Fizan Abdullah, MD, PhD, FACS, FAAP
Dr. Fizan Abdullah received his M.D. & Ph.D. degrees from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia by 1998. He completed his General Surgery residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital after which he proceeded to the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles for his Pediatric Surgery Fellowship.
Dr. Abdullah joined the faculty at Johns Hopkins in 2005. Dr. Abdullah’s expertise is in surgery for infants and children with congenital anomalies as well as advanced laparoscopy. He started the infant laparoscopy program at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center soon after his arrival. He performed the first ever laparoscopic procedures in infants at the Johns Hopkins Hospital and in the region including laparoscopic tracheo-esophageal atresia repair, laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision and reconstruction, laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, laparoscopic pyloromyotomy among others. At Johns Hopkins, Dr. Abdullah served as the Program Director for the Fellowship in Pediatric Surgery and Assistant Program Director for the Residency in General Surgery at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Abdullah also served as an Associate Professor of International Health with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Dr. Abdullah joined Lurie Children’s after spending a decade at Johns Hopkins Medicine as a pediatric surgeon, a physician-scientist and an educator. As an academician, Dr. Abdullah has devoted much of his research to studying systemic predictors that influence the quality and safety of surgical care, affect patient outcomes and have the potential to reduce complications, length of stay and cost of care. More recently, he leads a group of investigators who are studying the benefits of mobile and wearable technologies on pediatric surgical outcomes. He has published more than 200 peer-reviewed research articles and his research has been funded in the past by the National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization. Dr. Abdullah also has an interest in global health and disparities stemming from access to surgical care. He is a founding member of the Board of Directors of the G4 Alliance, an advocacy organization dedicated to catalyzing systemic changes on a global scale to improve the availability of surgical, obstetric, trauma and anesthesia care in underserved and impoverished areas of the world. He also has served an outside consultant to the World Health Organization and is also had served as the lead investigator for a national Neonatal Quality Improvement initiative performed in collaboration with the World Health Organization and Ghana Health Service.
Dr. Abdullah has also served as the past Chair of the American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) Outcomes Committee charged with developing evidence-based standards and practice guidelines. He was appointed to the combined Task Force for Children’s Surgical Care by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) charged with defining and setting system requirements needed for the delivery of safe, reliable and quality surgical care to children across the United States. Dr. Abdullah is a Senior Member and past Director of the American Board of Surgery (ABS), an organization designed to improve the safety of surgical care by assessing the technical qualifications of individual providers and granting board certifications to surgeons. He holds the distinction of being the youngest surgeon ever elected as one of its Directors in the more than 80 year history of the organization. Dr. Abdullah is also a past Director of ABS’ Board of Pediatric Surgery, which grants certifications to U.S. pediatric surgeons.
Dr. Abdullah currently serves as the President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Medical Association.
Amtul Rahman Ahmad, MD
Dr. Amtul Rehman Ahmad earned her medical degree from FJMU Lahore and MD in USA. She trained at Columbia Univ. New York in Pediatrics. She retired from Alameda County Medical Center California as a Medical director and lead physician. She has served as Chief medical officer and Chief of Pediatrics for six years. She served at State Medical Society Wisconsin for six years as president of county med society and chair.
She is a certified teacher on Alfurqan and is doing a Waqfe Arzi under TAQWA program for the past 13 years. She teaches Tarteel, Translation, Tafseer and Arabic Grammar in Urdu and English. For the past two years she has been teaching Nasirat and Atfal split word translation of the Holy Quran in English with story style explanations. She feels passionate about explaining the concepts of the Holy Quran with scientific perspective to inspire the youth as their first step into the world of Quran and science! She recently completed the English Translation of the book written by her late Waqf e Zindagi Father, Alhaj Maulana Sheikh Naseer-ud-din Ahmad, titled "The First Step in Arabic Grammar”. She is currently serving as the National Taleem Secretary for Lajna Ima’Illah USA in which she has been assigned the responsibility of directing Research and writing as well. She is the Author of "My gut feeling Pediatrics" a book on pediatrics.
summer Ahmad, phd
Dr. Summer Ahmad earned her BS in Biochemistry (cum laude with honors) from University of Missouri- Columbia and her PhD in Medical Radiation Physics from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. Her PhD dissertation work was performed at Washington University in St. Louis (2005-2008) and I also did a post-doctoral clinical training program at the University of Minnesota Medical Center from 2008-2010.
She previously was an Assistant Professor at University of Minnesota Medical School, a clinical physicist at Minneapolis VA Medical Center, and solo clinical medical physicist at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton, MA. She worked as a Remote Medical Radiation Physicist for Crux Quality Solutions part time from 2015 - 2017. Dr. Ahmad currently conducts paper reviews for a physics journal, Medical Dosimetry, and is a Physics tutor. Dr. Ahmad resides in Columbia, MO with her husband and three sons. She served as PA President at her sons' school last year where she is an active volunteer.
On a Jamaat level, she served as the Health Secretary of Zion Jamaat and also Media Watch Secretary and Publications secretary for St. Louis Jamaat. Currently she is serving as General Secretary of St. Louis Jamaat, and is a member of AWSA and Media Watch.
Ayesha Ahmad, MD
Dr. Ayesha Ahmad is a physician currently employed at Penn State Health and works as a Geriatrician and educator in their Geriatrics program. She is the program Director for Geriatrics fellowship. She also serves as a co-chair for the Inter-faith Affinity group under Penn State’s office of Diversity. Her areas of interest are dementia, end of life and culturally competent care. She serves as Muavina Public Affairs in York/Harrisburg NY chapter.
Sardar Anees Ahmad, JD
Anees is the founder of Dream School Roadmaps, an automated college counseling service. He is privileged to currently serve on the international Tasneef team and for the national Amoor-e-Kharja team. His work has appeared in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, TIME, Harvard National Security Journal, Forbes, etc. He has a JD and B.A.
Furqan Ahmed, PhD
Dr. Furqan Ahmed is currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Center for Space Research of the University of Texas at Austin. His research interests include the application of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) observations for precise geodetic measurements and high-resolution estimation of atmospheric water vapor. He was awarded his Ph.D. (Engineering Sciences) in 2015 from the University of Luxembourg. His doctoral research was focused on the applications of GNSS observations in numerical weather prediction (NWP) and climatology. Furthermore, he possesses MS and BS degrees in Radio and Space Science, and Telecommunication Engineering, respectively. He has disseminated the findings of his research in form of peer-reviewed articles, and several oral and poster presentations in international conferences. In the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Dr. Ahmed serves as the local Qaid of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association (AMYA) in Austin, TX and has recently been appointed to serve the national Finance department of the AMYA.
Faysal Sohail, BS
Faysal Sohail is a seasoned entrepreneur, venture builder, and a managing partner at Presidio Partners, a venture capital firm based in the United States. His expertise lies in deep technology investments across a variety of sectors including Information Technology, Life Sciences, Energy Transition, and Materials.
