Islamic Studies: Student Profiles

Tahara Akmal-Kariem: (MA from Claremont School of Theology, May 2009)
Thesis title: "Islamic Legal Theory: Organ Donation and Transplantation"

Tahara will be entering a Chaplain Residency program at UCLA Medical Center beginning in September 2009.

Bridget Blomfield: (PhD in WSR in May 2007)
Dissertation title: "An Ethnographic Study of Ashura Rituals performed by Pakistani, Iranian, and Iraqi Ithna Ashari Women in Los Angeles County, California"

Now Assistant Professor at University of Nebraska in Omaha.

Asim Buyuksoy: (MA in progress)

Tracy Hawkins:

While I was a student at Claremont School of Theology, I had the opportunity to take several classes with Dr. Mavani and became very interested in Islamic Studies. When I entered CGU as a Phd student in Women's Studies in Religion, I knew that I wanted to continue to have Islamic studies as an important part of my degree. The program here is perfect for combining interests, and I have had a great experience taking courses that address topics relevant both to Women's Studies and to Islamic Studies.

Eihsan Khalife: (PhD candidate in interfield PhD study with Comparative Politics and Islamic Studies)

Neelam Khoja: (MA in May 2007)
Thesis title: "Early Fatimid Rituals: Expressions and Interpretations"

After working in the insurance world for three years, I decided to pursue my passion of studying Islam instead of working up the corporate ladder. I chose Claremont because it offers a learning environment that enables intellectual development as well as personal growth. As CGU is renowned for its program in Religion, I trusted that it would develop a well rounded and strong program in Islamic Studies. My experience here at CGU exceeded my expectations in many ways. Along with engaging classroom time with the faculty and students, CGU also offers fertile ground to cultivate and implement new ideas and theories. I am very happy to be a part of this wonderful endeavor and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a wonderful educational experience.

Neelam is now at Harvard Divinity School working under the supervision of the eminent professor William Graham.

Chase Laurelle Knowles: (PhD in progress)

I was fortunate enough to graduate summa cum laude from UCLA in 2008 with a BA in Film, Television and Digital Media, and a triple minor in Political Science, Middle Eastern and North African Studies, and Public Affairs. My years at UCLA left me with a deep and abiding research interest in the complex inter-relationship between cultural politics, social psychology, media narratives, and religious traditions – particularly Islam. Through the Claremont National Scholars program, CGU has provided me with an incredible level of support, and the extraordinary opportunity, to continue this transdisciplinary research. I have found the professors at CGU to be of unparalleled quality. They require students to master the traditional canon of theoretical disciplinary knowledge, while simultaneously challenging us to pioneer non-orthodox research methodologies where necessary, and translate our academic knowledge into practical applications where needed. As such, I am confident my doctoral program in CGU – which allows me to complete a dual focus in Theology, Ethics, and Culture, and Islamic Studies – is providing me excellent preparation for my desired career as a research academic, and political and media consultant.

Sofia Mazgarova: (MA in progress)
Thesis title: "Islamic Reformism on the Periphery of the Muslim World: Rezaeddin Fakhreddin (1895-1936)"

Being a religious minority for me is not something that I acquired later in life. It is part of my identity, that I was born with. My native city Kazan is a home to Russian Christians, Jews, and the largest ethnic Muslim minority in Russia — the Tatars. Personally, for me Islam was my culture, my name, and most importantly manifestation of my spirituality. The School of the Religion at Claremont Graduate University gives me every opportunity and resource to integrate my life experiences with the academic frame in order to develop skills of producing meaningful intellectual work later in life.

Areej Noor: (MA in December 2008)
Thesis title: "The Rise of Islamism in Somalia"

Areej is now working at the Brookings Institute.

Mustafa Ruzgar: (PhD in PRT, December 2007)
Dissertation title: "Islamic Religious Pluralism from a Process Perspective"

Assistant Professor at California State University Northridge..

Abood Shebib: (MA thesis in progress)
  It was through word of mouth that I first learned of the Islamic Studies program at Claremont Graduate University.  With more research, I discovered the School of Religion was seriously committed to the development of a rigorous program engaged in the academic study of Islam that at the same time sought to understand the religion within its own integrity. This, along with Claremont's established reputation as an excellent place for Religious Studies in general, drew me to study at CGU.  Here, I found a faculty that maintains open door policies, fostering a supportive environment of mentorship and collaboration.  This ideal learning environment in which to plumb the depths of my field, combined with the resources of the Claremont Colleges and their top notch faculty further reinforced my decision to study at the School of Religion.  Upon completion of my Masters degree, I know that I will have a solid foundation to continue onto a Ph.D. at the best institutions in Islamic Studies or Religious Studies.  Whatever I choose, I will be well prepared and capable of excelling at the next step of my academic path.

Soha Yassine: (MA thesis in progress)