Community News (V14-I29)

Shahed Manzur wins prestigious engineering scholarship

ARLINGTON,TX–Shahed Manzur, a civil engineering doctoral student at University of Texas-Arlington, has won the coveted   $1,500 scholarship is from the Air and Waste Management Association for excellence and professionalism in solid waste management, according to the Shorthorn student newspaper.

It was awarded to him for research  on the best way to recirculate waste at a faster rate in order to reuse the same landfill to dump more waste.

The selection was a competitive one, said Dr. Sahadat Hossain, civil engineering associate professor and Manzur’s mentor. “It is a national-level award. They give out only eight to ten awards like these in one year,” he said. “Only students who make a substantial contribution to the solid waste industry receive it.” Students from the University of Texas at Austin, University of California in Berkeley, Arizona State University, University of Illinois and other reputed universities were also nominated for this scholarship.

Naved Khan appointed VP of Cantor Fitzgerald

NEW YORK,NY– Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., a leading global financial services firm, announced that it has appointed Naved Khan as  Vice President  of its U.S. Equity Research Group.
Mr. Khan served as an Equity Analyst at Jefferies & Co. where his coverage focused on companies in the Internet and New Media space. Earlier, he was a Finance and Strategy Consultant at Ipsos ASI, where he conducted operational analysis and developed product pricing models, and a Design Engineer for EMC Corporation.

Mr. Khan holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Birla Institute of Technology in India, an M.S. in Computer Systems Engineering from Boston University and an MBA from New York University.

Muslims fasted growing religious group in San Diego

SAN DIEGO,CA– Muslims are now the fastest growing religious community in San Diego according to a new census.  The census, by the Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies, was based on count for all houses of worship across California’s largest county.

It found that the number of Muslims in San Diego County grew by 179 percent from 7,878 followers to 21,994 from 2000 to 2010, putting Islam as the seventh-largest religion in the county.

Controversy over Macon mosque expansion

MACON,GA–The Islamic Centre of Macon’s expansion plans are facing some opposition by some area residents. They were triggered by the center’s plans to demolish an old home on its property to build a parking lot.

Residents against the plan says the neighborhood association wants to see every home restored and saved, not destroyed.

A spokesperson for the Islamic Center says they want a common solution for the issue. They say attendance has increased, forcing people to park on the street and a nearby nursing home. The center says they’re not asking for anything more than any other church in the area would want and they don’t want to create a hassle. 

Virginia Muslim leader found dead

Mohammad Mehboob, president of the Virginia Muslim Association and a leader of the Dar Al Noor Islamic Community Center, was found dead in the Occaquan River a day after his family reported him as missing.

The Fairfax County Police Marine Patrol Unit and Dive Team located the body using their side scan sonar near the Route123 bridge overpass in the Occoquan River.

Police say this investigation is on going, and that the Medical Examiner will determine the cause of his death.

Mehboob was a respected leader in the community and was active in interfaith efforts. Many interfaith leaders expressed their shock at his death.

Hadi-Khan Mahabadi appointed to Order of Canada

Hadi-Khan Mahabadi was made an officer of the Order of Canada for his innovations in the field of polymer science and commitment to promoting science in Canada. A native of Iran, he was vice-president of the Xerox Research Centre of Canada in Mississauga.

An innovation leader and strategic thinker with extensive experience in developing and implementing research and innovation strategies for large and multi-disciplinary organizations.

He has published more than 100 scientific papers, holds over 89 US patents and has presented in many major international conferences.  In honour of his scientific contributions, he was elected as a Fellow of the Chemical Institute of Canada, Fellow of International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, and Fellow of Canadian Academy of Engineering.

Hagar Abdo awarded peace scholarship

University of North Texas’ Women’s Studies graduate student Hagar Abdo, who will earn her MS in Women’s Studies next spring, has been awarded with a $10,000 Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) International Peace Scholarship. The scholarship is honoring her academic achievements, including a perfect 4.0 GPA, as well as her accomplishments in the advancement of women’s health.

P.E.O. was founded in 1869 to promote women’s education and empowerment. The scholarship program began in 1949 to advance international women graduate students who are making significant strides for humanity. The organization recognizes students throughout the U.S. and Canada through higher education scholarship programs.

14-29