OUR FLAGSHIP PROGRAM
CURRENT CLASS

Ziad Burbar

Ziad Burbar

Siemens Molecular Imaging

Principal Key Expert, System Architect

Hometown: Birzeit, Palestine

What is your vision for Knoxville 10 years from now?

My vision is for Knoxville to be an internationally recognized city. As I travel internationally, it is seldom that I meet someone who knows about Knoxville.

What is Knoxville's Best Kept Secret?

I love the outdoors, and I love to mountain biking. There are a lot of great trails in and surrounding the Knoxville area.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

I am involved with two non-profit organizations. Their mission is to enlighten the people of Knoxville and East Tennessee about Arabic culture through the Arab American Club of Knoxville, and to bring international awareness to Knoxville and East Tennessee through Knoxville International.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

I think my most cherished memory of Knoxville is from my time attending the University of Tennessee, both the undergraduate and graduate school of engineering.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

Favorite book: Freakonomics and currently reading: Outlived; The Science and Art of Longevity

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

I cannot discount the great values and advice both my parents engraved in me that I grew up living by them, and I was able to pass on to my kids. I do not think there is one person whose advice was more impactful than my parents.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

I'd probably tell my 16-year-old self to not sell Apple stocks but hold on and buy more. Maybe even give me a few more stock hints to buy in the future.

Back to Class
Ziad Burbar
Image