Michael E. Heyes

Michael E. Heyes is Associate Professor of Religion and Chair of the Department at Lycoming College, where he teaches courses on religion, literature, and the history of Christianity. He received his Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Rice University (2015) and an M.A. in Comparative Religion from the University of Washington (2008). Previously, he held a visiting instructorship at the University of South Florida – Tampa.

Education:

• Ph.D., Religious Studies, Rice University, 2015
• M.A., Comparative Religion, University of Washington, 2008

Heyes' research interests span both medieval and modern religious phenomena. His work explores religion and literature, monstrosity and demonology, saints’ lives, gender and race in religious narratives, and American civil religion. He has published extensively on how religious identities are constructed through narratives of the monstrous, from medieval hagiography to contemporary film and conspiracy theories like QAnon. His teaching includes introductory religion, theory-driven courses, religion in fiction and film, and western esotericism.

His scholarly output includes two monographs—Demons in the USA (2024) and Margaret's Monsters (2020)—and an edited volume, Holy Monsters, Sacred Grotesques (2018). His articles analyze themes such as demonic corporeality, the racialization of monsters in film, and the gendered dynamics of sainthood. The publications reveal a strong interdisciplinary trend, blending religious studies with literary analysis, cultural criticism, and film theory, particularly focusing on how media shapes spiritual imagination.

Scientific Awards:

• No awards listed in the provided text.

Heyes is actively involved in academic service, including co-editing The Journal of Gods and Monsters and organizing special issues on displacement and monstrosity. He has also issued calls for book chapters, such as on Lovecraftian horror in Japan, indicating ongoing research leadership. There is no mention of advising students or receiving grants in the provided material. He maintains a scholarly presence on Academia.edu and has presented at various academic forums.

Labs and Research Teams:

• Co-editor, The Journal of Gods and Monsters
• Organizer of academic panels and symposia on religion and monstrosity