5D THINKING TEAM
Founder of 5D Thinking
Dr. Necati Aydin is a professor of economics specializing in wellbeing and the moral economy from a multidisciplinary perspective. He also serves as the vice president of the Institute of Integrated Knowledge. He holds two doctoral degrees, one in education and the other in economics. He spent a decade in the USA as a researcher, completing over forty research projects before commencing his academic career. He is the author of nine books and has translated two, co-authored three, and published numerous peer-reviewed articles. His work includes several publications within the realm of the Islamic moral economy. His recent work includes a book published by Routledge titled “Said Nursi and Science in Islam: Character Building through the Mana-i Harfi Approach” and another titled “3D of Happiness: Pleasure, Meaning, and Spirituality”. Collaborating with various scholars, he has developed the 5D Thinking model for the integration of knowledge. He is also the project leader of a science workbook series that encourages the exploration of God’s hidden signs in the scientific understanding of the universe.
Director of Education and Training
Uzma Ahmed is the Director of Education and Training at the Institute of Integrated Knowledge, Hartford, USA. Uzma Ahmed holds a BSc Hons. in International Relations from the University of London and an MA in International Relations from Queen Mary University of London. She has also completed a Diploma in Islamic Education from the International Online University with a broad range of Islamic disciplines. She has worked as an Educational Consultant, Primary school Principal, Curriculum developer, Researcher in Islamic education, and Teacher trainer for schools around the world for 25 years. She conducts short courses for Qur’an Tafsir, Sirah, Islamic history, and personal development. She is a public speaker on Contemporary Islamic issues in the Muslim world. She has authored primary-level English textbooks and Reading books and regularly writes material for homeschoolers and Islamic courses for children of all ages on many topics with a focus on Islamic history and Tarbiyah.
Aisha Alowais
Instructor
Aisha Alowais is a Research Analyst at the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology (SAASST), where her expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning are used for conducting research in areas that bring together AI and astronomy. With a rich academic foundation that includes a BSc. in Computer Science with a minor in Arabic Language and Literature from the American University of Sharjah and an MA in History and Islamic Civilization from the University of Sharjah, Alowais harnesses a multidisciplinary approach to research. She is currently pursuing Ph.D. programs in the field of history at the University of Sharjah and the prestigious Warburg Institute, University of London. An advocate of the Five-Dimensional Thinking approach, she serves both as a contributor and as the Managing Editor for the 5D Thinking magazine.
Saba Irshad Ansari
Instructor
Dr. Saba Irshad Ansari has a PhD in Islamic Studies from Aligarh Muslim University, India, where she was a senior research fellow specializing in Islamic history and civilization, and Muslim theology. She has also earned two gold medals in 2016 and 2018 for her exceptional academic achievements. She serves as the Director of the Existence and Meaning Program at the Institute of Integrated Knowledge in Hartford, USA. In April 2021, she co-instructed the 5D Kids Program, demonstrating her commitment to integrating scientific and Islamic education for young learners. Dr. Saba is also a public speaker on Islam and interfaith peace dialogue in India. She has held training sessions on Islam at AICC training camps in Wardha in December 2021 and March 2022. Additionally, she is part of the 5D Thinking research and writing team preparing primary-level workbooks.
Prof. Alparslan Acıkgenc
Instructor
Dr. Açıkgenç holds a Ph. D. from the University of Chicago. His main interest of research is the history of scientific traditions of diverse civilizations, primarily Islamic and Western. He has written a number of books and articles on religion and science, particularly on epistemology and sociology of science. His most recent work, Islamic Scientific Tradition in History (Kuala Lumpur, 2014) won the national science book award of Malaysia for the year 2014. Dr. Açıkgenç is the president of Asian Philosophical Association and a member of Turkish Academy of Sciences. On 26th January, Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia and Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), upon inauguration of the Royal Conference on Islam and Humanity, announced the appointment of Professor Emeritus Alparslan Acikgenc The Distinguished Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas Chair Holder for Islamic Thought RZS-CASIS, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
Prof. Colin Turner
Instructor
Dr.Turner is Director at International Foundation for Muslim Theology. He taught for over twenty years several courses on Islam at Durham University. Though his research covers a wide range of topics such as Muslim theology and philosophy, the history of Muslim political thought, Sufi spirituality, the Qur’an and Qur’anic exegesis, he recently focuses on the life and works of Said Nursi. In addition to several journal articles, conference papers, and book chapters, he authored the following books on Nursi: Makers of Islamic Civilization: Said Nursi. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009; Qur’an Revealed: A Prof. Critical Analysis of Said Nursi’s Epistles of Light, 2013.
Nadine Kamal
5D Curriculum Developer & Instructor
Nadine Kamal is a science writer, educator, and Certified Trauma and Resilience Coach. She holds a BSc in Biology from the University of Waterloo and a Master’s in Education (in Leading Learning and Teaching) from the University of Dundee. Since 2007, Nadine Kamal has been dedicated to teaching Secondary Science, High School and AP Biology, English, and Mathematics to students aged 8-18. Her experience spans across the International Baccalaureate, NGSS, and English National Curricula. In recent years, Nadine has served as a Science Department Leader and Assistant Principal for Middle and High School. Beyond the classroom, her passion extends to advocating for the mental health and well-being of children and young adults. Currently, Nadine Kamal serves as a 5D Curriculum Developer and Trainer at the Institute of Integrated Knowledge.
