Jeremy Engels is the Liberal Arts Endowed Professor of Communication Arts & Sciences at Pennsylvania State University and Barry Director of the Paterno Fellows Program. His work focuses on communication ethics, democracy studies, and mindfulness practices. He holds a B.A. from University of Kansas (2002), M.A. from University of Illinois (2003), and Ph.D. from University of Illinois (2006). Professor Engels has received prestigious awards including the Karl Wallace Award and New Investigator Award from the National Communication Association, as well as the 2017 College of Liberal Arts Teaching Award. He teaches courses on communication ethics, democratic theory, and yoga/mindfulness-based pedagogy. His research explores democracy’s historical foundations to reimagine its future, with notable works like The Ethics of Oneness (2021) and Enemyship (2010). Engels’ scholarship bridges American philosophical traditions with Eastern thought, emphasizing rhetorical analysis of political emotions like resentment and gratitude. He also co-founded Yoga Lab, integrating contemplative practices into civic education. Key Research Themes: Democratic deliberation, rhetorical criticism, political affect, mindfulness in education Teaching Contributions: CAS courses on communication ethics, peace rhetoric, and democratic citizenship Public Engagement: Combines academic expertise with yoga instruction to foster civic mindfulness
Wayne C. F. Yeung is an Assistant Professor of Chinese in the Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures at the University of Denver, within the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. He is also affiliated with the Asian Studies program. His research and teaching focus on modern and contemporary Chinese and Sinophone literature, cinema, and cultural politics, with a comparative dimension drawn from French and Francophone studies. His scholarly interests include: Modern and Contemporary Chinese Literature Sinophone and Francophone literary and cultural studies Decolonial and postcolonial theory Historiography and cultural politics in Hong Kong and other non-sovereign spaces Comparative literary analysis, particularly between Lu Xun and Louis-Ferdinand Céline The role of silence and contemplation in literary and political discourse Wayne Yeung’s recent publications analyze the intersections of literature, identity, and political movements, particularly in the context of Hong Kong. His work in journals such as the Journal of Asian Studies and Modern Asian Studies demonstrates a strong engagement with theoretical frameworks from cultural studies and political theory. His research often explores how marginalized or extraterritorial cultures negotiate identity and agency within larger imperial or national formations. His notable articles include: "Deep Imperial Time in Sinophone Poetics of History" (2024), which introduces the concept of "deep imperial time" as a strategy of deimperialization in Sinophone cultural texts. "Poetics of the People" (2021), which examines the Umbrella Movement and literary responses by Dung Kai-cheung and Wong Bik-wan. "Lu Xun's Affirmative Biopolitics" (2024), a critical reflection on Lu Xun’s philosophical dimensions. He has received his PhD in Comparative Literature & Asian Studies from Pennsylvania State University in 2023, following an M.Phil and BA from the University of Hong Kong. He is a member of several academic associations, including the Association of Asian Studies and the Society of Sinophone Studies. While specific information about advising students or securing grants is not available in the provided text, his active publication record and academic position suggest ongoing scholarly leadership and mentorship. He is also involved in public intellectual discourse, occasionally writing about film for Hong Kong newspapers. Wayne Yeung is affiliated with the following academic units: Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures Asian Studies Program College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Henry C. H. Shiu is an Assistant Professor in Chinese Buddhist Studies at the University of Toronto, affiliated with New College and Emmanuel College. He holds degrees from the University of Toronto’s Centre for the Study of Religion, including a BA, MA, and PhD. BA, Department of Religious Studies, University of Toronto MA, Centre for the Study of Religion, University of Toronto PhD, Centre for the Study of Religion, University of Toronto His research spans Mahayana Buddhism , focusing on historical and doctrinal aspects of Madhyamaka and Yogacara traditions, and the theory of Tathagatagarbha. He also explores contemporary Buddhist movements, Buddhist Chaplaincy, and Buddhism in Canada. Additional interests include Western classical music (with three publications via Oxford University Press) and Daoist texts like the Laozi and Zhuangzi. Shiu’s publications span Buddhist studies, ethics, and musicology, with a recent emphasis on Canadian Buddhist communities and cross-disciplinary intersections. He co-edited a special issue of the Canadian Journal of Buddhist Studies on Applied Buddhism and contributed to dialogues on Buddhist architecture and animal release practices. He has taught courses such as Buddhist Ethics, Buddhist Contemplative Care, and Buddhist Psychology, while serving as guest editor and receiving the Wabash Digital Salon Grant for documentary work. His affiliations include the American Academy of Religion and the International Association of Buddhist Studies.
