Culver-Stockton professor selected for national interfaith understanding seminar at DePaul University

CANTON, Mo. — Mohamed El-Bermawy, professor of chemistry/biology and department chair of biology, biological chemistry, chemistry, computer and data science and mathematics at Culver-Stockton College, is one of 25 faculty members nationwide to participate in the Teaching Interfaith Understanding seminar.

The seminar, hosted by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) in partnership with Interfaith America, takes place June 15–18, at DePaul University in Chicago. The seminar is funded by a grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc. and is designed to equip faculty with the tools to effectively teach interfaith understanding in the college classroom.

Led by Laurie Patton, president of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and Eboo Patel, founder and president of Interfaith America, the seminar will provide participants with strategies to foster interfaith engagement and leadership among students.

In a press release, Kim Gaither, provost and vice president for academic affairs and professor of finance at Culver-Stockton said, “We are incredibly proud of Dr. El-Bermawy for being selected as one of just 25 faculty members nationwide to participate in this prestigious seminar. This opportunity is a testament to Dr. El-Bermawy’s dedication to advancing education and supporting the values of higher learning,”

Through this seminar, faculty members will explore methods for integrating interfaith cooperation into their teaching, develop course modules and engage in discussions on best practices for addressing religious diversity in academic settings.

“As a member of the Council of Independent Colleges, the college remains committed to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for the challenges of a diverse world,” said Lauren Schellenberger, president of Culver-Stockton. “Having Dr. El-Bermawy selected for participation in this seminar underscores our dedication to fostering critical thinking, interfaith dialogue, and leadership.”

El-Bermawy joined the Culver-Stockton faculty in August 1999. He teaches courses on medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, organic chemistry, pharmacy ethics, microbiology, drug design, stereochemistry, instrumental analysis, reaction mechanisms, spectroscopy and drug analysis, pharmacology of medicinal agents, diseases in the 21st century and medicinal chemistry for honors.

El-Bermawy is a member of the American Chemical Society and severed as chair of the ACS section for several years.