Prof. Alean Al-Krenawi of the Charlotte B. and Jack J. Spitzer Department of Social Work was recently named Killam Visiting Scholar at the University of Calgary, Canada. The award is made possible through special Endowment funds provided by the Killam Trust, which was established in 1965, and sponsors a distinguished scholar who will make a significant contribution to the academic life of the University. The scholar is expected to participate in the research and teaching programs of the host department as well as engage in their own research.

The award consists of a stipend of $50,000 plus a research and travel allowance of $3,000, and only one award is made annually. Individuals may not apply on their own behalf. Nominations are made by the head of an academic department, unit or research group at the University of Calgary. The visit was initiated by the faculty of Social Work. The Dean nominates the candidate and a faculty member is designated as the “host”. Prof. Alean Al-Krenawi is the first social worker that has ever been selected as the top ranked candidate for the Killam Visiting scholar grant.

Professor Al-Krenawi's proposed visit in Calgary University will be comprehensive and multi-focused, incorporating various phases of research and teaching on diverse levels. The foci of Professor Al-Krenawi's professional activities will be on the generation, sharing and implementation of innovative knowledge about the challenges facing indigenous and minority Muslim populations both in Israel and other Western nations as well as the psychosocial parameters of political violence in the Middle East context.