MEET THE TEAM
PRESIDENT
Dr. Duk Kim
Dr. Duk Kim is a professor of political science at St. Ambrose University and an International Relations specialist who teaches and writes in the field of international politics. He obtained his Ph.D. from University of Missouri. As President of WACQC, Duk has brought a new level of structure and professionalism.
BOARD MEMBER
Liz Robinson
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Dr. James Baumann
While originally from Dubuque, Iowa, Dr. Baumann has lived in the Quad Cities since 2008. He received his Ph.D. in Communication from Bowling Green State University in 2009. Dr. Baumann currently works as a Professor of communication at St. Ambrose University.
BOARD MEMBER
Dr. Arun Pillutla
Abdur Razzaque was born and raised in Bangladesh. He moved to the U.S. 20 years ago and is now a proud citizen of Moline, where he serves as the 3rd ward Alderperson. Razzaque is committed to creating welcoming spaces for immigrant and refugee families and helping them as a Bengali translator in their day-to-day needs. Razzaque majored in Philosophy and graduated from college in Bangladesh. He also studied Philosophy at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, India. After many years of teaching in Bangladesh, he transitioned careers upon moving to the U.S. He holds a BA in Accounting from Augustana College and works as an Independent Contractor with LanguageLines Solutions.
Razzaque enjoys spending his free time at home, reading, writing, and watching
movies with his wife, Umme, and children, Abhik and Ila. He also enjoys gardening, going on walks by the river, visiting the Farmer’s Market in the summer, and cooking with fresh produce.
BOARD MEMBER
Leah Engle
EVENTS COMMITTEE CHAIR
Ferdaus Ahmad
Ferdaus Ahmad is a physicist and engineer, currently teaching at Black Hawk College. She was a mentor for the National Science Foundation and was awarded the Rosa Parks-Chavez mentorship award. She also provides leadership support for interfaith dialogues and helps young girls develop leadership skills through the Islamic Center of the Quad Cities. Internationally, she is a member of Bangladesh Mahilad Parishad, an organization dedicated to women empowerment, gender equality, and constitutional rights of women.
BOARD MEMBER
Dr. Xiawen Zhang
Dr. Xiaowen Zhang is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Augustana College. She was born and raised in Beijing, China and came to the United States in 2001. She graduated from University of Southern California in 2007 with a Ph.D. in International Relations. Her dissertation work is about how the World Trade Organization's dispute settlement mechanism impacts member countries' dispute settlement strategies. As a faculty member of the political science department, Xiaowen teaches courses like Introduction to International Relations, International law and International Organizations, and U.S. Foreign Policy. Xiaowen is also a member of Augustana's Asian Studies Program and teaches in study abroad programs in China on a regular basis. She has published articles on China’s compliance record in the WTO disputes settlement system and environmental politics in China.
BOARD MEMBER
Susan Leuthauser
OUR INTERNS
Sydnee Horstman
Sydnee is a senior at St. Ambrose University. She is double majoring in Digital Media Production and Public Relations and is double minoring in Graphic Design and Sports Management. She is also on the 2025-26 cheerleading team and spends her free time reading and practicing photography.
Dora De La Cruz
Dora is a senior at St. Ambrose University. She is majoring in Political Science and is minoring in Pre-Law. She is also a member of Latinos Unidos and spends her free time going on runs and listening to music.