  • Redesigned electronic monitoring bracelet integrating GPS, lithium polymer battery, alcohol biosensing system, drug test patch, and heart rate monitor.
  • Developed system modifications to optimize performance and user safety.
  • Led a texting program to promote reduced recidivism among ex-offenders.

Graduate Laboratory Teaching Assistant

Illinois Institute of Technology
08.2016 - 05.2017
  • Instructed laboratory sessions covering biomedical engineering principles, biophysics, physiological signal processing, and bioinstrumentation.
  • Taught students to operate advanced laboratory equipment and apply analytical techniques in research.
  • Adapted complex scientific concepts for clarity in both written and verbal instruction.
  • Contributed to ongoing curriculum development efforts by offering insights gained from direct experience working with students in the lab setting.
  • Organized guest lectures from industry professionals to expose students to real-world applications of classroom concepts.
  • Assisted in research projects by managing data collection, entry, and analysis processes as needed.
  • Continuously updated personal knowledge of emerging trends and advancements in the scientific field to ensure relevancy in teaching content.

Education

Master of Prosthetics & Orthotics -

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Master of Engineering - Biomedical Engineering

Illinois Institute of Technology
Chicago, IL

Bachelor of Science (Highest Distinction) - Molecular & Cellular Biology, Medical Anthropology (Honors)

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Skills

  • Language instruction (ESL, academic writing, GRE prep)
  • STEM subjects (calculus, biochemistry, biomedical engineering)
  • Medical device design & regulatory compliance (FDA, ISO)
  • Computational modeling & MATLAB
  • Data analytics & research methodologies
  • Curriculum design & lesson planning
  • Cross-cultural communication & student mentorship
  • Exam preparation strategies for technical disciplines
  • Activity-based learning
  • Online tutoring
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Adaptable nature
  • Behavior modeling
  • Data tracking
  • Concept explanation techniques
  • Research and analysis
  • Creative thinking
  • Literacy development

Affiliations

  • Society of Women Engineers
  • Association for Computing Machinery
  • National Science Teachers Association

Languages

English
Arabic

Timeline

Molecular Genetics Engineer

Hematogenix
01.2023 - 06.2023

Freelance English & Academic Tutor

Freelance English & Academic Tutor
01.2022 - Current

Clinical Communications Specialist & Biomedical Engineer

Sidra Medicine
01.2020 - 07.2020

Design Engineer

Cook County Electronic Monitoring Bracelet Project
08.2018 - 12.2018

Graduate Laboratory Teaching Assistant

Illinois Institute of Technology
08.2016 - 05.2017

Master of Engineering - Biomedical Engineering

Illinois Institute of Technology

Bachelor of Science (Highest Distinction) - Molecular & Cellular Biology, Medical Anthropology (Honors)

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Master of Prosthetics & Orthotics -

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Other Professional Experience

  • Clinical Communications Specialist & Biomedical Engineer, Doha, 2020-01-01, 2020-07-01, Developed educational and technical content for clinical and research teams, converting complex medical concepts into accessible documentation for diverse audiences., Coordinated operational workflows and public relations for a newly opened hospital., Contributed engineering expertise to prosthetics and orthotics projects, ensuring compliance with FDA and ISO standards.
  • Molecular Genetics Engineer – Intern, Tinley Park, IL, 2023-01-01, 2023-06-01, Conducted genetic testing methodologies for diagnosing inherited disorders and detecting cancer-related markers., Performed DNA extraction, amplification, and sequencing for research and clinical diagnostics., Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to analyze and interpret molecular data.
  • Design Engineer, Chicago, IL, 2018-08-01, 2018-12-01, Redesigned electronic monitoring bracelet integrating GPS, lithium polymer battery, alcohol biosensing system, drug test patch, and heart rate monitor., Developed system modifications to optimize performance and user safety., Led a texting program to promote reduced recidivism among ex-offenders.
Raia Hamad