About
Hugh Curran is a Lecturer in the Peace & Reconciliation Studies Program at the University of Maine’s College of Education and Human Development. He holds affiliations with the Morgan Bay Zendo (board member) and Friends of Morgan Bay (founder), focusing on mindfulness practices and environmental stewardship. His career includes directorship of a homeless shelter in Downeast Maine and co-authorship of a Maine history book with Esther Wood. He has presented at international venues including Oxford University and the Global Council on Tolerance and Peace in Malta.
Education: Undergraduate studies at Nova Scotia (specific institution unspecified). Extensive Zen monastic experience and global pilgrimage. Teaching specialties include Buddhism, nonviolence, ecology-spirituality linkages, and peace pedagogy through courses like PAX 201 and PAX 350.
Research integrates contemplative traditions with social justice issues, addressing animal ethics, homelessness advocacy, and environmental spirituality. Recent work emphasizes Buddhist perspectives on ethics and interfaith peacebuilding. Active in organizing regional peace conferences and public radio discussions on socio-political topics.
Labs/Teams: Collaborates with Morgan Bay Zendo’s retreat programs and Friends of Morgan Bay’s nature conservation initiatives. Engaged in interdisciplinary peace studies collaborations across UMaine departments.