Faysal demonstrated his entrepreneurial prowess by founding several multi-billion-dollar technology enterprises such as Actel and Silicon Architects, leading them to successful IPO or M&A exits. He is also a Board Member of successful companies in the Renewable Energy industry like Our Next Energy (ONE) and Ascend Elements. In addition to his professional responsibilities, Faysal has been a lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business and U.C. Berkeley, sharing his insights on global entrepreneurship and venture capital.
Fayyaz Malik, MBA
Mr. Fayyaz Malik is a retired finance professional with a distinguished career spanning several decades in Silicon Valley. Having held key positions at industry-leading companies like Hewlett Packard, Apple, and NVIDIA, Mr. Malik brings a wealth of experience to his current endeavors.
His interdisciplinary background, fortified by three master's degrees in finance, information systems, and manufacturing management, has equipped him to navigate complex business challenges. Throughout his career, Mr. Malik has been dedicated to mentoring and developing young professionals, fostering a culture of growth and innovation.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Malik is an active member of the Silicon Valley chapter of the Ahmadiyya Movement of Islam. In his post-retirement years, he has successfully established a real estate development company. When not immersed in business ventures, Mr. Malik enjoys the tranquility of gardening, the thrill of outdoor activities, and the adventure of exploring new destinations.
Iftikhar Ahmed, MS
Iftikhar Ahmed is serving as the Finance Secretary of the Association of Ahmadi Muslim Scientists (AAMS). He is also serving as Qaid Publications, Majlis Ansarullah USA, and Secretary Wasaya, Silicon Valley.
Professionally, Iftikhar is the co-founder and Managing Partner at Kaizen Financial Strategies. As a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) he serves as a financial advisor and investment professional helping clients pursue their goals and invest successfully in various market conditions. Prior to a career change to the financial services industry, Iftikhar worked for 20+ years in the high-tech sector in engineering, business, and leadership roles.
He has a BS in Electrical Engineering and a master’s in Information Systems Management.
Iftikhar is passionate about entrepreneurship, lifelong education, and technological innovations. He is based in Silicon Valley California with his wife, and two young adult children.
Noveera Tahir Ahmed, PhD
On a Jamaat level, Dr. Noveera Ahmed serves as local Lajna Sadr and Umoore Talibaat Secretary of the Rochester NY chapter.
On an academic level, Dr. Noveera Ahmed serves as Chair of the Department of Biology and Associate Professor at St. John Fisher College. She holds a Ph.D. in Cell Biology. She is passionate about science education and teaches courses in the areas genetics, cell biology, and histology. Her bench science interests include biofuel production, quorum sensing, and flagellar function in microalgae. She has published in the areas of flagellar assembly and biology teaching.
In her community, Dr. Noveera Ahmed serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of an all-girls middle and high school, allowing her to pursue her desire to improve STEM educational opportunities for young women. She has mentored over two dozen women in undergraduate research projects.
Sheela Ahmed, BS
On a Jamaat level, Sheela serves as the local Lajna General Secretary for the Boston Jamaat. She has also served in the past as the local Lajna Ishaat, Finance, Tehrik-e-Jadid and Waqf-e-Jadid secretaries for the Rochester, NY Jamaat.
On an academic level, Sheela Ahmed currently works as an Associate Data Scientist at Frontier Technology Inc. in Beverly, MA, centering her work in the field of space and defense, outlining and implementing various image analysis algorithms for space satellites and camera sensors. Sheela received her Bachelors of Science in Imaging Science from the Rochester Institute of Technology and was awarded a Research Scholar Award for her research in algorithm development for object detection in eye tracking experiments. She also spent time mentoring a year-long project to develop an imaging system for 3D Modeling of living organisms for augmented reality use. From the optical sciences at university to astronomy in the workplace, Sheela has had the honor of utilizing her knowledge in both physics and technology in both fields and hopes to pursue further education in the field of astronomy.
Ijaz Ahmed, PhD
Dr. Ijaz Ahmed is currently a Principal Scientist in Process Chemistry at Pfizer. He has worked previously at GlaxoSmithKline, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, and other smaller biotech comapnies. He was awarded his PhD in 2015 in the area of Organic Chemistry at Syracuse University, which was followed by a Post-Doc appointment at WPI in Massachusetts. His interest is in synthetic organic chemistry and the process development of active pharmaceutical ingredients. He received the MKA Talent Award in 2014 for his publication on the rapid synthesis of BINOL derivatives.
On a Jama’at level, Dr. Ahmed is blessed to serve as the Publications Secretary for the Association of Ahmadi Muslim Scientists -USA (AAMS-USA). He is also serving as the National Murabbi Atfal for Majlis Atfalul Ahmadiyya, USA.
Munazza alam, PHD
Dr. Munazza Alam is an astronomer, National Geographic Young Explorer, and postdoctoral researcher at the Carnegie Earth & Planets Laboratory in Washington, DC. She earned her Bachelor's degree in physics and astronomy from CUNY Hunter College in New York City, and received her PhD in astronomy and astrophysics from Harvard University in 2021. Munazza also serves as a Deputy Editor for The Review of Religions magazine's Science Section.
Mohamed Alburaki, PHD
Dr. Alburaki is a Scientific Researcher at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Bee Research Laboratory (BRL) in Beltsville, Maryland. He is a longtime beekeeper and practiced beekeeping in many countries. He obtained his Ph.D. in honey bee genetics and behavior from the University of Pierre and Marie Curie, Paris – France. Dr. Alburaki conducted extensive studies on honey bee diversity, evolution and functional genomics during his Post-doctoral Researcher and investigated the effect of pesticides on honey bee health in Canada and the USA.
At Jama’at level, he is currently serving as President of the USA Arabic Desk, Secretary of Ta’lim Quran and Waqf Aridi in Maryland and Quran Teacher at Tahir Academy.
Sohaib Awan, MD (Candidate)
Sohaib Awan is a fourth year medical student at Northeast Ohio Medical University and has applied for residency in anesthesiology. He serves as Naib Sadr for Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya USA.
Naveed aziz, PHD
Dr. Naveed Aziz serves as Chief Executive Officer of CGEn, Canada’s national platform for genome sequencing & analysis, and a staff scientist at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.
Naveed has a keen interest in the role of genomic in providing solutions to pressing global challenges. He is passionate about the development of powerful and efficient solutions for big data generation, storage and deposition to “open-science” databases, enabling high-speed data exchange at national and international scale. Naveed servers on numerous national & international scientific advisory committees.
On a Jamaat level, by the Grace of Allah, Naveed has served as a local amila member in various capacities in Pakistan, UK and currently as a member of Ottawa West local amila in Canada.
Naveed holds a PhD in Gene Targeting from University of Dundee, UK, in addition to an MPhil in Biotechnology and an Executive MBA from Bradford School of Management, UK. His previous roles include serving as the Director of Technology programs at Genome Canada, Head of Genomics at University of York, UK and as Research Fellow at the Noble Research Institute, USA. In 2018, Naveed was named as one of Canada’s emerging executive leaders by adMare and Pfizer.
