Find Academic Supervisors

Angelika MalinarView profile

Professor

• Hinduism in history and present
• Indian philosophy and aesthetics
• Sanskrit literature (especially epic and Purana)
• +2 more

Angelika Malinar, Professor of Indology at the University of Zurich and member of its Gender Studies Department, specializes in Hinduism, Indian philosophy, and Sanskrit literature. Her work spans historical and modern contexts, with a focus on epic texts and Indo-European exchanges. She co-edits the Brill's Encyclopedia of Hinduism and contributes to the University Research Priority Program "Asia and Europe." PhD and habilitation from University of Tübingen Researcher at Tübingen, Berlin, and London Her research integrates Sanskrit epics, philosophical traditions, and modern Hindu identity. Recent publications analyze Mahābhārata theology, ritual practices, and cross-cultural interpretations. She explores how texts like the Bhagavadgītā and Nārāyaṇīya bridge ritualism, aesthetics, and individual authority. Key article trends examine cosmological monotheism , epic decision-making , and colonial reinterpretations . Her editorial roles include interdisciplinary volumes on time, purity, and Indo-European cultural dialogues. As a Senior Lecturer at SOAS and Professor in Zurich, she has led projects on monastic institutions, rasas, and canonical formation. Her work contextualizes Indian philosophy within global frameworks, notably nineteenth-century German Indology.

Rachel Fell McDermottView profile

Professor

• South Asian Religions
• Hindu Goddess Worship
• Bengali Religious Traditions
• +12 more

Rachel Fell McDermott is Professor of Asian and Middle Eastern Cultures at Barnard College, Columbia University, specializing in South Asian religions, particularly the Hindu goddess traditions of Bengal in India and Bangladesh. Her work bridges religious studies, human rights, and comparative religion, with a strong focus on Kali, Durga Puja, and the literary legacy of Kazi Nazrul Islam. Education: A.B., Religious Studies, University of Pennsylvania, 1981 M.Div., Harvard Divinity School, 1984 A.M., Study of Religion, Harvard University, 1986 Ph.D., Study of Religion, Harvard University, 1993 Her research centers on the religious and cultural dynamics of Bengal, exploring themes such as goddess worship, ritual practices, religious poetry, and the intersection of religion with politics and identity. She is deeply engaged in comparative religion, examining how religious themes like suffering, sacrifice, and divine femininity manifest across traditions. Her scholarship also addresses diasporic religious experiences, digital religion, and interfaith dialogue, particularly between Hindu and Christian communities. The 15 most recent publications reflect a sustained scholarly engagement with goddess traditions, especially Kali and Durga, as well as broader themes in South Asian religion, including Tantric symbolism, festival culture, and the reception of Hindu deities in the West. Her work spans ethnographic, historical, and textual analysis, often highlighting the contested and evolving nature of religious canons. She frequently contributes to major academic anthologies and journals in religious studies, South Asian studies, and comparative theology. Scientific Awards: No specific awards listed in the provided text. As a senior professor and managing editor of major academic volumes, she has likely advised numerous graduate students and secured research funding, though specific names and grants are not mentioned. She teaches courses such as “Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?” that explore theodicy across religions. She is currently on leave for the 2024–2025 academic year, indicating ongoing active involvement in academic life. She is involved in significant editorial projects, including the third edition of The Sources of Indian Traditions , and is working on translations and a monograph on Kazi Nazrul Islam. Her scholarly presence includes invited lectures at institutions such as Princeton, the University of Connecticut, and the Bangla Academy in Dhaka, reflecting her international recognition in the field of South Asian religious studies.

Jeffrey S. LidkeView profile

Professor

• Religious Studies
• Indology
• South Asian Religion
• +7 more

Jeffrey S. Lidke is a Professor of Religious Studies and Chair of the Department of Religion and Philosophy at Berry College. He holds a B.A. from the University of Colorado (1990), M.A. (1996), and Ph.D. (2000) in South Asia Religion and Philosophy from the University of California, Santa Barbara. A Fulbright Dissertation Fellow to Nepal (1996-97), his research focuses on Nepalese Tantra, South Asian religious traditions, and the intersection of contemplative practices with neuroscience. His major works include The Goddess Within and Beyond the Three Cities (2017) and Viśvarūpa Maṇḍir: A Study of Chaṅgu Nārāyaṇa (2017). Key research areas include Śākta Tantra's political theology, Abhinavagupta's monistic philosophy, and the neuroscientific implications of Tantric meditative practices. His work bridges textual analysis with ethnographic fieldwork in Nepal and India. Education: B.A., Religious Studies, University of Colorado (1990) M.A., South Asia Religion and Philosophy, University of California, Santa Barbara (1996) Ph.D., South Asia Religion and Philosophy, University of California, Santa Barbara (2000) Research Interests: Indian and Nepalese Tantra Kashmir Śaivism Cognitive Neuroscience of Contemplative Practices Embodied Mysticism in Art and Dance Maṇḍala Theory and Political Theology Key Contributions: Pioneered studies on the Sarvāmnāya Tantra system Explored neuroscientific applications of Tantric meditation Edited volumes on South Asian religious practices and ecology Awards: Fulbright Dissertation Fellowship (1996-97) Professional Activities: Co-editor of Southeast Review of Asian Studies Interviews on Tantric philosophy and Yoga-Neuroscience connections

