Kenzu Abdella

Kenzu Abdella is an Ethiopian born Canadian mathematics researcher. Abdella is most notable for his role in creating the Kawartha Muslim Religious Association; an association for which he served as President during the arson attack on Masjid Al-Salaam mosque. 
==Academic career==
Abdella was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 1964. In 1982, Abdella attended an International Baccalaureate World School called United World College in Italy. While attending, a classmate of his encouraged him to go to Canada. Abdella completed an undergraduate degree in mathematics and physics at Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario, a masters degree in applied mathematics at the University of Alberta, and a Ph.D in applied mathematics at The University of Western Ontario. 
After a 4 year stint with Environment Canada from , Abdella joined Trent University in 1997 as a research professor. Abdella left Trent University for 4 years to work at Qatar University, from 2008 to 2012, after which he returned to Trent.
==Community and activism==
===Kawartha Muslim Religious Association===
When Abdella returned to Peterborough and found that there was nowhere for muslims to pray. After years of using private homes and rental units, Abdella helped organize the purchase of an old church that could be used as a mosque. Abdella served on the board of directors as vice-president and President from 2003-2008 and 2012-2016. 
In 2015, the mosque was the victim of an arson attack that lead to $80,000 in damages. Abdella, being the president of the Kawartha Muslim Religious Association, was often the face of the Peterborough muslim community. In 2017, Abdella was named the 13th most influential person in Peterborough. In 2016, he was honoured by the Rotary Club of Peterborough for international service. 
Abdella's work with the KMRA has lead him to be involved with the growing Syrian immigrant population in Peterborough. In 2016, he joined a new family as a partner to help them open a restaurant in downtown Peterborough called OMG: Oasis Mediterranean Grill. 
===International work===
During the 4 years that Abdella worked at the Qatar University, he was researching ways to use climate models to help advise the Qatari agricultural industry how to more effectively manage crop production during droughts and erratic climate patterns spurred by climate change. He was hired as a part of a $1.03 million grant from the government of Qatar. 
In 2007, Abdella organized a textbook drive for students at Addis Ababa University. 
== References ==
==External links==
* Kenzu Abdella‬ - ‪Google Scholar‬
* Kenzu Abdella - Mathematician of the African Diaspora
* Kenzu ABDELLA | Professor (Full) | Phd | Trent University
* Kenzu Abdella on linkedin
* Kenzu Abdella at Trent University - RateMyProfessors.com
* Dr. Kenzu Abdella, Professor of Mathematics, Trent University
* Kenzu Abdella - Trent University
* Peterbio | Kenzu Abdella | MyKawartha.com
Category:1964 births
Category:Canadian mathematicians
Category:Canadian scientists
Category:Canadian medical researchers
Category:People educated at a United World College
Category:Trent University alumni
Category:Bachelor's degrees
Category:Master's degrees
Category:Doctoral degrees
Category:University of Alberta alumni
Category:University of Western Ontario alumni