Lateef receives travel grant to explore global Muslim connections Myra López 4/15/2025 Faculty; Global Share this Story: Lateef Husain Lateef, an associate professor at the Brown School, has received a Newman Exploration Travel Fund Award from Washington University Libraries. Lateef will travel to several cities in Morocco to study the historical, cultural, and religious influences that link a community of African American Muslims in Phoenix, Arizona, to the broader global Islamic community. “I’m honored to receive this award,” Lateef said. “I’ve imagined this trip for a long time, and I’m deeply thankful for the forthcoming experience.” The NEXT Award program supports WashU students, faculty, and staff seeking to explore the world as a means of personal and professional growth. Each recipient is awarded up to $10,000 to pursue their explorations. Lateef is one of eight individuals selected for the 2025 cohort of NEXT Award recipients, which includes undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff members.