Akeel Abbas

Teach eight courses a year over two semesters. These courses variably include journalism, writing, and literature

As a head of the USAID communication team, the Iraq mission developed the USAID mission media and communications strategy and supervised its implementation. This involved developing ideas for media such as videos, press releases, articles, web content, TV and print interviews and supervise their production. These final products are designed to reflect the mission’s goals and purpose. Advised senior staff on how to handle local and international media.

Wrote weekly program scripts and news articles, produced documentary films, all related to the Middle East. Appeared as a guest analyst to discuss Middle Eastern political and cultural issues.

Taught six classes a year over two academic semesters in the areas of cultural studies, world and third-world literatures.

Taught eight courses a year over two academic semesters. These courses variably included cultural studies, writing, world literature, and literary theory.

Taught half-time introductory writing and literature courses, while preparing a Ph.D. in cultural studies from the English Department.

Supervised the resettlement of newly arrived Middle Eastern refugees to the US in Erie, Pennsylvania under a Cooperative Agreement with the Immigration and Refugee Services of America funded by the US Department of State. Developed case plans to deliver basic services to refugee clients such as permanent housing, food, furniture, utilities, health, education, orientation to US society, and employment services. Helped build the two communities in the service area and resolve ensuing conflicts. Helped write grants relevant to building the two communities and supervise their successful implementation.