Growing up an Iranian and a Muslim in America has been an amazing experience. Throughout my life I have witnessed the best and worst in people. At an early age I realized that many of my interactions would be couched within the narrative of Iran (or more broadly, history), Islam (religion), terrorism and/or the Middle East (politics). While my friends and family shied away from such conversations, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about other’s views and beliefs as well as sharing my own within a civil collaboration of ideas. As I grew older my view, attitude, and approach in everything I did was deliberately orchestrated to ensure that an open and compassionate line of dialogue was always present with everyone I came into contact with. Fast forward to my second year of undergrad, the horrific events of 9/11, the subsequent “axis of evil” policy of the Bush administration, and I found myself increasingly engaged in debates where I had to explain – and at times defend – my country of birth and my religion. I willingly shouldered the awesome responsibility of being the unofficial spokesman for all Iranians and Muslims in every conversation that required it. This came about after realizing that many Americans were meeting an Iranian and/or a Muslim for the very first time. I also learned that not only were they misinformed about the two, but I was ill-equipped to properly and accurately explain my nationality and faith. I decided then to dedicate my academic and professional career to these matters. Academically, I pursued degrees in Religious Studies (BA at WVU), Islamic Studies (MA at UVA), International Relations (MA at NYU), and Education Policy (PhD at Oxford). I also visited, lived, worked, and conducted extensive research in Iran, off and on, for the past twenty-two years. And while my professional career has been a modest success, I still find myself wanting to do more, seeking to not only make this world a better place but inspire many to do good. I am convinced now more than ever that only through academia will I be able to have the greatest impact. I cannot think of another arena where I am able to shape the current discourse and the future leaders of our world at the same time., University Heights, middle east, higher education, Higher Education, higher education, Higher Education, professor, university, media