Mark Rober, born on March 11, 1980, in Orange County, California, is a former NASA engineer and YouTube personality known for his innovative and entertaining videos.
His interest in engineering began at a young age, and he demonstrated his curiosity and industriousness by creating a pair of goggles that prevented the buildup of tears while cutting onions.
This early project showcased his ability to think creatively and solve real-world problems, skills that would serve him well throughout his career.
Rober’s passion for engineering led him to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of California, Pasadena, where he graduated in 2002.
Net worth
Rober’s net worth is estimated to be around $15 million, primarily generated from his YouTube channel and various business ventures.
His YouTube channel has over 23 million subscribers and has received over 3.2 billion views.
Rober also earns income from selling his inventions and through his company, CrunchLabs, which provides subscription boxes and STEM learning experiences for kids.
His net worth is a testament to his hard work, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit, and he continues to be a respected figure in the science and technology community.
Career at NASA
Rober joined the Jet Propulsion Laboratory at NASA in 2004, where he spent nine years working on various projects, including the development of the Mars Curiosity rover.
During his time at NASA, Rober also developed hardware for several missions, such as the Mars Science Laboratory, the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory, and the Soil Moisture Active Passive.
He was also involved in the creation of the comprehensive knowledge-capture wiki known as JPL Wired, which aimed to document and share knowledge across the organization.
Rober’s work at NASA not only honed his technical skills but also instilled in him a sense of teamwork and collaboration, essential qualities for his future endeavors.
YouTube career
Rober started making videos on various topics, including April Fools’ Day pranks and tips and tricks for beating escape rooms.
His videos also focused on scientific matters such as water purification and sand fluidization.
In 2011, Rober uploaded his first video to YouTube, which featured a custom-made Halloween costume created using a pair of iPads that made it appear as if his body was transparent.
This video quickly went viral, and Rober’s YouTube channel gained significant traction.
His unique blend of humor, creativity, and technical expertise resonated with audiences, and he soon became known for his innovative and entertaining content.
Digital Dudz and other ventures
Rober’s success on YouTube led him to start his own online Halloween costume company, Digital Dudz, in 2012.
The company specialized in app-integrated costumes and quickly gained popularity.
In its first three weeks of operation, Digital Dudz generated $250,000 in revenue, and by 2013, the company was selling its products in retail stores such as Party City.
Rober sold Digital Dudz to Morphsuits in 2013, but the experience had given him valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship and product development.
He continued to explore new ventures, including the creation of CrunchLabs, a company that provides subscription boxes and STEM learning experiences for kids.
Philanthropy and personal life
Rober is married to Elizabeth, and they have a son named Jonathan, who has autism.
He is actively involved in raising awareness about autism and has collaborated with various organizations to promote autism awareness.
Rober also spends time on charitable efforts, including hosting a livestream with Jimmy Kimmel that raised $3 million for NEXT for Autism in 2021.
His personal life is marked by a deep commitment to his family and his community, and his philanthropic work reflects his values of compassion and empathy.
Conclusion
Rober’s journey from NASA engineer to YouTube personality is a testament to his innovative spirit and dedication to his craft.
With an impressive net worth, he has established himself as one of the most successful YouTubers in the science and technology space.
His philanthropic efforts and commitment to raising awareness about autism make him a respected figure in the community.
As he continues to create engaging content and explore new ventures, Rober’s net worth is likely to grow, cementing his status as a leading figure in the world of science and technology.
