AIM ACADEMY - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Executive Director
- Fellow
- Member of the Board
Abdirashid Abdi is a 2017 Bush Foundation Fellow. As a fellow, Abdi seeks to improve academic performance in a diverse population by helping teachers better understand the role of the student's cultural background in shaping his/her learning styles. The Bush Fellowship supports his pursuit of a doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction. Formerly, Mr. Abdi was the director at Heritage Academy of Science and Technology. Abdirashid is currently a research assistant at the University of Minnesota. Abdi served on the 2019 Minnesota Science Standards Review Committee where he contributed greatly to the state's effort in aligning the new science standards with the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse students in Minnesota schools. He is a MN licensed science teacher grades 5-8, Tier 4. Abdi is currently a Ph.D. candidate in STEM education at the Curriculum & Instruction department at the University of Minnesota.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor
- MEMBER of the BOARD
Abdirizak Warfa is an assistant professor in the Department of Biology, Teaching, and Learning at the University of Minnesota. In addition to conducting research on student learning in the biological sciences, he teaches molecular biology and foundations of biological sciences courses. In his teaching, Dr. Warfa emphasizes the use of active learning techniques that enhance student learning of fundamental concepts and has examined the effectiveness of cooperative learning methods for teaching undergraduate science. He has been an active member of the Process-Oriented Guided-Inquiry Learning (POGIL) community, a group of science educators who advocate for the use of pedagogies that emphasize developing science process skills in addition to content mastery through carefully designed curricula materials. His research group at the University of Minnesota conducts interdisciplinary research that blends aspects of biology, educational theory, cognitive science and educational research methodologies to improve the teaching and learning of biological sciences and the undergraduate level.
Alikhadar Yusuf has a Master's Degree in Public Administration, BA in International Relations and a history of producing results in Interpretation; Coordination Liaison, strategic planning and various project management and Human Resources and administration positions. Skilled at working with diverse individuals to gather information, communicate processes and solve problems, Yusuf has the ability to communicate complex information in terms easily understood by staff and customers. His in-depth knowledge and understanding of local Somali contexts, Security and Political dynamics on the ground and years of coordination high government officials makes him a powerful addition to the board. Yusuf is fluent in English, Somali, and Arabic.
Hillary Barron joined AAST founders in August 2020. Her Ph.D. is in Education, Curriculum, & Instruction, University of Minnesota; Post-Graduate Certificate in Academic Leadership & Higher Education Administration at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology; M.S. in Environmental Studies, Bemidji State University, Bemidji MN; B.S. in Geography, Land-Use Planning, Bemidji State University. She has worked as a Postdoctoral Research Associate, Dean of Academics and Student Services (White Earth Tribal and Community College), Graduate Research Assistant (University of Minnesota), Dean of Academics, Department Chair, Natural Sciences & Technology, and Science Instructor in Biology & Environmental Science (Leech Lake Tribal College). Dr. Barron has published multiple papers addressing Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices derived from her extensive experience and research. She brings unique research experiences in STEM teaching and learning, Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, and Professional Development.
Job Titles:
- MEMBER of the BOARD
- Principal
- Superintendent
- Is Director of Tesfa International School
Jonas E. Beugen is Director of Tesfa International School in Columbia Heights, Minnesota. Mr. Beugen is a licensed principal and superintendent. Before becoming the director of Tesfa, he was a principal in the Minneapolis Public Schools, Northeast Metro 916 (White Bear Lake), and Robbinsdale Area Schools. A former high school social studies teacher and basketball coach, Mr. Beugen holds a master's degree from Hamline University and has completed all coursework but the dissertation towards a Doctor of Education in Leadership at Saint Mary's University. He is an accomplished school leader with a proven record of initiating and implementing effective and innovative educational programs in several Minnesota school districts.
Mohamed A Hassan is well connected with his community. He currently works as the BP/Value Added Cost Accountant at Jennie-O Turkey Store of Hormel Foods for over 4 years in Wilmar, MN. In his work he conducts a range of financial, audit, and operational analyses to ensure efficient, profitable operations. He worked as Cultural Liaison/School Success Coordinator in Willmar Public Schools - District 347 for over 9 years. There he provided cultural awareness training across the community and managed an after-school program that tutored students with homework and assignments, especially students at risk to graduate. He led in a program to help student seniors graduate on time. He is fluent in Somali, English and Amharic languages. Mr. Hassan served as a board member of the United Way of West Central Minnesota for three years. Mr. Hassan has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting, Ethiopia, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Community Psychology/Liberal Studies, St. Cloud State University.
Nimo Abdi is a highly motivated IT project manager and certified Scrum Master (CSM) with over five-year experience of Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) who is responsible for facilitating the identification, definition, and delivery of development solutions considering the scope or work and budget. Ms. Abdi has a bachelor's degree is social science, Master's in public health and a cyber security certificate. Additionally, Ms. Abdi has an extensive experience in working with the local businesses and providing business solutions in networking and quality assurances. In her more than 10 years' experience of project management, Ms. Abdi maintains large networks and connections with local businesses.