Education
- M.A. in Islamic Studies (Concentration in Shi‘ism), George Washington University (2020–2024) – Fulbright Scholar
- B.A. (Hons) in Liberal Arts (Cultural Studies), Beaconhouse National University (2011–2015) – Graduated with Distinction
Academic Interests
- Islamic Intellectual Traditions (with a focus on Shi‘ism)
- Gender, Witnessing, and Memory in Islamic History
- Cultural and Religious Narratives in South Asia
Biography
Syeda Mehr Mustafa is an educator, writer, and researcher with expertise in Islamic Studies, gender studies, and curriculum development. She holds an M.A. in Islamic Studies with a concentration in Shi‘ism from George Washington University, where she was a Fulbright Scholar, and a B.A. (Hons) in Liberal Arts (Cultural Studies) from Beaconhouse National University, graduating with distinction.
Her research interests lie in Shi‘i intellectual traditions, gender and witnessing in Islamic history, and cultural narratives in South Asia. She has presented her work at academic forums, including the Sadia Waheed Gender Colloquium at LUMS, where she delivered a paper on “The Shahadat of Karbala: Zainab binte Ali, Gender and Witnessing.”
In addition to her academic work, Mehr has extensive professional experience in media, editorial work, and education. She has served as Senior Editor at *The News on Sunday* (Jang Group) and Senior Assistant Op-ed Editor at *Daily Times*, where she specialized in opinion and international affairs. Her published articles focus on culture, identity, and socio-political issues, and her writings are featured in national media outlets.
Currently, Mehr works at Headstart School as a Curriculum Development Consultant and IB DP English Language and Literature Teacher, where she designs interdisciplinary units of study for O/A Levels and IB MYP/DP programs, mentors teachers, and supervises extended essays. She is also an IB Resource Librarian and actively contributes to advancing critical pedagogy in secondary education.
Selected Experience
- Curriculum Development Consultant & IB DP English Teacher, Headstart School (2022–Present)
- Senior Editor, The News on Sunday, Jang Group (2019–2020)
- Senior Assistant Op-Ed Editor, Daily Times (2018–2019)
- Media Intern, Alif Ailaan – DFID Education Campaign (2016)
- Specialized Tutor for Children with Learning Disabilities (2016–2020)
Certifications & Skills
- British Council Certifications: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
- Proficient in Photoshop and digital media tools
