I’m a Physics teacher at a comprehensive school. When I’m not teaching, I work as a writer, film-maker, and science communicator.

I’m the author of several books, including, Why Don’t Things Fall Up?, How to Find a Rainbow, The Young Atheist’s Handbook, Mr Shaha’s Recipes for Wonder, and Mr Shaha’s Marvellous Machines. I have also co-authored GCSE and A-level revision guides for OUP.

I’ve worked with a variety of organisations including The Royal Institution, University College London, The Institute of Physics, and BBC Bitesize, and have focussed on making films to encourage and help parents carry out science activities at home with their children, and films for teachers, about teaching.

I have done some TV presenting, performed live science shows, and given keynote speeches at events around the world.

I have written, produced and directed a number of TV programmes about science, ranging in subject matter from particle physics to mathematics. I’ve also worked in various other roles on TV series ranging from Horizon to What the Victorians Did for Us to Science Shack.

My creative approach to science communication and teaching have been recognised with fellowships from The British Science Association, The National Endowment for Science Technology and the Arts (NESTA) and The Nuffield Foundation. I have a passionate interest in science education and want to improve my own teaching as well as help develop better ways to teach science.

I have been a regular contributor to BBC Focus, New Scientist and New Humanist magazines, and have written for various print and online publications including The Guardian, The Times, and The Independent. 

 I’ve been a local councillor in the ward where I grew up, chaired the governing body of the primary school I attended, and been a board member of Humanists UK and The Museum of Timekeeping. I continue to volunteer my time for causes I believe in, including at my children’s primary school.

I was born in Bangladesh, but mostly grew up in the Elephant & Castle in London. I can just about carry on a conversation in Spanish and can speak Sylheti, a Bangladeshi dialect, almost fluently. I have recently taken up swimming and piano lessons. I make really good dal. You should use the recipe and make your life better.