Chairul Bahri, phd
Dr. Chairul Bahri lives in Marietta, Georgia, United States of America. He received his Ph. D. degree in physics with a minor in computer science from Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, USA. Currently, he is an assistant professor of physics at Kennesaw State University, Georgia, USA. In addition to teaching responsibilities at KSU, his research interest in many-body nuclear physics remains intact, even during his career as a risk management officer and a quant (in financial industry) prior to his return to academia at KSU. His contributions to nuclear SU(3) model with its extension, Sp(3,R) model, laid the foundation of symmetry-adapted no core shell model in atomic nuclei. Additionally, it has been used in various calculations of energy spectra in light, medium, and heavy mass nuclei.
Wajeeh Bajwa, PhD
Dr. Bajwa received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Glasgow, Scotland, in 1981. Over the years Dr. Bajwa’s work spans a breadth from molecular and genetics work, to animal studies and human clinical trials. For more than 30 years, he has focused on the GxP regulations with emphasis on the drug development and with special focus on the compliance activities related to human subject protection.
His opportunity to serve for the Jama’at started at the age of 13 in Model Town, Lahore, Pakistan. Over the years he has been blessed to serve Jama’at in various capacities at the local, national, and international levels.
Dhiya Tahira Bakr
Dhiya Tahira Bakr is currently serving as National Sadr Lajna Ima’illah – USA, the Women’s Auxiliary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
olivia barber, phd Candidate
Olivia Barber is an environmental engineer interested in the human impact on antimicrobial resistance and how it impacts health outcomes. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from University of Maryland, College Park where her research focused on optimizing developments to minimize stormwater flooding. She then moved to England to study in the Environmental Engineering Master’s degree program at Imperial College London. Her dissertation focused on barriers to the implementation of novel microbial wastewater treatment in Serbia. After completing her Master’s, she spent a year working in industry as a consultant engineer for drinking water projects before returning to academia. Her current research as a PhD candidate at Northwestern University in Chicago, IL focuses on how disinfectant use impacts antimicrobial resistance and strategies to combat the resistance trend.
Olivia serves as local Lajna Ima'illah public affairs secretary in Chicago and also works as an editor for the children’s magazine Al Hilal.
AhmAd Zeeshan Bhatti, PhD (Candidate)
Mr. Bhatti has been working as Deputy Director (Research) with Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources, Islamabad for 13 years. He is a seasoned Water Manager having water project design and implementation skills. Has a track record of achieving excellent results in irrigation water management and research dissemination. Has credit of implementing 8 water projects in different agro-climatic zones of Pakistan. The implemented projects included rainwater harvesting, gravity and pressurized irrigation systems, groundwater, wastewater management and research dissemination. His internationally collaborated project includes WWF, USAID, UNICEF, ICARDA and University of Washington etc. His works like introduction of climate smart technologies in northern areas of Pakistan and irrigation advisory services for farmers is getting world’s appreciation. He has 17 national and international publications to his credit so far and is consultant water expert for the National Daily Dawn.
His academic record includes an M. Phil. Water Resources Management degree, from University of Engineering and Technology Lahore, B.Sc. Agricultural Engineering degree from University of Agriculture Faisalabad and is presently pursuing PhD Environmental Sciences at University of Prince Edward Island, Canada since 2018. He also has numerous international certifications, including from Oracle Corporation USA, University of Western Australia Perth, USGS Water Science Center Tacoma and Hydrological Engineering Centre Davis California.
Shanaz butt, Phd
Dr. Shanaz Butt is a tenured professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. Her research is directed towards understanding the effects of stress on mental disorders. She has published over 65 papers and made more than 175 presentations at local, national and international conferences.
As research advisor, Shanaz has mentored numerous undergraduate and graduate students, and trained several post-doctoral fellows. She lectures to undergraduate, graduate and professional level students on subjects related to the physiology, pharmacology and toxicology of the brain and related behaviors.
Shanaz received her BS and MS degrees from the University of Mumbai, her Ph.D. degree from the Medical College of Virginia, and completed her post-doctoral training from the University of Pennsylvania. She received her MBA degree from the University of the Sciences.
Dr. Shanaz embraced Ahmadiyyat and by the Grace of Allah, had the opportunity to serve as National President, Lajna Imaillah-USA from 2000-2010 and then served as the inaugural AWSA President from 2011-2014. She also served as Director of Feed the Hungry Program and Our Kids Our Future Program under Humanity First USA from 2011-16, and served as Global Strategic Lead for Knowledge for Life, Humanity First International from 2019-2020.
Tayyaba Bhatti, MPH
Tayyaba Bhatti is serving as the AWSA Finance Secretary and has been blessed to serve the Jamaat in many other capacities. She has a masters in public health with a bachelors in biology. Her interests include health education and disease prevention. Tayyaba has also been involved with Humanity First Guatemala health missions. Currently she is teaching religious education for the national Tahir Academy online and focused on raising her young daughter.
Amjad Chaudhry, DVM, MPH
Dr. Amjad Chaudhry received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in 1979, in Punjab, Pakistan and moved to USA in 1980 and soon joined the US Army as a technician. In 1990, he passed National Board Exams and Practicum. He chose to apply for Laboratory Animal Medicine Residency (LAMR) and Master of Public Health (MPH), since laboratory Animal Medicine was gaining popularity in the public and to protect animals being used in research. He was accepted to start these courses in Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) in Washington DC.
He has written a paper on the African Clawed Frog, detailing its life history, uses, and habitat. He has also written about the difference in the growth rate of cell line as a predictor of prostate cancer tumor Model in Nude-mice.
In May of 1998, he retired from US Army and was hired by National Institute of Health (NIH) as Lab Animal Veterinarian, for the health care and wellbeing of Laboratory Animals in National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). For almost the past 20 years, Dr. Chaudhry has been at the NIH supporting research in NIMH.
He currently serves as the National Secretary Ziafat of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, USA.
Maulana Azhar Haneef
Maulana Azhar Haneef trained as a missionary at Jamiah Ahmadiyya Rabwa Pakistan and has served the Jama’at in the USA in various capacities including missionary in charge. He is currently serving as Naib Amir USA.
Khalid A. Husain, BS-MS (Candidate)
Khalid Husain is a student at Stanford University. He is studying Science, Technology, and Society with a concentration in Biochemical Nutrition while simultaneously pursuing a Masters in Science.
Sohail Z. Husain, MD
On a Jamaat level, Dr. Sohail Z. Husain serves as President of the Association of Ahmadi Muslim Scientists USA, National Naib Talim Secretary for the Salam Initiative, and Health Secretary for Ansarullah Silicon Valley. He has had the honor of serving in various capacities in the past, including as a local Zaim, local Qaid, Regional Qaid, on the National MKA Amila, and in medical trips with Humanity First USA.
On an academic level, Dr. Husain serves as Professor of Pediatrics and Chief of the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology at Stanford University in California, USA. He is a physician-scientist whose lab focuses on determining three broad areas related to the exocrine pancreas: (1) The crucial signaling pathways that initiate and transduce pancreatitis; (2) the factors that turn on pancreatic regeneration and recovery after pancreatic injury; and (3) the mechanisms underlying drug-induced pancreatitis. He has authored over 100 scientific papers, 12 book chapters, and has filed several patents related to pancreatic disorders. He serves as Past Chair of the North American Pediatric GI Society’s (NASPGHAN) Pancreas Committee and Research Committee, and a Councilor of the American Pancreatic Association (APA).
