Katharine Mershon

Katharine Mershon is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy and Religion at Western Carolina University's College of Arts and Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in Religion, Literature, and Visual Culture from the University of Chicago Divinity School, an M.A. from the same institution, and a B.A. in English Literature from Lake Forest College.

Her research explores intersections of religion with contemporary social issues, including animal studies, American religious practices, race, gender, sexuality, and popular culture. She utilizes interdisciplinary approaches bridging literary analysis, visual culture, and ethnographic methods.

Dr. Mershon's scholarly publications demonstrate consistent focus on cultural representations of animals, pedagogical approaches in religious studies, and critical examinations of religion in American society. Her work frequently engages with ethical frameworks and narrative analysis across various media formats.