Dominic GoodallView profile

Professor

• Sanskrit Philology
• History of Śaivism
• Epigraphy
• +3 more

Dominic Goodall is a Director of Studies at the French School of Asian Studies (École française d'Extrême-Orient), specializing in Sanskrit Philology, History of Śaivism, and Epigraphy. Based at the Pondicherry Research Center in India, he has been a member of the EFEO since 2000 and previously served as Director of the Pondicherry Center from 2002 to 2011. His academic journey began with studies in Greek and Latin at Pembroke College, Oxford, followed by Sanskrit (BA with Pali, 1990), and medieval Tamil at the University of Hamburg (1990-1991). He completed his doctorate at Wolfson College, Oxford under Professor Alexis Sanderson on the theological school of Śaivasiddhānta in 10th-century Kashmir. Goodall's research focuses on the critical edition and translation of previously unpublished Śaiva scriptures and theological commentaries, particularly from South India. His scholarly work bridges Sanskrit philology with epigraphic studies of Southeast Asia, especially Cambodia. He has made significant contributions to understanding the transmission of Śaiva Siddhānta traditions across South and Southeast Asia through textual analysis of both manuscripts and inscriptions. His publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on early Śaiva Tantric literature, particularly the Niśvāsatattvasaṃhitā as the earliest surviving Śaiva Tantra. Goodall has pioneered the study of Cambodian inscriptions in Sanskrit, revealing important connections between Indian religious traditions and Khmer civilization. His work shows a methodological commitment to rigorous textual criticism combined with historical and religious analysis. Foreign Corresponding Member of the Academy of Inscriptions and Belles-Lettres (2016) Co-editor of Tāntrikābhidhānakośa (Viennese dictionary of Hindu tantric terminology) Contributor to Encyclopaedia of Manuscript Cultures in Asia and Africa Goodall has supervised numerous research projects on South Asian manuscript cultures and epigraphy. His leadership in the Pondicherry manuscript project has been instrumental in preserving and making accessible important Sanskrit textual traditions. He has organized multiple international workshops on early Tantric traditions and regularly collaborates with scholars across Europe and Asia. Based at the Pondicherry Research Center, Goodall continues to direct the EFEO's efforts in documenting and analyzing South Asian religious traditions, with particular emphasis on Śaiva Siddhānta traditions as reflected in both manuscript and inscriptional evidence from India and Southeast Asia.

Rakesh Peter-DassView profile

Associate Professor

• Religion and Society
• World Religions
• Business and Religion
• +7 more

Rakesh Peter-Dass serves as Associate Professor of Religion at Hope College, where he has been teaching since 2016. His academic journey spans multiple prestigious institutions including Harvard University, Yale University, and the University of Oxford, where he earned advanced degrees in theology, divinity, and business administration. His research focuses on the complex intersections of religion with business, language, law, and politics, particularly in the South Asian context. Dr. Peter-Dass examines how religious identities are shaped through linguistic choices, legal frameworks, and socio-political dynamics, with special attention to Hindu-Christian relations and religious rights. His work bridges theological scholarship with practical applications in interfaith dialogue and religious freedom advocacy. His publications reveal a consistent focus on South Asian religious contexts, particularly examining Hindi Christian literature, Hindu nationalism, and comparative theological approaches between Hindu and Christian traditions. The research demonstrates interdisciplinary connections between religious studies, political science, linguistics, and legal studies, with significant contributions to understanding religious rights in both Indian and American Supreme Court contexts. Among his notable honors are the Saïd Foundation Scholarship from Oxford University, multiple Harvard University fellowships, and the Selva J. Raj Endowed International Dissertation Research Fellowship from the American Academy of Religion. His teaching excellence has been recognized through Harvard University's Certificate of Distinction in Teaching. Dr. Peter-Dass has served in significant professional capacities including as Co-Chair of the Theology and Religious Reflection Unit at the American Academy of Religion (2018-2023) and on the Editorial Board of the Hindi Theological Literature Committee in India (2011-2015). His extensive consulting work with international development agencies, intergovernmental organizations, and religious bodies demonstrates his commitment to applying academic research to real-world religious and social challenges.

