Dr. Touria Boumehdi Tomasi serves on the faculty of the Language Center at Stanford University where she teaches Arabic and Spanish at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. In addition to courses in beginning through advanced Modern Standard Arabic, including accelerated and intensive offerings. Also, in Spring 2016 She will teach a new course in DLCL: Aljamía language and literature through the study and analysis of aljamiado manuscripts. She also taught Arabic in Middlebury College in their summer programs in 2015 and 2016.

Oustadati Thoraya, a Moroccan native, brings with her a wealth of cultural heritage and linguistic prowess. Born and raised in the Northern Regions of Morocco, she was fortunate to be part of a trilingual community where French, Spanish, and Arabic were embraced from an early age.

Her educational journey took her to renowned institutions in Morocco, including Meknes and Rabat, where she pursued her academic passions. It was at the prestigious Mohammed V University in Rabat that she delved deeper into her studies, obtaining a master's in language and literature of Spanish and French.

After graduating from the Mohammed V University, she worked as Co-Director of the Spanish Department at the University of Rabat and Professor of Spanish and Arabic in Spain and France at the University of Toulouse le Mirail, the Toulouse School of Business, IAAE Oviedo and ECLAP Valladolid. She completed her Doctorate with a joint Ph.D. and highest honors and praise in Spanish and Arabic at the University of Toulouse, a master’s degree in Spanish Language and Literature at the University of Mohammed V in Rabat, and an In-Depth Studies Diploma (DEA) including five post-undergraduate years of study in Oriental Languages, Literature, and Civilizations from the University of Paris III in New Sorbonne. Dr. Boumehdi also holds an MBA in International Marketing and Commerce from Toulouse School of Business (TBS).

Seeking new horizons, Oustadati Thoraya embarked on a transformative journey to the United States. Drawn to the vibrant academic community, she found her calling as an advanced lecturer at Stanford University, where she currently resides. Embracing her role as an educator, Oustadati Thoraya shares her expertise, cultural insights, and language skills with eager students, fostering an appreciation for French, Spanish, and Arabic culture while enriching their linguistic abilities.

Her personal experiences as a Moroccan, coupled with her academic background, provide a unique perspective that allows her to bridge cultural gaps and promote cross-cultural understanding. Through her engaging teaching style and commitment to student success, Oustadati Thoraya empowers her students to explore new perspectives, celebrate diversity, and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Nathan Lo is currently a rising senior at Saint Francis High School. With a passion for sharing his unique experiences in the Arabic world, Nathan embarked on a mission to create a website that would capture the wonders he encountered during his journeys.

Armed with coding and web design skills acquired through his high school classes, Nathan collaborated with his mentor, Oustada Thoraya Boumhedi, to bring their collective experiences to life on the website known as Oustadati.

After a year of learning Arabic with Oustada Thoraya, Nathan's journey into the Arabic world truly began when he was awarded the prestigious NSLI-Y scholarship, allowing him to immerse himself in Moroccan culture for a transformative six-week period. It was during this time that he not only learned Arabic but also delved into the intricacies of the Moroccan dialect (Darija). Inspired by the beauty and richness of the language and culture, Nathan continued his Arabic learning journey under the guidance of his mentor, Oustada Thoraya.

Beyond his academic pursuits, Nathan is an accomplished varsity cross-country runner, having competed in Regional and State championships since his freshman year.  Outside of school, Nathan finds joy in playing the violin, a hobby he has passionately pursued for over a decade. 

As he enters his senior year of high school, Nathan remains focused on his academic pursuits, athletic endeavors, and his ongoing commitment to sharing the beauty and depth of Arabic culture with the world. With a well-rounded set of skills and a thirst for knowledge, Nathan has channeled his passions into the creation of Oustadati. By sharing his personal experiences, cultural insights, and linguistic discoveries, he aspires to inspire and inform others who are curious about the Arabic world.