Edward Taylor serves as Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs at the University of Washington, where he oversees programs that advance the undergraduate experience. He is also a Professor in the College of Education, which he joined in 1995. His role involves creating impactful academic opportunities, supporting the university ecosystem for undergraduate success, advocating for undergraduate education, and leading innovation in undergraduate education. Education: Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, University of Washington Master’s in Psychology, Gonzaga University Bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and Psychology, Gonzaga University Taylor's research centers on comparative education in the U.S. and South Africa, moral dimensions of education, integrative education, and leadership in education and social justice. His scholarly work extends to educational policy, equity studies, higher education, and multicultural education. He has co-edited "Foundations of Critical Race Theory in Education" and co-authored books including "Transformative Conversations" and "Inside the Undergraduate Teaching Experience", contributing significantly to the field. Scientific Awards: Distinguished Graduate Award from the College of Education (2014) The provided text does not specify any details regarding student advising or research grants. Taylor is actively engaged in community and professional service. He co-chaired the tri-campus Race & Equity Initiative, is a founding board member of Rainier Scholars, serves on multiple boards including the Seattle Foundation and Gonzaga University, and works internationally with South African township schools. His leadership extends to the Academy for Contemplative and Ethical Leadership as a faculty member.
Steven Heine is Professor of Religious Studies and History at Florida International University , where he also directs the Institute for Asian Studies and serves as interim director of the Institute for Judaic and Near Eastern Studies . Additionally, he is associate director of the Center for Transnational and Comparative Studies . His research and teaching focus on Japanese religions—especially Zen Buddhism and the thought of Dōgen (1200-1253), founder of the Sōtō sect—as well as broader East Asian literature and comparative religion. Education Japanese Religions Comparative Religious Thought Religion and the Social Sciences Research Interests Professor Heine’s scholarship centres on Japanese religions , with particular emphasis on Zen Buddhism and the thought of Dōgen . He explores East Asian literature from classical through modern times, employing comparative perspectives that connect Japanese culture with wider global contexts. His work also addresses worldwide mysticism , folk religions , religion and psychology , and the impact of modernization on religious traditions. Publications & Trends Across more than two decades, Heine has produced a steady stream of monographs, edited volumes, and peer-reviewed articles that illuminate Zen philosophy , koan literature , and the textual history of the Shōbōgenzō . His recent output (2019-2025) reveals intensified attention to Dōgen’s poetics , Chan/Zen hermeneutics , and the transmission of Chinese Chan texts to medieval Japan . Book-length studies such as Readings of Dōgen’s Treasury of the True Dharma Eye (2020) and Dōgen: Textual and Historical Studies (2012) are widely regarded as foundational resources in the field. Grants & Fellowships National Endowment for the Humanities research fellowship (Spring–Fall 2001) for the project The Role of Zen Buddhist Koan Literature in Medieval China and Japan Institutes & Programmes Heine currently directs the Institute for Asian Studies , which oversees FIU’s new Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies and coordinates interdisciplinary faculty working on globalization and Asia’s historical and contemporary impact. He is also interim director of the Institute for Judaic and Near Eastern Studies and associate director of the Center for Transnational and Comparative Studies , fostering collaborative research across departments and colleges.
Marcelle Freiman is an Associate Professor in the School of Humanities at Macquarie University, Australia. Her research focuses on Creative Writing pedagogy, theory, and practice, with specialties in ekphrasis, cognition in creative processes, and postcolonial creativity. She has published extensively in journals like TEXT , AXON , and New Writing , and authored three poetry collections: Spirit Level (2021), White Lines (Vertical) (2010), and Monkey's Wedding (1995). Her work has been recognized with awards including the ASAL Mary Gilmore Award (Highly Commended) and a shortlisting for the Newcastle Poetry Prize (2021). Freiman has supervised 14 PhD and 6 MRes theses, with two recent doctoral works receiving Vice-Chancellor's Commendations. She has led research projects like Transformations of Writing: A Cognitive Approach to Creative Writing Process, Practice, and Technologies (2015) and Creative Writing, Literature, Cognition: Analysing Jean Rhys’ Writing Practices (2019). Her interdisciplinary work bridges creative practice with cognitive theory, examining how extended mind frameworks apply to writing processes. Key research areas include the intersection of poetry and visual art (ekphrasis), postcolonial creativity, and the evolution of the sonnet form. She actively publishes in literary journals globally and has contributed book chapters to volumes such as the Cambridge Guide to the Sonnet . Current projects explore distributed cognition in creative processes and the role of material objects (e.g., Patrick White’s briefcase) in shaping literary practices.
Wilson Carroll is a Lecturer at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he teaches architecture. He is the lead architect at More Than Matter, an Atlanta-based design firm, and co-founded Flixkit, a software company for short-form cinematic storytelling. He holds professional licenses in four U.S. states and has 15 years of experience in architecture firms like Thomas Phifer and César Pelli. Education: B.S. in Architecture (Georgia Tech, 2010), M.Arch (Yale University, 2017) His research interests bridge theology and aesthetics, exploring how spiritual principles intersect with architectural and artistic design. He co-authored the meditation guide Atlas Rise (2022) and advocates for ethical, interdisciplinary approaches in creative fields. No academic grants or awards are listed, though his work extends into software innovation through Flixkit. He has no listed advisees but maintains active roles in architectural practice and education.
Dobrawa Lisak-Gębala is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Polish Philology, University of Wrocław. She specializes in contemporary Polish literature, intermedial studies, sound studies, memory studies, and the theory of the essay. Her research explores the intersections between literature, visual art, and auditory experience, particularly in 20th and 21st-century Polish cultural production. Her research interests include: Intermediality in literary texts Sound and audio-spheres in literature Memory and trauma in post-war Polish writing The essay as a literary and cognitive form Visual culture and ekphrasis Gender and autobiography in contemporary prose Her recent publications analyze the essayistic reception of Chopin, the rhetoric of travel, kitsch in Polish culture, and photo-literary collaborations. The articles reflect a strong interdisciplinary trend, combining literary analysis with cultural theory, philosophy, and sensory studies. She frequently examines how literature engages with other art forms, especially painting, photography, and music. She has been recognized with a scholarship for young eminent researchers by the Minister of Science and Higher Education (2018–2021). She has also led the research project 'Poetical thanatosonics – on the grounds of Polish literature (1939–1945)', funded by the National Centre of Science, and collaborated on the 'New regionalism in literary research' project. She has contributed to various academic volumes and journals such as Poznańskie Studia Polonistyczne , Przestrzenie Teorii , Pamiętnik Literacki , and Zagadnienia Rodzajów Literackich . Her monographs Ultraliterature (2014) and Visual Springboards: Contemporary Polish Essays on Paintings and Photographs (2016) are key contributions to the field.
Mante Lenkaityte Ostermann is a Senior Researcher in the Department of Patristics and Church History at the Faculty of Theology, University of Fribourg. She has been affiliated with the University of Fribourg since 2007, initially as a graduate assistant, then as a doctoral assistant and lecturer, and currently as a researcher working on significant Swiss National Science Foundation (FNS) projects. Dr. Lenkaityte Ostermann earned her doctoral degree in Classical Philology from Vilnius University in 2007. Her academic journey has been deeply rooted in patristic studies and early Christian history, with a particular focus on Late Antiquity. Her research expertise spans several interconnected areas within early Christian studies. She specializes in ancient monastic literature, with particular attention to figures like Eucher of Lyon and John Cassian, as well as monastic rules. Her work also examines canonical sources and patristic exegesis, exploring how early Christian writers interpreted scripture. A significant portion of her recent research investigates the complex dynamics of religious identities and cohabitation in Late Antiquity, examining how different religious communities interacted, competed, and sometimes shared spaces during this transformative period. Her scholarly approach combines textual analysis with historical contextualization to reveal the nuanced ways religious identities were constructed and maintained. Dr. Lenkaityte Ostermann's extensive publication record demonstrates a consistent scholarly trajectory focused on the intersection of religious identity, textual interpretation, and communal practices in early Christianity. Her work reveals particular expertise in analyzing how early Christian writers constructed religious boundaries while simultaneously engaging with surrounding cultural and religious contexts. She has made significant contributions to understanding the development of monastic spirituality and its relationship to broader ecclesiastical structures, particularly through her examination of key texts like the Opus imperfectum in Matthaeum. Dr. Lenkaityte Ostermann has been actively involved in major research projects funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. She was a member of the FNS-Eccellenza project on religious competition in Late Antiquity (2019-2022), directed by Assistant Professor Francesco Massa. Currently, she is contributing to another FNS project directed by Professor Franz Mali, which focuses on preparing the critical edition, French translation, and commentary of the anonymous work Opus imperfectum in Matthaeum .
Lauren M. Bausch is a Professor at Dharma Realm Buddhist University (DRBU), where she has taught since 2015. She specializes in Sanskrit, Vedic philosophy, and early Indian Buddhism, with a focus on Brahmana texts and their relationship to Buddhist thought. Her work integrates academic research with contemplative practice, contributing to DRBU's curriculum for Contemplative Exercise Immersions and supporting the Institute for World Religions. Education: Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley, 2015 M.A., University of California, Berkeley, 2011 M.A., Graduate Theological Union, 2006 B.A., University of California, Berkeley, 2004 Research Interests: Bausch investigates Vedic ritual hermeneutics, Sanskrit linguistics, and Buddhist-Vedic syncretism. Her interdisciplinary approach connects ancient Indian philosophy with contemporary spiritual practice, emphasizing language as a tool for cosmic and personal transformation. Key themes include sacrificial symbolism, contemplative pedagogy, and interreligious dialogue. Publications Overview: Her recent articles (2018–2024) explore Vedic-Buddhist intersections through philological, artistic, and sociological lenses. Dominant topics include ritual semantics, iconography, and historical interactions between Brahmanical and Buddhist communities in ancient India, reflecting deep engagement with Sanskrit primary sources. Awards and Honors: Fulbright Scholarship International Association of Sanskrit Studies’ Honorary Research Fellowship (2019) Additional Contributions: She developed the 2019 seminar on Vedic Philosophy of Language at Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (India) and advances Sanskrit pedagogy at DRBU. Her forthcoming works examine Vedic travel narratives and Buddhist artistic motifs.
Jim Robinson, Ph.D., is a Clinical Lecturer in the Religious Studies Department at Iona University and Director of the Deignan Institute for Earth and Spirit. He holds a Ph.D. from Fordham University, MTS from Harvard Divinity School, and BA from Drew University. His work bridges Ecotheology, Religion and Ecology, and the thought of Thomas Merton and Rosemary Radford Ruether. Robinson actively participates in lay Catholic communities focused on ecology and social justice, including Agape Community, Benincasa Community, and Maryhouse Catholic Worker. His research emphasizes integral ecology, anti-racism, and anti-sexism within theological frameworks. Education: Ph.D., Fordham University Master of Theological Studies (MTS), Harvard Divinity School Bachelor of Arts, Drew University Research focuses on the intersection of religion with ecological and social justice issues. Key themes include: Integral ecology principles from Laudato Si' Merton's engagement with 1960s counterculture Ruether's feminist theology and anti-oppression work Ethical critiques of factory farming and industrial agriculture Publications span theology, religious studies, and eco-spirituality. Recent work addresses eco-theological responses to environmental crises and the legacy of 20th-century theologians. Presentations include global conferences on themes like ecological conversion, sacramental worldview, and interfaith environmental ethics. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in available texts. His advising focuses on mentoring students in ecological spirituality and social justice praxis through community-based learning initiatives. Labs/Teams: Leads the Deignan Institute's ecological initiatives and collaborates with lay communities to develop practical models of integral ecology through urban farming projects and waste reduction programs.
Paul Lynch serves as Professor in the Department of English within Saint Louis University's College of Arts and Sciences, where he maintains an active research profile at the intersection of rhetoric and religious studies. His scholarly work focuses on rhetorical theory, writing pedagogy, and the rhetoric of religion, with particular attention to Catholic educational traditions and spiritual formation. His educational background includes: Ph.D. in English, Purdue University (2008) Lynch's research explores how religious discourse shapes pedagogical practices, examining figures like René Girard and Pope Francis through rhetorical frameworks. His recent work investigates spiritual exercises in teaching, Jesuit educational identity, and the rhetoric of Catholic institutional crisis. This research bridges theoretical rhetoric with practical applications in faith-based education and writing instruction. His publication trajectory (2015-2025) reveals consistent engagement with three core areas: Girardian rhetorical theory (12 publications), Catholic educational rhetoric (9 publications), and writing pedagogy (7 publications). Notably, his 2024-2025 works show increased focus on contemporary Catholic institutional challenges while maintaining his longstanding interest in spiritual dimensions of teaching. His scholarly recognition includes: 2023 Ignite Seminar Teacher of the Year, University Core 2018 Article of the Year Award from the Religious Communication Association 2010 James H. Korn Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award No information is available regarding graduate student advising or research grants. Lynch contributes to Saint Louis University's mission through his scholarship on Catholic rhetorical education and spiritual formation in teaching, though no specific labs or research teams are documented in the provided materials.
Rabbi Alan Brill is the Cooperman/Ross Endowed Chair for Jewish-Christian Studies and Professor in the Department of Religion at Seton Hall University. His work focuses on interfaith theology, Kabbalah, and religious pluralism. He holds a Ph.D. from Fordham University and has authored numerous books, including Rabbi on the Ganges: A Jewish Hindu Encounter (2019) and Judaism and World Religions (2012). Brill has held visiting professorships at Gadja Mada University (Indonesia) and the Vancouver School of Theology. His research explores intersections between Jewish thought and global religions, emphasizing dialogue and comparative theology. He received a Fulbright Senior Scholar Award for research in India and a Dorset Visiting Fellowship at Oxford. His recent work includes analyzing Rabbi Eliezer Melamed’s approach to Hinduism and Buddhism, advocating for inclusive interfaith frameworks. Brill’s scholarship bridges traditional Jewish texts with contemporary theological debates, particularly on religious diversity and mystical traditions.
Suzanne Obdrzalek is an Associate Professor of Philosophy. Her scholarly work bridges theoretical inquiry and historical analysis within ancient philosophical traditions. Education: Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley (2004), Department of Philosophy, Program in Ancient Philosophy B.A., Stanford University (1997), Department of Philosophy Her research centers on Plato's Moral Psychology and Ancient Skepticism , with a focus on dialogues such as the Phaedrus, Symposium, and Philebus, as well as Hellenistic skeptical traditions in figures like Carneades and Cicero. Recent publications explore themes of self-mastery, ethical transformation, and epistemological debates in ancient thought. Obdrzalek’s publications span journals like Oxford Studies in Ancient Philosophy , Ancient Philosophy , and Apeiron , reflecting interdisciplinary engagement with classical texts and their philosophical implications. Scientific Awards: Article Prize, Journal of the History of Philosophy (2010) Contact: Kravis Center 278
David W. Fearn is Professor of Greek and Head of Department at the University of Warwick, Faculty of Arts. He joined the Warwick department in 2008 after holding Junior Research Fellowships at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge (2003-5), Corpus Christi College, Oxford (2005-7), and Jesus College/Faculty of Classics, Oxford (2007-). His academic career spans over two decades with a focus on Greek literary texts across various socio-political and cultural contexts from archaic and classical Greece through to modern spaces of reception. His educational background includes: BA/MA, Literae Humaniores, Magdalen College, University of Oxford, 1998 (Demy; Double First) MSt, Greek and/or Latin Languages and Literature, Magdalen College, University of Oxford, 1999 (Distinction) DPhil, Greek Literature, Magdalen College, University of Oxford, 2003 PCAPP, University of Warwick, 2011 Professor Fearn's research centers on the poetics, aesthetics, and socio-political contextualizability of archaic and classical Greek literature, with particular emphasis on lyric poetry. He investigates the relationship between Greek literature and its original contexts of production and reception, while also exploring contemporary critical-theoretical approaches to literature. His work often engages with Pindar's poetry as a key touchstone. Beyond classical studies, he has developed a significant interest in the history, theory, and practice of photography, which he increasingly integrates with his scholarship on ancient lyric poetry, creating innovative connections between ancient texts and contemporary visual culture. His publications demonstrate a consistent focus on Greek lyric poetry, particularly the works of Pindar and Bacchylides, while expanding into broader questions of classical reception, the relationship between text and visual culture, and the application of contemporary theoretical frameworks to ancient literature. His work shows an evolving trajectory from close philological studies toward more interdisciplinary approaches that bridge classical scholarship with philosophy, visual studies, and critical theory. Professor Fearn is an active member of several academic communities: Member of the Society for the Promotion of Hellenic Studies Committee member of Warwick's Centre for Research in Philosophy, Literature, and the Arts Member of Warwick's Environmental Humanities Network Associate member of Warwick's Centre for Research in Post-Kantian European Philosophy He serves as a referee for numerous prestigious journals and reviews academic books for major publishers. Professor Fearn is deeply committed to teaching and supervision, offering undergraduate modules on Greek texts and lyric poetry, and supervising postgraduate students in Ancient Literature and Thought. He also maintains an active photography practice, with his work available through his portfolio website, which increasingly intersects with his academic interests.