On a personal level, Dr. Husain enjoys spending his free time in writing and mentoring youth in the sciences. He has served as mentor for over two dozen research trainees in his research lab.
Asif Jamil, PhD
Dr. Asif Jamil is an Instructor and Principal Investigator in research at the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. His research lies at the intersection of human neuroimaging, cognitive neuroscience, and non-invasive neuromodulation. The primary focus of his work is to understand the causal relationship between rhythmic brain activity and cognition, with the ultimate goal of developing innovative device-based neuromodulation protocols to effectively engage and modify physiological brain activity in relation to neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Dr. Jamil earned his undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Maryland College Park in 2011 before pursuing a Master of Science in Neuroimaging at Kings College London in 2012. He completed his PhD in Systems Neuroscience from the University of Goettingen in Germany in 2017, with a doctoral thesis centered on optimizing low-intensity non-invasive brain stimulation in humans through a neurovascular coupling model. Dr. Jamil further enriched his knowledge and experience by undergoing post-doctoral training at the Leibniz Research Institute for Working Environment and Human Factors in Dortmund, Germany from 2017 to 2020. During this time, he developed cutting-edge neuromodulation protocols that combined electrical and magnetic stimulation to effectively engage the human brain's oscillatory activity in the context of understanding and modulating human consciousness, funded by the EU Horizon 2020 research program.
In addition to his research, Dr. Jamil dedicates his time to serving as Naib Qaid Khuddamul Ahmadiyya of the Boston Chapter of the Ahmadi Muslim Youth Association USA, and Secretary of Education for the Boston Jamaat. He also contributes as the Publication Secretary for the Association of Ahmadi Muslim Scientists (AAMS) USA.
Waqas bin Khalid, PhD (Candidate)
Waqas Bin Khalid completed his Bachelor's degree in Computer Software Engineering from the Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology, Topi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. He earned a Master’s of Science degree at University of Minnesota, Duluth, in Engineering Management and Electrical and Computer Engineering. Prior to joining his Ph.D. program at the University of Pittsburgh, he gained experience working as a Biomedical Design Engineer for Eden Medical and Design Solution Inc. in Minnesota. Currently, he is pursuing his Ph.D. degree in Bio-Engineering with his research primarily focused on Ultrasound Elastography.
Adil Agha Khan, BS
Adil Agha Khan started his undergraduate studies as a student at the Johns Hopkins University and is now pursuing his M.S. in Biotechnology there, concentrating in Regenerative and Stem Cell Technologies. He is a graduate researcher at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine at the the Margolis Lab in the Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Biology. His is pursuing an independent research project there studying the newly-discovered neuronal membrane proteasome via CRISPR Cas9 technology. He is serving MKA USA as a Naib Mohtamim Khidmat e Khalq, President of the Johns Hopkins University Ahmadiyya Muslim Students Association, and as Nazim Tabligh, Baltimore.
ARSHAD Mahmood KHAN, PhD
Dr. Arshad M. Khan received his PhD in Neuroscience at the University of California at Riverside in 2002. He was a postdoctoral fellow, and later a Research Assistant Professor, at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, where he trained in the fields of neuroendocrinology and functional neuroanatomy. He joined the faculty at The University of Texas at El Paso in 2011, where he currently directs the UTEP Systems Neuroscience Laboratory.
Dr. Khan’s research focuses on brain mechanisms underlying the control of motivated, goal-directed behaviors such as feeding and drinking. He also is interested in neural systems that control fear, addiction and stress. For these topics, he is mapping new brain circuits using computational tools and digital brain atlases. His work involves creating standardized maps for the neuroscience community that can be used to experimentally target novel brain circuits to examine how they contribute to normal and abnormal brain function. His research spans the molecular, cellular, systems and behavioral scales of study. Dr. Khan also collaborates on neuroinformatics and computer science projects related to the modeling, management, and migration of neuroscientific data. He maintains active research interests in the history of neuroscience, comparative neurobiology and genomics.
Dr. Khan is strongly committed to classroom and laboratory instruction in the life sciences (biology, biochemistry, neuroscience) at the university level. As part of this effort, he also collaborates on science education studies and training initiatives to improve undergraduate and graduate student learning outcomes and to instill equity in educational practices, especially for STEM students within underrepresented minorities. He has supervised the research of several undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and junior research faculty; and teaches classes in neuroscience and animal behavior at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Dr. Khan’s Jama’at service includes having served as President of the Association of Ahmadi Muslim Scientists USA (AAMS-USA) and in various capacities for Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya, including as Qaid of the Los Angeles East MKA chapter. He is currently assisting in the editing and typesetting of new publications for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, including a forthcoming commemorative edition showcasing the missions and mosques of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
In his personal life, he seeks to cultivate creativity for his research through the study and enjoyment of the arts and humanities. He is an avid bibliophile and enjoys getting lost in second-hand bookshops whenever he can. He especially loves spending time with his family, reading and collecting books, and listening to music.
More about Dr. Khan’s publications at his UTEP webpage.
Farhana Khan, BS
Farhana Khan graduated from University of Connecticut about 20 years ago with a bachelors in Dietetics. She worked in community health and retail for some time, and then decided to stay home to raise her children. Farhana is now back in school to upgrade her skills. She studies and works in Northwest Vista College in San Antonio, Texas. She is graduating this summer with an Associate in Business Administration. Farhana has a strong interest in in public health management, food and sustainability, and environmental sciences.
Hafiz Mubarak Kukoyi, MD
On a Jamaat level, Dr. Hafiz Mubarak Kukoyi serves as the current National Secretary of Taleemul Quran and Waqfe Ardhi USA. Before then he served as the local secretary of the same Department in Chicago. He did his memorization of the Quran in Rabwah Pakistan, and he was one of the two flower boys that welcomed Dr. Abdus Salam when he came to Rabwah in 1979 after his Nobel prize award. He teaches in the Tahir academy in Chicago.
He has volunteered with the Humanity First surgical team in the trip to West Africa.
On an academic level, Dr. Kukoyi attended Spartan Health Science University Medical School after the age of 40. He is currently into pharmaceutical drug safety research in pharmaceutical companies.
He is married with 3 children, enjoys reading and teaching the Quran.
Adeel Malik, BS
On a Jamaat level, Adeel serves as Nazim Tabligh for MKA Chicago and also works on the MKA Isha'at team.
In 2018, Adeel co-founded an Artificial Intelligence healthcare company, called Clearstep (www.clearstep.health). Under Adeel’s leadership, Clearstep has partnered with some of the leading healthcare institutions in the U.S. (such as CVS Health, HCA, Tufts Medicine, Novant Health, and others). He was featured in Built In Chicago's 50 Startups to Watch in 2020 and was an inaugural member of the UnitedHealthcare accelerator. Adeel was also named one of Chicago's 20 in their 20's by Crain's in 2020. Prior to Clearstep, he was a consultant at Accenture where he worked across pharma, health tech, health systems, and retail. While in undergrad at the University of Maryland where he studied Finance and Neurobiology, Adeel also spent 3 years as a neuro-immunology researcher at Johns Hopkins.
