Zahur Syed

Zahur holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a Master’s degree in Science Education from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. He currently works as an Infrastructure Engineer in the financial sector.

Raised in a Muslim family, Zahur began questioning religion during his teenage years. Although his parents were not fundamentalist, critical examination of religious beliefs was discouraged. Finding the answers within Islam unconvincing and lacking in evidence, he gradually turned toward science and reason. Over time, he was influenced by thinkers such as Richard Dawkins, Richard Feynman, and Christopher Hitchens.

When he’s not working, Zahur enjoys CrossFit and spending time with his family, and running or biking on the trails around Pittsburgh. He would like to see PFC grow both in membership and impact, with stronger involvement in Pittsburgh community events. He values opportunities for outreach and collaboration that allow PFC to engage with the broader community, encourage thoughtful discussion, and support a culture rooted in reason, science, and humanist values.