Who's new? We are happy to welcome new staff to our HRL family! Below are some brief bios from each of the HRL staff members.
Basit Iqbal, Residence Hall Director, FB2, MB3 & Male Villas
Hello Everyone!
My Name is Basit Iqbal. I am the Hall Director for MB3, FB2 and the Sustainable Living Community in the Villas. I was born in the US but, I lived in Pakistan till 2005. After which I came to Qatar, where I graduated with an Undergrad degree in Business Administration from Carnegie Mellon Qatar.
As an Alumni of Qatar Foundation, I am very excited to be back and look forward to working with students. I love watching Cricket, Football, Tennis, basically all sports, so if you are interested in watching sports I am the person you contact.
I have an office in the Student Center and one in MB3. You are welcome to stop by if you have any concerns or questions, or you could just drop in for a chat. I would love talking to you and knowing more about you.
Khalid Al-Menhali, Residence Hall Director, MB1, SB1, & FB3
I am an Education City graduate holding a B.E. from Texas A&M University at Qatar. During my studies, I was actively involved in student clubs and participated in a variety of activities. In addition, I was the Vice President of a community organization in charge of designing youth programs and organizing several trips overseas. Before joining QF, I served as a senior engineer at Qatar Petroleum. I decided to continue my career in the education field and will be joining the Student Life team as a Residence Hall Director
Arooj Rana, Residence Hall Director, FB1 & MB2
My name is Arooj Rana and I’m the Residence Hall Director for FB1 and MB2. I’m originally from Pakistan, but have grown up in the United States since the age of three. I have my undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), and my graduate degree is in Public Policy, also from UMBC. One thing that is important to know about me is that I love my job, and I truly love working with students; thus, I am completely thrilled to work with all of you throughout the upcoming year. But, the most important thing you need to know about me is that I love to bake, and if you come stop by my office, I may consider baking you something! I look forward to seeing all of you around campus, and know that my door is always open if you need me.
Jessica Young, Residence Hall Director, SB2, SB3 & Female Villas
Hello everyone! I’m Jess, and I’m the RHD for SB2 and SB3 and the female Sustainable Living Community in the Villas this year. A little about me-- I graduated with a degree in communication and sociology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (I’m from the USA and Illinois originally) and just recently finished my graduate degree in Student Affairs Administration at Michigan State University. Both of those universities have over 40,000 students so Education City seems tiny to me! However, I am really looking forward to this change and getting the chance to know you all and hear your stories.
Hmmm…other entertaining facts I can think of…I like to stay active and play sports. I’m a runner, or try to be, therefore if you have any suggestions on how to run in Doha July and August please share them with me! I am also an expert at playing cards and am always up for watching a good movie.
Hopefully that gives you some insight about me, if you have any questions, comments, or just want to say hi, please don’t hesitate to stop by; I would love to see you!
Mohammed Al-Kuwari, Housing & Residence Life Coordinator
Salam Alaikom
My name is Mohammad Al-Kuwari. This is my fifth year in Qatar Foundation. I work as a housing and residence life coordinator. I did my B.S in Physical Education and Sports Science from Qatar University, and a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Kansas in the United States. I have so many things that I like to do when I’m not in the office but I can’t include them all here for space reasons J . If I’ll have to choose few, I like outdoor activities, sports, video games, movies, traveling, photographing, cars, food and learning and experiencing new things and cultures.
I’m really happy to work here with the foundation, and even happier to know that I can help you. Please introduce yourself to me whenever you see me around Education City and feel free whenever you want to come and talk to me at my office in the Student Center.
Jamil (Jimmy) Karam, Director of Student Life
Jamil Karam (Jimmy) is the new Director of Student Life at the Qatar Foundation. In this capacity, he will oversee housing and residence life programs, faculty and staff activities, sustainability initiatives, student health and wellness programs, and assessment of student experiences. Jimmy comes to QF with 17 years of experience in the management and delivery of student services spanning a variety of fields, institutions, and countries. Holder of a master’s degree in student affairs, he is currently pursuing his doctorate in higher education leadership. He likes to facilitate workshops and be actively involved in student events and organizations. Through his participation in conferences and work experiences in Lebanon, Canada, the USA, and the UAE, Jimmy has gained a full grasp of administrative processes, global trends, and current challenges in higher education.
William Biddle, Housing and Residence Life Coordinator
Wil is a Housing and Residence Life Coordinator. This will be his fourth year working for Qatar Foundation and his fifth year altogether in residence life. Originally from England, Wil studied abroad in the USA for his undergraduate degree in International Business and Economics and then completed his MBA three years later.
When Wil is not at work he enjoys playing tennis and other sports, traveling the world, and learning about new cultures.One of the things he likes the most about working in Education City is the great diversity of students and staff.
Abdul Gaffoor, Housing Facilities Officer
Hello everyone! I am Abdul Gaffoor, and I’m the Housing Facilities officer, and responsible for the maintenance related issues in all the housing and residence life building.
A little about me-- I am originally from Sri Lanka and I have completed my studies in Sri Lanka and start working in multiple places in Management, customer services and maintenance field. I have completed my 11 years with Qatar Foundation. I love working and I would like to spend my spare times with researching, watching the Debates and speeches. I am also interested in playing games and always up for watching a good movie.
Hopefully that gives you some insight about me, if you have any questions, comments, delay in maintenance action, or just want to say hi, please don’t hesitate to stop by; my office door is always open for you.
Katie Wildman, Assitant Director of Housing & Residence Life
Katie Wildman is excited to join the staff as the new Assistant Director for Housing and Residence Life. She is a doctoral candidate in Higher Education & Student Affairs at the University of Iowa where she also ran the Undergraduate Research Center. She has a B.A. in Advertising from Southern Methodist University in Dallas and an M.Ed in Counseling from Clemson University in South Carolina. When she isn’t studying, Katie can be found on the volleyball court, starting a new creative project, or training for her next cycling/triathlon adventure.
Katie Wildman, Assitant Director of Housing & Residence Life
Katie Wildman is excited to join the staff as the new Assistant Director for Housing and Residence Life. She is a doctoral candidate in Higher Education & Student Affairs at the University of Iowa where she also ran the Undergraduate Research Center. She has a B.A. in Advertising from Southern Methodist University in Dallas and an M.Ed in Counseling from Clemson University in South Carolina. When she isn’t studying, Katie can be found on the volleyball court, starting a new creative project, or training for her next cycling/triathlon adventure.
Other Important People
Others who do not have a bio are our many Hall Desk Clerks, our Maintenance Workers, Repair Men, Handymen, Cleaners and Security. Additionally, a very important person, Faten Abu Jazer (Housing Assignments and Facilities Officer) plays a vital role in our department's success and ensure you have a great living experience. Be sure to introduce yourself to these many supportive staff members who help make the residence halls a nice place to live. We will take some time to do a spotlight on other members on our staff during the academic year!