Atiya Tul-HayE Malik
The daughter of a Murabbi (Scholar of Islam) and the mother of 4 Waqfeen e Nau, Atiya strives to instill the love of learning, connection to faith, and service to humanity in her children.
Having completed her Abitur in Economics from Hamburg, Germany, Atiya is fluent in German and can speak some Spanish. Since 2007, Atiya has been serving as the local secretary Tabligh (Outreach) for the Maryland chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Auxiliary, giving her the opportunity to share the true Islamic teachings. Currently, Atiya is working as a translator and Paraeducator for the Montgomery County Public School system in Maryland.
Mujeeb r. malik, phd
Dr. Mujeeb Malik is the Senior Aerodynamicist at NASA Langley Research Center involved in research in simulation and modeling of complex turbulent flows He has served as Head of Computational AeroSciences Branch at Langley where he led research in the development of advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods over a wide speed regime, from subsonic to hypersonic. He also sponsored NASA’s CFD Vision 2030 Study, which received world acclaim. Dr. Malik is well-known for his research in boundary layer stability and laminar-turbulent transition, in particular for his pioneering research in hypersonic boundary layer transition, developing computational methods and tools for its prediction, and fundamental studies to unravel physics of boundary layer stability and control. Before joining NASA, he was President of High Technology Corporation, a Research & Development firm that he founded.
He received his PhD from Iowa State University in 1978. During his PhD studies, he was also an academic visitor to Imperial College London for 6 months. His earlier education was at T. I. College, Rabwah, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore (both in Pakistan) and the University of Toronto in Canada.
He is a Fellow of American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), American Physical Society and American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He received NASA’s Exceptional Service Medal in 2012, Silver Achievement Medal in 2018 as well as several group achievement awards over the years. In 2022, he was presented AIAA’s prestigious AIAA Fluid Dynamics Award.
Atif Mian, PhD
Dr. Atif Mian is John H. Laporte, Jr. Class of 1967 Professor of Economics, Public Policy and Finance at Princeton University, and Director of the Julis-Rabinowitz Center for Public Policy and Finance at the Woodrow Wilson School. He holds a bachelors degree in Mathematics with Computer Science and Ph.D. in Economics from MIT. Prior to joining Princeton in 2012 he taught at the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Chicago Booth School of business. Professor Mian's work studies the connections between finance and the macro economy. His latest book, House of Debt, with Amir Sufi builds upon powerful new data to describe how debt precipitated the Great Recession. The book is critically acclaimed by The New York Times, Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal,The Economist, and The Atlantic among others. Professor Mian's research has appeared in top academic journals.
He currently serves as the National Secretary Taleem (Education) for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, USA.
Hameed Mirza, PhD
Dr. Hameed Mirza is an Adjunct Professor at the International Center of Chemical & Biological Sciences and a faculty at York University, Canada. He is also President & Chief Scientific Officer at the A.S. Chemical Laboratories, Inc. He received an MSc degree in Chemistry from Lakehead University in 1988. In 1993, he completed his PhD in Chemistry at the University of Western Ontario, after which he joined McGill University as a post-doctoral research fellow at the center of excellence in protein engineering network. Dr. Mirza’s research focuses on the synthesis of light harvesting devices and the development of novel pharmaceutical products. To date, Dr. Mirza has published over 45 scientific papers and delivered over 50 presentations at various conferences worldwide. He serves as the National Secretary Ta’lim (Education) for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Canada. He is also serving as the President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Scientists Association Canada. In the past, he has served as President of Peace Village East chapter and Vice-president of Majlis Ansarullah Canada.
Kamaldeen Muili, PhD
Dr. Kamaldeen Muili is an Immunology Research Scientist. His expertise includes Inflammation and redox signaling, cancer, and infectious diseases. Dr. Muili is also an acknowledged teacher and a referred mentor who has mentored over 30 students across Africa, Europe, and America both at undergraduate and graduate levels. Dr. Muili has published numerous scientific papers and a book chapter on pancreatic disorder.
On the Jamaat level, Dr. Muili is humbly serving as the President Pan African Ahmadi Muslim Association (PAAMA) Central-1 Region, Coordinator Team Member Rishta Nata Ahmadiyya USA, Na’ib Qaid Tarbiyyat Ansarullah, and Tabligh Secretary Columbus Ohio Jamaat.
Hameed Naseem, PhD
Hameed A. Naseem is currently a University Professor of Electrical Engineering at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. He joined the University in 1985 as an Assistant Professor. He was promoted to the rank of Associate Professor in 1990 and Full Professor in 1995. He was awarded the rank of University Professor in 2016. Dr. Naseem received his B.Sc. (Hon. School) and M.Sc. (Hons. School) Degrees in Physics from Panjab University, Chandigarh, India. He received his M.S. (Physics) and Ph.D. (Materials Science and Engineering) from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, in 1980 and 1984, respectively. He worked as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Southern Methodist University, Dallas, in 1984-85. Dr. Naseem has received numerous teaching and research awards including College of Engineering Research Award (2018, 2017, and 2016), College of Engineering Outstanding Teacher Award (2016), Ahmadiyya Talent Award and Gold Medal (2014), William and Margaret Brown Faculty Excellence Award (2014), University of Arkansas Vice-Provost for Student Affair—Golden Tusk Award (2012), Arkansas Academy of Electrical Engineering Outstanding Faculty Award (2000, 1996, 1993, and 1988), Texas Instruments Outstanding Faculty Award (1998 and 1996), Haliburton Outstanding Teacher Award (1992), and Philips Petroleum Company Outstanding Researcher Award (1994). In 2014, Dr. Naseem is a Life Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, a Life Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), and a Life Member of the Electrochemical Society (ECS). In 2020, he was inducted as Eminent Engineer in Tau Beta Pi (Engineering Honor Society). He is a member of Sigma Pi Sigma (Physics Honor Society), Eta Kappa Nu (Electrical Engineering Honor Society), and Phi Beta Delta (International Scholars Honor Society). He has published nearly 300 research papers in refereed journals and proceedings. He has made over 200 presentations at national/international conferences that include several invited/keynote speeches. He has received nine U.S. patents, and several are pending.
Dr. Naseem has served the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, USA, as the President of the Tulsa Chapter for over 20 years (1998-2019.) He is currently serving as Tabligh Secretary of the Tulsa Chapter. Dr. Naseem establish Al-Islam Students Association, a registered student organization (RSO,) at the University of Arkansas and served as its Faculty Advisor till the present time. Association held over thirty seminars in which many of the prolific speakers of the Ahmadiyya community spoke. Since 2011, Al-Islam Students Association held yearly Muslims for Life blood drives in concert with the Nationwide campaign of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
Dr. Naseem is currently pursuing another Ph.D. degree in Arabic literature from the University of Arkansas under the King Fahd Center for Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies Program. Dr. Naseem has been serving as a teacher in the Talimul Quran and Waqfe Arzi department of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, USA.
Moulana Tariq Naseem
Imam Tariq Naseem is a 2017 graduate from Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada. He received his Shahid degree after 7 years accumulative course work exams and defending his dissertation. He was then sent for a year of rotations visiting different parts of the world for hands on learning experiences. His rotations took him to Ghana, U.K., Rabwah, and Mexico. He was born and raised in California. He now serves concurrently as Imam Baitus Samad Baltimore and in the National Tarbiyyat Department.
fasih rahman, PhD candidate
Fasih Rahman serves as the Chair for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Research Association of Canada. Fasih also serves as an assistant for the national Ta’lim department of Canada and Regional Nazim Umur-e-Talaba for Western Ontario.
Fasih Rahman is a PhD candidate at the University of Waterloo. Fasih is an expert in muscle physiology, mitochondrial physiology and metabolism. His research focuses on: 1) understanding the molecular mechanism(s) of mitochondrial remodeling, and 2) targeting the mitochondria to preserve muscle mass and function in disease conditions. Fasih’s graduate research has resulted in 10 publications, several graduate awards and federal funding, including the prestigious NSERC Alexander Graham Bell Doctoral Award.
In his spare time, Fasih enjoys lifting weights, cycling, and playing racquet sports. He also enjoys organizing events and working with the youth to promote research and scientific advancements.
FAtir qureshi, PHD
Fatir Qureshi is a research scientist at the Whitehead Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts. His current research focus lies at the intersection of bioinformatics, epigenetics and data science. He completed his PhD in biomedical engineering at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2022. The focus of his dissertation was leveraging machine learning techniques to better understand the biochemical underpinnings of autism spectrum disorder.
Haris Qureshi, BS
Haris Qureshi is a Cancer Research Training Award (CRTA) fellow at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, MD. His research in cancer immunotherapy with the Pediatric Oncology Branch is focused on optimizing Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T Cell therapy for hematologic malignancies. Haris graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2018 with a degree in biomedical engineering and intends to matriculate into the University of Connecticut School of Medicine in 2019. At the Jamaat level, Haris currently serves as the Vice Publications Secretary of the Association of Ahmadi Muslim Scientists.
Mahid qureshi, bs (candidate)
On a jamaat level, Mahid serves as local Motamid, or General Secretary, for Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya USA, in Connecticut, and also serves as the Regional Taleem Secretary in the Northeast Region for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA.
On an academic level, Mahid is a college freshman at the University of Connecticut. He is a premed, with a major in Biomedical Engineering.
Aziza rahman, PhD
Dr. Aziza Rahman is the eldest daughter of Professor Abdus Salam. She was born in Pakistan, but at the age of three she moved to the UK with her parents. She earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree and Doctorate in Biochemistry at the University of London before moving to New York with her husband, where she worked as a research assistant in the Cancer Research Institute at Columbia University. She now resides in California and is a member of the Los Angeles Jama'at. She has served Lajna Ima'illah for many years at local, regional and national level, and is currently serving as National Naib Sadr and National Secretary Umoore Talibaat.
Hamid ur Rahman, MD
Dr. Hamid ur Rahman received his medical degree from Khyber Medical College, University Peshawar in 1968, and then completed his Fellowship of Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) in Edinburgh in 1975. In 1976, he moved to the USA and did his residency in orthopedics at New York University at Stony Brook, after which he moved to California and has practiced there since 1981.
Dr. Rahman served as President of the Los Angeles Jama'at from 1989 to 2013, and as National Naib Ameer USA since 1994.
Lutf ur Rehman, MD
Dr. Lutf ur Rehman is a transplant surgeon. He specializes in kidney, pancreas and liver transplantation.
He is serving as President of Ahmadiyya Muslim Medical Association, USA and President Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Alabama and Tennessee.
Sania Saeed, BS (Candidate)
Sania Saeed is a Biology major and a Senior at University of Connecticut, CT. She will graduate with Bachelor of Science, in Spring and will attend Medical School in Fall 2019. Sania has been involved in research since her freshmen year and is currently working as a research assistant in the Department of Psychology at UCONN. Her research interests include the psychological development of children, and health risk behaviors.
Salman sajid, BA
On a Jamaat level, Salman M. Sajid serves as Creative Director of Al Islam. He has also had the honor of serving in various capacities in the past, including as National MKA Sami-o-Basri secretary, USA Tasneef Team member, and local Wasaya Secretary.
On a professional level, Salman M. Sajid works as a User Experience Design consultant helping his clients bring their apps and websites to life. He leverages his artistic background and degree in Human Psychology to create digital products that are intuitive, useful, and beautiful.
On a personal level, Salman enjoys learning about the emerging field of energetic medicine and its potential to unlock breakthrough cures to help underserved sections of humanity.
Zia Shah, MD
Dr. Zia Shah is a physician practicing Sleep Disorders and Pulmonary Medicine in Upstate New York. He is the Chief Editor of the Muslim Times, which has more than 39,000 followers on Twitter. He is also Chair of Religion and Science for the Muslim Sunrise, the oldest Muslim publication in North America. He has authored more than 400 articles on Islam, Christianity, Secularism, and Religion and Science. He manages one of the most active Twitter accounts with 39,000 followers. The twitter handle is @The_MuslimTimes.
Karim Sharif, PhD
Dr. Karim Sharif is a Professor of Biology at Massasoit Community College. Prior to obtaining his PhD from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York (CUNY), he attended Talimul Islam College in Rabwah, Forman Christian College in Lahore, and Hunter College, CUNY. His current research focuses on the comparative genomic analysis among Drosophila (Fruit Fly) species. He has published a broad range of articles in esteemed journals and has a keen interest in promoting scientific education, something he attributes to the vision and directive of His Holiness, Hadhrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad, the third Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (may Allah be pleased with him). Dr. Sharif has served the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in various capacities. Currently, he serves as the Vice President of the Association of Ahmadi Muslim Scientists (AAMS-USA). Locally, he serves as the President of the Boston Chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA.
Sadia Khulood Sharif, MA
Sadia Khulood Sharif is currently teaching at Waltham High School near Boston, MA where she teaches biology and chemistry. She received a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Boston University in 2018 and a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree from the University of Massachusetts Boston. She has worked with prospective science students over the summer in science camps and has worked for Sustain Ed, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the curriculum on sustainability. Locally, she is currently serving as Secretary Nasirat in Boston.
M. Nusrat Sharif, PhD
Dr. Nusrat Sharif works as a Senior Principal Scientist in the Inflammation & Immunology Research Unit of Pfizer Inc, at Cambridge, MA. She leads a team of scientists that explore the molecular mechanisms of finding durable treatments for patients with Autoimmune & Inflammatory diseases. She is also a member of the patent review team at Pfizer. She has earned her PhD in Molecular Immunology from City University of New York and her post-doctorate in the field of Immunology & Inflammation from Hospital for Special Surgery (Weil Medical College of Cornell University) in NY. Her breakthrough contribution to the field was to demonstrate a change in functional paradigm of interleukin 10 (IL-10), from being an anti-inflammatory cytokine to a pro-inflammatory and pathogenic role in autoimmune diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Dr. Sharif has consistently published her research in peer reviewed journals. On a Jamaat level, Dr. Nusrat Sharif serves as President of the Ahmadi Women Scientists Association, USA (AWSA-USA). Locally in Boston, she is currently serving as Naib Sadr and Finance Secretary of Lajna.
muneeb sharif, BS (Candidate)
On a Jamaat level, Muneeb serves as Qaid Majlis Boston, Northeast Regional Motamid, and Regional Nazim Umoor-e-Tulaba. In the past he has had the honor of serving in multiple national teams as a part of MKA USA.