Betul Koser
Media Manager
Betül Köser holds a BSc in Physics from Bogazici University in Turkiye and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in physics at the same institution. Her interests also include education and Islamic education. Recently, she joined the 5D Thinking team, where she is involved in social media management and writing.
Marketing Director Institute of Integrated Knowledge
Musa Dankazz earned his Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Selcuk University, Turkey, and his Master’s degree from La Salle University, PA, USA. He is currently a PhD candidate at Louisiana State University, LA, USA.
Shila Razlan
5D Coordinator for South Asia
Shila Razlan is a seasoned professional who leverages decades of high-level project management and mechanical design experience with global MNCs in Malaysia, Singapore, Germany, and the USA. Guided by an unwavering passion for driving meaningful change in society, she made a purposeful shift into education—specifically homeschooling—to focus on foundational development. Now, as an Instructor with 5D Thinking, she is channeling her strategic vision to spearhead the model’s promotion and implementation across Malaysia, Indonesia, and the broader South East Asian market.
Samah Al Sabbagh
5D Coordinator for North America
Samah Al Sabbagh is an established academic leader, researcher, and trainer with over 20 years of experience in education, leadership development, youth empowerment, and project management. Her career spans leadership roles within K–12 educational systems in Canada and internationally, including positions with renowned institutions such as Education Above All Foundation, WISE and Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar.
Currently a PhD candidate in Critical Policy, Equity, and Leadership Studies at Western University. Samah’s research and practice focus on educational equity, policy development, strategic planning, and transformative leadership. Her work explores themes of education in emergencies, social justice, and humanitarian engagement, and she has published widely in these areas.
Samah is a vocal advocate for justice, dignity, and inclusion. She serves as the President of the Canadian Palestinian Social Association and formerly chaired the international Special Interest Group on Education in Emergencies within the Comparative and International Education Society (CIES). Her advocacy and community leadership are grounded in a deep commitment to centringequity and empowerment in both local and global contexts.
Samah’s work is driven by a belief in the transformative power of education to create inclusive, just societies. Through her academic, professional, and community roles, she strives to cultivate learning environments that empower future generations to lead with purpose and effect meaningful change.
Abir Catovic
5D Curriculum Developer
Abir Catovic has dedicated more than thirty years to teaching and Islamic education. She holds a master’s in education leadership from Harvard University and began her career in education while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering at Rutgers University. During that time, she volunteered at her local masjid’s weekend school, developed an early elementary Islamic Studies curriculum, and eventually helped to found a full-time Islamic school.
Throughout her career, she has served as Religious Studies Director, Vice-Principal, and Principal, while remaining deeply connected to the classroom. She has taught every grade level from kindergarten through twelfth grade and developed comprehensive Islamic and Qur’anic Studies curricula for elementary, middle, and high school levels. She also created a Prophetic Character Education Program and helped establish a Two-Year Qur’an Memorization Program, which graduated more than fifty male and female Huffadh during her tenure.
In recognition of her work, Abir Catovic was awarded the Noor Kids Islamic Teacher Appreciation Award in 2017, being voted one of the top three Islamic educators in North America. In 2021, she received the New Jersey State Governor’s Jefferson Award in Education for her “exemplary volunteer efforts and public service.”
Currently, she serves as an education consultant, Board Secretary of WISER (Weekend Islamic Schools Educational Resources), and advisor to the Moral Ecology Trust, a multifaith, multidisciplinary project of the University of Virginia’s Advanced Studies in Culture Foundation that aims to strengthen youth character formation.
International Editorial Board:
- Dr. Yamina Bouguenaya (Ph.D. in Quantum Physics), Director of Receiving Nur, www.receivingnur.org
- Dr. Colin Turner (Ph.D. in Islamic Studies), Professor of Islamic Thought, Durham University, UK
- Dr. Yunus Cengel (Ph.D. in mechanical engineering), Professor Emeritus, Nevada University
- Dr. Farid Alatas (Ph.D. in sociology), Professor of Sociology at the National University of Singapore
- Dr. Faris Kaya (Ph.D. in mechanical engineering), Professor Emeritus, Yildiz University, Turkey
- Dr. Ibrahim Ozdemir (Ph.D. in Philosophy), Professor, Uskudar University, Turkey
- Dr. Mustafa Tuna, Associate Professor of Slavic and Eurasian Studies, Duke University, USA
- Dr. Mahshid Turner, Department of Theology and Religion, Durham University, UK
- Dr. Hakan Gulerce, Assistant Professor of Sociology, Harran University, Turkey
- Dr. Berghout Abdelaziz (Professor of Islamic studies and Civilisation), Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences, International Islamic University, Malaysia