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
TBA
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
Joining St. Ambrose University (SAU) in 1999, Dr. Arun Pillutla is now a Professor of Management, teaching business strategy and organization theory to students of all levels. He is also a Fulbright Specialist and has participated in the Winter 2017 Faculty Fellowship to Israel program. He has supervised several doctoral dissertations. Dr. Arun’s research interests cover strategy, visioning, entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility. His experience includes teaching, research, academic department leadership, community services, developing exchange relationships, study abroad leadership, writing teaching cases, and creating novel international exchange programs.
BOARD MEMBER
Leah Engle
TBA
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
Manisha Harmsen
Manisha Harmsen has a background in Business Strategy and Financial Services, and currently works in the software/SaaS industry. She is an advocate for women's empowerment and community service. Among other community involvement, Manisha provides mentorship to women through the Lead(h)er organization in the Quad Cities.
BOARD MEMBER
Susan Leuthauser
Sydnee Horstman
Sydnee is a sophomore at St. Ambrose University. She is double majoring in Digital Media Production and Public Relations and is double minoring in Communications and Graphic Design. She is also on the 2023-24 cheerleading team and spends her free time reading and practicing photography.
Hannah Knowles
Hannah is in her 4th year at St. Ambrose University. She is majoring in Early Childhood Education with a Special Education endorsement and a minor in statistics. She is also a Residential Advisor, an on campus tutor, and plays bass guitar in jazz band.
Dora De La Cruz
Dora is a sophomore 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.