Dr. Ali Al-Asadi: Passion for Knowledge
Thursday, August 15th, 2024
It was 1989 when Dr. Ali M. Al-Asadi set foot in Grande Prairie for the first time. He came to the Peace Region to work as a clinical psychologist for the Family Violence and Sexual Assault Center (PACE), but his journey took a different turn. Fast forward to 1995, and Ali found himself teaching his first course at Grande Prairie Regional College, now Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP). Little did he know, this was the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship with the institution.
Ali's journey with NWP has been marked by diverse experiences and his enthusiasm for what lies ahead for the institution is invigorating. "We are poised for success; for the benefit of our students, staff, community, and the generations to come.”
Ali has been a dedicated member of the College of Alberta Psychologists since 1997. Once a full-time practitioner, now, he focuses his efforts on supervising student psychologists and consulting for organizations. Despite his many commitments, he sustains his passion for research. "From trauma related to family violence and sexual abuse, to brain-affect-behaviour power distribution, my research interests are as diverse as they come," he shares, adding that he's currently working on a new trauma theory.
With graduate degrees in psychology, astrophysics, applied statistics, and Islamic history from three different continents, Ali is a passionate advocate for lifelong learning. "Education is the greatest tool we have to change the world," he says, a sentiment that aligns with his role as a professor of psychology and a former president of the NWP Academic Staff Association.
As a professor, Ali is appreciated for his engaging courses, covering a range of topics from personality and abnormal psychology to counselling and clinical psychology. He also provides hands-on experience for his students at the neuroscience lab.
Ali's contribution extends beyond the classroom. He's led numerous committees and played a key role in shaping the polytechnic's academic policies. When offered the opportunity to oversee students pursing their BA degree in Psychology with Athabasca University (AU) through NWP, he welcomed the new responsibility. "It was a task dear to my heart. Even after AU discontinued the formal relationship in 2016, I continue to guide students through the process of earning their degrees," he shares.
Ali is optimistic that one day NWP will be authorized to offer their own degrees in psychology, social work, and education. "The communities we serve are growing, and the need for students to stay close to home, get their education, and serve these communities is more important than ever," he reasons. "We have a strong and ideally suited institution in NWP to cater to these students and communities."
If you ask Ali what drives him, he'll tell you it's passion and his own beliefs. "I believe no one should have a monopoly on knowledge, and knowledge is best served when it is shared with and passed on to others. I have always loved teaching because it is the vehicle by which I bring my belief to reality to see my students grow and flourish, equipped with the power of knowledge to conduct their lives.”
