Community News 16-42

Dr. Saquib Ahmed receives teaching award

Dr. Mohammad Saquib,professor of electrical engineering, was recognized last month among the  top educators in The University of Texas System. He  received $25,000 and was honored at a ceremony last month.

Saquib, a faculty member in the Jonsson School since 2000, wants his teaching to continue to evolve and to contribute to the University’s legacy.

“Since I am continually improving my teaching techniques and have plans to develop advanced undergraduate courses, I believe I will be even more effective in the future,” he said. “Well-trained graduates enhance the reputation of their schools as they enter into their professional careers. Therefore, an academic institution always benefits from excellent teachers. In this respect, my innovative and effective teaching style, along with my broad perspective, will always contribute toward the growing reputation of UT Dallas.”

Ahmed Ciangiulli recognized as community champion

Molina Medicaid Solutions of Maine recently recognized three community members as 2014 Community Champions at its third annual Community Champions Awards Ceremony. Among the three recipients is Ahmed Ciangiulli of Kennebunk.

He is a stroke survivor who motivates people to make healthy life choices. Some of his efforts include hosting a 5 a.m. walking group, creating a walking map for the community and encouraging local companies to promote wellness among their employees. Ciangiulli has tracked well over 1.8 million steps with his pedometer so far this year. Through his work with Healthy Maine Streets, Ciangiulli reaches out to small businesses to implement worksite-based wellness programs for their employees. In addition, he’s known to add health awareness components to community events by creating wellness challenges, and providing education on important topics, such as ways to make healthier food choices and living tobacco-free lifestyles.

Each community champion was nominated by a community-based organization and also received a $1,000 grant to give to a deserving nonprofit organization of their choice.

Dr.Sumairah Syed receives teaching excellence award

Dr.Sumairah Syed of Markham Stoufville Hospital received the teaching excellence award from the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto.
The citation read, “Her style of teaching strikes a perfect balance between evidence-based medicine and practical tips based on her personal experiences. Furthermore, her efforts to provide meaningful and constructive feedback are palpable, as she frequently completes field notes before we have the chance to request them.”

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