On an academic level, Muneeb is an Undergraduate Biology major at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. He also works as a neurosurgery research assistant at the Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital - Shankar lab. He has worked on projects within the labs 2 major divisions:
1) developing and advancing rapid molecular diagnostics for brain tumors;
2) Understanding the molecular effects of macroscale forces on degenerative spinal diseases. He has received co-authorship on one manuscript submitted for publication and has authored one submitted abstract. He hopes to pursue a research career, either through a Ph.D. or M.D., Ph.D.
On a personal level, Muneeb enjoys reading and networking with career mentors.
Nasra Sultana, PhD
Nasra Sultana is an Assistant Professor in Physics at Rowan College. She has her undergraduate from Pakistan, and her post-graduate diploma in Physics from Abdus Salam International Center for theoretical Physics in Italy. She has her PhD in Physics from Syracruse University, NY.
Abdullah Dibba
Abdullah Dibba is a missionary of the USA Jamaat. Originally from The Gambia, West Africa, he went tot he UK to enroll in Jamia Ahmadiyya in 2008 after completing his high school and one semester at the University of The Gambia. He graduated from Jamia UK in 2015 and has been in the US since 2017, currently serving three Pennsylvania Jamaat, based in Philadelphia.
Naila Kausar, MBBS
Dr. Naila Kauser obtained her MBBS degree from Liaquat University of Medical and Health sciences in Pakistan. She then started doing her residency in Pakistan. In 2015, Naila came to the United States to continue her career here. While preparing for USMLE exams to enter the Residency programs, Dr Naila also pursued other clinical and research opportunities. She is currently working as a Neurology Research Assistant in Massachusetts General Hospital, one of the premier hospitals for research. She is a co-author of a recently published paper that highlights the function of hippocampus in the sleep & wake cycle. Her future goal is to pursue medicine as well as research in the field of Neurology with emphasis to Alzheimer’s disease
Athar Naveed Malik, MD PhD
Athar Naveed Malik, M.D., Ph.D., is a neurosurgeon and neuroscientist. He completed his B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from The Johns Hopkins University in 2005. He then enrolled in the Medical Scientist Training Program at Harvard Medical School and subsequently completed his Ph.D. in Neurobiology in 2013 and his M.D. in 2015. His Ph.D. thesis entitled “Genome-wide identification and characterization of stimulus-responsive enhancers in the nervous system” led to scientific publications in prestigious journals including Nature, Cell, Nature Neuroscience, Nature Genetics, and Neuron. He completed his residency in neurosurgery at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, and a postdoctoral research fellow at Harvard University and is an Assistant Professor at Brown University. He has won numerous awards and grants for his research and plans to pursue a career in academic neurosurgery. He completed Hajj in 2018, is a moosi, and has served MKA at local, regional, and national levels.
ABDUL NASEER MALMI-KAKKADA, PHD
On a jamaat level, Dr. Abdul Naseer Malmi Kakkada serves as the publications secretary for the Georgia-Carolina chapter and as director of the Abdus Salam Science Fair as part of the Association of Ahmadi Muslim Scientists USA. He has the honor of serving in the national amila of MKA USA as Regional Qaid and previously as Mohtamim Khidmat-e-Khalq and as Naib Sadr.
Professionally, Dr. Naseer is as an Assistant Professor of Physics at Augusta University. He is a physicist who conducts research in biological physics, heads a research group, and teaches physics. His research lab aims to discover the minimal set of mechanobiological principles required to program collective cell behaviors. By building multiscale computational models to control synthetic cell-cell signaling, cell spatial organization, collective cell migration, and tissue shape, his research lab aims to build a fundamental understanding of synthetic developmental biology and contribute to advances in disease prevention and treatment. He has authored over 12 scientific papers, and 1 book chapter and is an active member of the American Physical Society and Biophysical Society.
Dr. Naseer is passionate about equity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and takes a special interest in recruiting, teaching, advising, and mentoring students from under-represented groups.
Sana maryam idrees, mBBS
Dr. Sana Maryam Idrees, is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Connecticut. Sana has a special interest in treating patients with metabolic and endocrine conditions. She practices with a focus on preventative medicine and management of chronic conditions to optimize quality of life for patients. She received her degree from the University of Cologne, Germany and completed her dissertation at the University of Bonn, Germany on the subject of Quality of Life of Octogenarian after undergoing Open Heart Surgery. Sana has received numerous honors and awards, including Resident of the Year and Outstanding Ambulatory Resident. Additionally, she authored and co-authored many publications in the field of Internal Medicine. Sana has served the Jamaat in various capacities and currently is serving the jamaat as a Taleem Secretary in Connecticut.
Asma Awan, MBBS phd (candidate)
Asma Awan is currently a PhD candidate at Capella University, in the field of disease epidemiology. Her dissertation research is on “Association between smoking and Osteoporosis in men from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. She has performed notable research in epigenetics of Tp53 tumor suppressor gene, epidemiology of lung cancer, linking the incidence and relationship of lung cancer to smoking status in women, urban and rural epidemiology and action research strategies in disease epidemiology. She has graduated with a Master’s in Public Health from Capella University with honors. Additionally, she holds an MBBS degree from Baqai Medical and Dental college, University of Karachi, Pakistan with a distinction in OB/GYN. On a Jamaat level, Asma has served as Principal of Tahir Academy in the past as well as the local lajna Sadr of Las Vegas chapter. She is currently serving as Lajna Sadr of Las Vegas.
Bareah Alam, Ms
Bareah Alam is a Research and Development chemist in the petroleum industry. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and minors in History and English from Wagner College, and a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). Bareah has received numerous awards throughout her academic career, notably the Dreyfus Prize in Chemistry, the Joseph T. Gabrielline Memorial Award for academic and co-curricular excellence, and the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award. She has been recognized for projects she has supported, such as the Low Speed Pre-Ignition project, and Employee of the Month for expanding the capabilities of her team. Bareah supports safety and diversity initiatives at her company through the site’s Incident Analysis team and the Inclusiveness and Diversity team, respectively. She has previously served the Jama’at as the local Muavina Sadr Media Watch and the local Nasirat Secretary, and informally mentors Jama’at students.
Naila Razzaq, PHD (candidate)
Naila Razzaq is a PhD student at Yale University specializing in early Mediterranean religions, late Antique history and comparative Semitic philology. She primarily works on early Jewish texts from the Hellenistic period including the Dead Sea Scrolls, inscriptions, writings and material culture from diaspora communities in Alexandria, Babylonia and Arabia. She is deeply interested in the history and development of Semitic languages and scripts, including Hebrew, Aramaic, Syriac, Ethiopic and Arabic, and what the development of these languages can tell us about interactions between various communities and the transmission of various types of knowledge in the ancient Middle East. In addition to academia, she is Deputy Associate editor for the archaeology and ancient history section of the Review of Religions magazine. She has served on the National Tabligh team and is serving currently as local lajna muavina Sadr.
