Mission
At Keiki Labs, I am on a mission to instill a lifelong love for learning and science exploration in students from kindergarten through fifth grade. Driven by my deep understanding of chemistry and materials science from my Ph.D. at Columbia University in New York City, I bring an unparalleled level of expertise to my programs.
Through innovative, hands-on experiences, I aim to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and a deep appreciation for science. My deep knowledge and passion for science make my lessons educational, creative, and fun for kids, empowering them to dream, discover, and achieve their full potential.
Journey
Welcome to Keiki Labs, where science and learning ignite the curiosity of young minds. I’m Emi Leung, a former BASF researcher with almost a decade of experience in Japan, Germany, and the USA. Subsequently, I returned to academia and earned a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and Materials Science from Columbia University in the City of New York.
My academic journey was followed by a role as an expert in catalysts at FuelCell Energy, where I applied my scientific expertise to practical settings. This experience allowed me to further refine my knowledge and skills.
Becoming a mother of two boys marked a new chapter in my life, sparking a remarkable idea. I contemplated how to seamlessly merge my scientific expertise with the joys of motherhood, and from this aspiration, Keiki Labs was born.
Keiki Labs made its debut with resounding success. I conducted my first science experiment at my son’s preschool, where young minds eagerly explored the wonders of science. Witnessing the excitement and joy this brought to the children fueled my determination to share my passion and knowledge with a broader audience.
Since then, I’ve expanded Keiki Labs and hosted science classes at various community events, including the Cos Cob Library and the ReThink Waste Fair in Greenwich, Connecticut. I’ve also collaborated with the Japanese NPO, Suku Suku Kai. With dedication and enthusiasm, I’ve already inspired over 300 children through Keiki Labs since its inception in April 2022.
In addition to these milestones, I’ve continued to grow my educational initiatives. Recent activities include hosting events at the Koana Community Center in Mountain View, Hawaii, as well as private birthday parties at Pana’ewa Zoo and Coconuts Island in Hilo, Hawaii. Furthermore, I had the privilege of conducting an event at the Hawaiian Keiki Museum in Kona, Hawaii.
At Keiki Labs, I believe that learning should be both enjoyable and safe. Join me on this thrilling educational journey.
Enroll your child in one of our upcoming events or reach out to me, Emi Leung, to discover more about Keiki Labs and the enriching experiences.