Biography of Zartaj Ahmed: Founder & CEO of Pi Space Science Education Centre
Introduction to Zartaj Ahmed's Career
Zartaj Ahmed is an experienced STEAM consultant, educator,
and entrepreneur with a profound passion for advancing robotics, science, and
technology education. She serves as a member of the Advisory Council for the
World Robot Olympiad (WRO), where she contributes significantly to the growth
of robotics and innovation on an international scale. Zartaj has been involved
with WRO for several years, starting as a judge for the RoboMission and Future
Innovators categories and later becoming the Head Judge in 2024, a role that
highlights her expertise and dedication to the field.
Academic Foundations and Early Interests in Technology
Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in
Computer Science from Karachi University, where she excelled in subjects such
as mathematics, computer science, calculus, and economics. Zartaj’s early
interest in technology and robotics was fostered during her education, setting
the foundation for her later career in educational consulting and robotics. She
also earned her F.Sc. in science from Khatoon-e-Pakistan Government Degree
Girls College, where she participated in activities like the National Cadet
Corps (NCC) and debates, further demonstrating her leadership qualities.
National Leadership in the World Robot Olympiad
Zartaj's professional experience includes serving as the
National Organizer for WRO Pakistan, a role she has held since 2018. In this
capacity, she oversees the annual WRO National Competitions, which serve as a
platform for selecting teams to represent Pakistan in international WRO events.
Zartaj's work includes identifying and preparing talented students from across
the country to compete at regional, national, and international levels. Her
efforts have contributed to the expansion of WRO’s reach in Pakistan, allowing
students to engage in STEM activities and develop key skills in robotics and
engineering.
Mentorship and Curriculum Development in STEM Education
As an educator and mentor, Zartaj has a track record of
helping students and teachers acquire skills in technology, engineering, and
mathematics (STEM). She has designed and implemented curriculum development
projects aimed at enhancing the educational experience for students. Through
her work with Pi Space Science Education Centre, she has led initiatives that
have equipped thousands of students and teachers with robotics skills and
technological proficiency. Zartaj has also been instrumental in organizing STEM
events and camps, such as the groundbreaking Science & Maker Fair in Thar,
which aimed to bring innovative learning experiences to underrepresented areas.
Expanding Access to Education Through E-Learning Initiatives
Zartaj’s dedication to education extends beyond traditional
classrooms. She has developed e-learning content and online training sessions
to ensure that students from all backgrounds have access to quality education
in robotics, mental math, and technology. Through her mentorship, Zartaj has
guided teams to excel in virtual competitions like the CoderZ Virtual Robotics
Competition, with her teams ranking among the top in the region. She has also
collaborated with global organizations such as SEAMEO Indonesia, the US &
Italian Consulates, and the British Council to bring world-class STEM training
to Pakistan.
Leadership Roles at Haque Academy and School Operations
At Haque Academy, where Zartaj has worked for over six
years, she has taken on various leadership roles, including Head of Senior
School, Assistant Director of STEM Education, and HOD for ICT, Games, and
Sports. In these roles, she has shown remarkable leadership in administration,
curriculum development, and professional development. Zartaj has been
instrumental in managing school operations, including enrollment, results, and
facilitating partnerships with educational organizations. Her efforts have enhanced
the school’s academic culture and driven excellence in both STEM education and
extracurricular activities.
Biography of Zartaj Ahmed: Founder & CEO of Pi Space Science Education Centre/startup/online STEM education/Zartaj Ahmed story/World Robot Olympiad
Promoting STEAM and Project-Based Learning in Education
In addition to her role at Haque Academy, Zartaj has been an
advocate for integrating STEAM and Project-Based Learning (PBL) into primary
school curricula. As an Educational Consultant for The City School Southern
Region, she developed a comprehensive Teachers Professional Development
Program, focusing on incorporating STEAM and PBL methodologies into teaching
practices. This program empowered teachers to deliver engaging and hands-on
learning experiences, enabling students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving
skills.
Strategic Leadership and Business Development in Education
Zartaj’s leadership extends to the organizational level as
well. Her expertise in strategic planning, business development, and
partnership building has allowed her to drive transformative change in the
field of education. Her leadership initiatives have contributed to the
expansion of robotics programs and helped increase participation in
STEM-related competitions across Pakistan. Through her work, she has
demonstrated an ability to leverage partnerships and collaborations to bring
innovative learning opportunities to students and teachers alike.
Advocacy for Inclusivity and Fairness in Education
Throughout her career, Zartaj has been a strong advocate for
inclusivity and fairness in educational environments. She has emphasized the
importance of unbiased judging and has mentored numerous teams in robotics
competitions, ensuring that all participants are given equal opportunities to
succeed. Her role in WRO and other initiatives has made her a key figure in
shaping the future of STEM education in Pakistan and beyond, inspiring the next
generation of innovators and problem solvers.
Legacy and Impact on STEM Education
Zartaj Ahmed’s career reflects a deep commitment to
fostering innovation, empowering educators, and providing students with the
tools they need to succeed in the rapidly evolving fields of technology and
robotics. Through her work with WRO, Pi Space, Haque Academy, and various other
organizations, she has left a lasting impact on the education sector, shaping
the future of STEM education in Pakistan and inspiring students worldwide to
explore the possibilities of robotics, science, and technology.
A timeline for Zartaj Ahmed's career:
Bachelor's in Computer Science: Studied at Karachi
University, developing an interest in robotics and technology.
2018: Became the National Organizer for the World Robot
Olympiad (WRO) in Pakistan.
2024: Became Head Judge at WRO, showcasing leadership in
international robotics competitions.
Leadership at Haque Academy: Over 6 years of leadership in
STEM education, curriculum development, and school operations.
E-Learning Initiatives: Developed online STEM education
content and led virtual robotics competitions.
Advocacy and Mentorship: Promoted inclusivity in education,
mentored teams, and integrated STEAM & Project-Based Learning into
curricula.
Ongoing: Continues to shape STEM education through Pi Space,
global partnerships, and strategic leadership.
