Name: Ashher Masood

Recipient Year: 2017

Major: Middle Eastern Studies

Description: Ashher Masood holds a Masters from New York University in Biological Sciences and is currently pursuing a second Masters in Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Chicago, embarking upon an intensive study of history and of languages such as Greek, Arabic, Syriac, Turkish, Old South Arabian, and Coptic. Through an intensive study of Islam-both traditionally and at university – he hopes to provide the youth with an understanding of religion in light of modern science and new interpretations of historical sources. In understanding the importance of being an active community member, Ashher has volunteered for Muslim Women’s Alliance and Project Downtown in Chicago, the English Speaking Union in New York, and has also taught a wide variety of subjects to students ranging from Elementary school to the University level. He has worked with non-profits to bring increased media attention to the plight of the Rohingya Muslims in Burma as well as relief towards the water-crises in Flint, MI.

School Name: University of Chicago

Sponsor: Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno (ICCF) Scholarship

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashhermasood/