Mark Rober
Mark Rober
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Overview

Mark Rober is an American YouTuber, engineer, inventor, and educator who gained prominence for his viral videos showcasing creative science experiments, particularly those involving glitter bombs designed to thwart porch pirates and elaborate Nerf gun contraptions. Beyond entertainment, Rober's work aims to inspire a passion for science and engineering in viewers of all ages, making complex concepts accessible and engaging.
Main Milestones
Birth in Orange County, California
March 11, 1980
Mark Rober was born in Orange County, California. This early Southern California upbringing provided a foundation for his later interest in engineering and technology, given the area's concentration of tech companies and innovation.
Early Passion for Invention
Early Years: Building and Tinkering
Even during his childhood, Mark Rober displayed a keen interest in building and tinkering. He was known for taking apart electronics and constructing his own inventions, indicating an innate curiosity and drive for problem-solving that would later define his career.
Graduation from BYU with a Mechanical Engineering Degree
2004
Rober earned a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Brigham Young University (BYU). This formal education provided him with the theoretical and practical knowledge essential for his later work as an engineer and inventor, giving him a strong foundation in physics, mathematics, and design principles.
Nine Years at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
2004-2013
Rober spent nine years working at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). During his tenure, he contributed to the design and operation of the Curiosity rover, which landed on Mars in 2012. This experience exposed him to cutting-edge technology, complex engineering challenges, and the importance of collaboration in achieving ambitious scientific goals. He has seven patents for inventions developed at JPL.
Development of Augmented Reality App
2011
While at NASA, Rober developed an augmented reality app. This demonstrates his early interest in combining technology with engaging content. This project prefigures his later work using digital platforms to educate and entertain.
Start of YouTube Channel
2011
Rober initially started his YouTube channel to showcase his creative projects and engineering skills. Early videos focused on science experiments and educational content. This marked the beginning of his journey as a science communicator and online educator, gradually building an audience interested in his unique blend of engineering and entertainment.
Glitter Bomb vs. Porch Pirates
2018
Rober gained widespread fame for his glitter bomb videos, which were designed to prank thieves stealing packages from his porch. These videos went viral, attracting millions of views and establishing Rober as a prominent figure in the YouTube community. The success of the glitter bomb series demonstrated his ability to create engaging content that resonated with a broad audience, blending humor, science, and social commentary.
Team Trees Collaboration
2019
Rober teamed up with fellow YouTuber MrBeast to launch the #TeamTrees campaign, which aimed to raise $20 million to plant 20 million trees. The campaign exceeded its initial goal and generated significant global attention to environmental conservation. This initiative highlighted Rober's commitment to using his platform for positive social impact and inspiring collective action.
Continued YouTube Content Creation and Science Education Advocacy
Ongoing
Mark Rober continues to create engaging and educational content on his YouTube channel. He has also been a vocal advocate for science education and has collaborated with schools and organizations to promote STEM learning. Rober's ongoing work demonstrates his dedication to inspiring the next generation of engineers and scientists, using his platform to make science accessible, fun, and relevant to a wide audience.