Mansoor. Bhatty, PHD
Mansoor Bhatty is a retired senior citizen, born and raised in Pakistan, till he emigrated to USA in 1999. He hopes to graduate this May from Robert Morris University, on ground at Moon, PA. His dissertation is on the “Impact of teaching presence on learning outcomes. A qualitative study of perceptions through the lens of online teachers”. He has a research agenda that will focus on the gaps in the current academic literature on teaching presence and other related topics. His last assignment in Pakistan, before leaving for USA, was CEO and MD of a Magnetic Coatings company, owned by Pakistan’s largest industrial conglomerate. Over his 25 years corporate experience he has held several C-suite positions and setups, from the ground up, several pioneering industries. He has a Bachelor’s in Engineering, an MBA and is also PMP certified. While in the USA, he has worked as a business consultant specializing in helping small business turn-around to avoid liquidation. At the Jamaat National level he was Auditor Ansarullah and also Assistant Secretary Local Quran Conference in TAQWA. Had taken one-year leave of absence to concentrate on the terminal degree, and is currently holding several positions at the local Pittsburgh Jamaat level.
Nayyar Ahmed Khokhar, phd
Nayyar Ahmed, PhD, received his doctorate in Allergy & Immunology and a Bachelors of Biomedical Science (with Honors) from Deakin University, Australia. Furthermore, he has pursued two postdoctoral positions at the Children’s Hospital Pittsburgh (UPMC) and Hillman Cancer Center. He teaches Medical Microbiology for the Nursing program, Microbiology, Epidemiology, and Foundations of Biology II, as well as other assorted biology courses. He maintains active involvement and membership in a number of on- and off-campus organizations geared toward student development in sciences, including co-chairing Tri-Beta chapter at UPG, the Ahmadiyya Association of Muslim Scientists (USA), and Humanity First (a non-profit). His research interest include the molecular biology of allergic reaction, including asthma/hay-fever events during pollen season, to identify a correlation between weather variables and clinical data. To date, Dr. Ahmed has published four research articles and two book chapters in the field of allergy, epigenetics, and pancreatitis.
Zaid Safiullah, MD (Candidate)
Zaid Safiullah is a fourth year medical student at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He is interested in a career as an academic cardiologist. He is passionate about medical education and his research interests include outcomes after per cutaneous coronary intervention.
On a jamaat level he served as Nazim Atfal for the DC jamaat from 2015-2016 and has been an active member of the AAMS since 2014.
Fatir Qureshi, phd (Candidate)
Fatir Qureshi is a Biomedical Engineering PhD Student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He graduated with a BS in Biomedical Engineering, followed by a MS in Biomedical Engineering both from the University of Connecticut.
He serves as the Tabligh Secretary for Albany Jammat.
Uzma Urooj, PhD
Uzma has a Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroimaging from the University of York, UK, and BSc Honors in Neuroscience and Linguistics from the University of Toronto, Canada. A science policy practitioner with experience in research management, technology transfer, and strategy development/implementation, Uzma is currently working as the Senior Policy Advisor to the Minister of Science Innovation and Industry at the Government of Canada. She is intimately involved at the interface of science and policy and serves on the Canadian Science Policy Centre’s strategic advisory committee. Uzma also chairs the Young Professional Network at Innovation Science and Economic Development (ISED and regularly participates in mentoring and career development events to impart whatever she has learned to those coming behind her.
Uzma is the inaugural chair of the ladies wing of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Research Association (AMRA) that aims to connect Canadian researchers and scientists belonging to the jumaat. She also serves on the translation team struck by Huzoor-e-Anwar (aba) tasked to translate Khalifa Saani (ra)’s sermons and books. She has the humble honour to represent Jumaat’s views at interfaith symposiums on multiple occasions. On local jumaat level, she is serving on the talim team and regularly shares Islam Ahmadiyya’s teachings on various religious and contemporary topics.
Mohiuddin Ovee, PHD
Dr. Ovee received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry at Auburn University in 2013, then carried out postdoctoral studies with Professor Walter C Chazin (Director of the Center for Structural Biology, the Molecular Biophysics Training Program, and the Vanderbilt University Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Facilities). Dr. Ovee’s research focused on understanding the underlying molecular basis for the biological specificity and biochemical function of proteins and their interactions with other proteins. He applied an array of cutting-edge technologies, including NMR spectroscopy, other biophysical methods, and computational methods, to critical challenges in understanding the basis for health and disease. Currently, he is working as Sr. QA Manager-Analytical QA in Bristol-Myers Squibb. On the Jamaat Level, he serves as General Secretary, AAMS-USA.
Arfa Butt, BS (Candidate)
Arfa Tanvir Butt is a Waqfaat-e-Nau serving the Jamaat in various capacities including the local Tarbiyyat Nau Mubaiyyat Secretary and Tahir Academy teacher in South Virginia Jamaat. She is a first year student at the University of Virginia and is seeking her Bachelor's of Science degree in Biology. She has done research in the past and hopes to continue it. She wishes to fulfill her Waqf and serve the Jamaat by becoming a cardiac surgeon in the future.
Zahid Ahmed, MS
Zahid Ahmed works as a scientist in the oncology department at Hartford Hospital. He helps reveal the genetic code for patients who may have cancer and loves to help students understand science with his teaching experience. He earned his Master’s degree in Biomolecular Sciences from Central Connecticut State University and is ASCP board certified in molecular biology.
On the Jama’at level, Zahid is humbled to serve as the Taleem secretary for Connecticut Jama’at.
Taha Malik, PhD
Dr. Taha Malik earned his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He earned his Masters's degree in Mathematics from the University of Cambridge in England and his Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Imperial College London. His research interests are in High Energy Physics - Theory and Quantum Gravity.
Mubashir Tahir, BASc
Mubashir Tahir is currently a Production/Quality Manager at PIMS LLC in Dayton, OH. He earned his Bachelors of Applied Sciences degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Bern University of Applied Sciences in Switzerland.
On a Jama’at level, he currently serves as Additional Secretary Taleem for Majlis Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya, USA.
rashid waraich, phd
Dr. Rashid Waraich is co-leading the research and development of a transportation system simulation framework at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. He has more than a decade of R&D experience related to high performance transportation simulation models with special focus on electric and driverless fleets.
Dr. Waraich studied computer science at ETH Zurich, Switzerland, and wrote his master’s thesis in the area of distributed systems at the University of California, Berkeley. He holds a PhD from ETH Zurich from the Civil Engineering Department.
He is currently serving as Naib National Secretary Taleem Jamaat Ahmadiyya USA, as Qazi Awwal in Darul Qada USA and in the Waqf-e-Nau National team. Besides various other Jamaat duties he also served for many years with IAAAE related to various engineering projects in Africa.