Hans HarderView profile

Professor

• Modern South Asian Literatures
• Bengali Literature
• Nineteenth Century Religious Movements
• +5 more

Hans Harder serves as Professor of Modern South Asian Languages and Literatures at Heidelberg University's South Asia Institute, where he has held his position since 2007. His academic career spans institutions including the universities of Hamburg, Heidelberg, and Martin Luther University in Halle-Wittenberg, where he completed both his PhD and postdoctoral work. Research Interests: Professor Harder's scholarly focus encompasses modern South Asian literatures (particularly Bengali), religious movements from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries , colonial and postcolonial intellectual history , and popular literature and film across South Asia. His work consistently examines the intersections of language, culture, and power in colonial and postcolonial contexts, with special attention to vernacular expressions of identity and resistance. His recent publications reveal a deepening engagement with language ideologies and vernacular conceptualizations in South Asia, particularly evident in his 2024 co-authored work The Vernacular: Three Essays on an Ambivalent Concept and Its Uses in South Asia . Earlier works demonstrate his longstanding interest in religious movements (particularly Sufism in Bangladesh), literary satires from colonial Calcutta, and cross-cultural perceptions between colonized and colonizing societies. His scholarship bridges literary analysis, religious studies, and cultural history through meticulous textual examination and theoretical sophistication. Professor Harder has established himself as a leading scholar through numerous monographs and edited volumes that have significantly shaped South Asian literary and intellectual studies. His collaborative work with scholars like Nishat Zaidi, Torsten Tschacher, Barbara Mittler, and Charu Gupta demonstrates his commitment to interdisciplinary and international scholarly exchange. Based at Heidelberg University's South Asia Institute, Professor Harder continues to advance research on South Asian cultural production while mentoring students and contributing to the global academic community through his extensive publications and editorial work.

James D. ReichView profile

Associate Professor

• Religious Studies
• Philosophy of Religion
• Indian Philosophy
• +13 more

James D. Reich is an Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Pace University, part of the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences. His academic work bridges religious studies, philosophy, and literature, with a focus on pre-modern South Asia, particularly medieval Kashmir. He has previously taught at NYU, Barnard College, The New School, and Harvard University. PhD, Harvard University, 2016 MTS, Harvard Divinity School, 2009 BA, Vassar College, 2005 Reich’s research centers on the intersections of aesthetics, theology, and literary theory in Sanskrit intellectual traditions. He has a particular interest in how poetry communicates emotion, the role of language and expertise, and the philosophical underpinnings of religious practice. His work also extends to contemporary religious life, especially within diasporic Hindu communities in New York. He is currently researching the history of gemstones and gemstone experts in South Asia, as well as the representation of song and singing in Sanskrit literature. His recent publications include articles in Indo-Iranian Journal , Journal of Indian Philosophy , and Journal of the American Oriental Society , as well as public essays in Boston Review and The Revealer . His 2021 book, To Savor the Meaning: The Theology of Literary Emotions in Medieval Kashmir (Oxford University Press), is a major scholarly contribution that examines the theological dimensions of literary aesthetics through the works of Anandavardhana, Abhinavagupta, and Mahimabhatta. The articles and essays reflect a consistent engagement with themes of emotion, transmission of knowledge, divine play, and the cultural significance of literary and religious forms across historical and contemporary settings. Reich is also an active translator of Sanskrit texts, including selections from Buddhabhaṭṭa’s gemological manual and Subandhu’s Vāsavadattā . His translations appear in journals such as Circumference and Caesura . He has co-authored ethnographic research on Guyanese Hindu communities in Queens, NY, exploring themes of double diaspora, identity, and intergenerational continuity. This work reflects his commitment to public scholarship and interdisciplinary inquiry. Reich teaches courses such as Indian Philosophy, Eastern Religious Thought, Buddhism, and senior seminars in philosophy and religious studies. He has supervised independent studies on topics like Buddhist art on the Silk Road and offers private Sanskrit instruction in New York City.

• South Asian civilizations
• Continuity and change in cultural traditions
• Coexistence of religions and cultures
• +8 more

Dr. hab. Cezary Galewicz is a Professor at the Jagiellonian University's Department of Comparative Civilization Studies, specializing in South Asian civilizations. His work bridges historical, anthropological, and literary methodologies, focusing on ritual practices, manuscript cultures, and intercultural coexistence. Contact: cezary.galewicz@uj.edu.pl . Research Interests Contemporary traditional knowledge systems in India and South Asia Ritual and performance in religious traditions Cultural history of books, print, and new media Colonial/postcolonial studies and diffusion of ideas Projects "Lands of memory, kingdoms of writing, empires of print" (2012/05/B/HS2/04103) "Living Libraries" (2003/25) on Rigveda transmission "Books and scholarly communities" (2008/34) on Yamala-astaka-tantra "Les Mondes Lettrés" at EHESS, Paris Achievements Visiting Professor at EHESS, Paris

• Sanskrit Literature
• Indian Aesthetics
• South Asian Cultures
• +6 more

Deven M. Patel serves as Associate Professor in the Department of South Asia Studies and Director of Undergraduate Studies for Comparative Literature at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Arts & Sciences. His academic work bridges Sanskrit literary traditions, Indian philosophical systems, and contemporary translation theory within South Asian cultural contexts. Patel's educational foundation includes: Ph.D. from the University of California at Berkeley B.A. from Columbia University His research explores classical Indian literature and aesthetics with emphasis on Sanskrit poetry, regional South Asian cultures, and the intersections of myth, philosophy, and critical theory. Patel investigates how literary traditions evolve through commentary practices, multilingual interactions, and cross-cultural translation, particularly examining the transmission of Sanskrit texts across linguistic boundaries and historical periods. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a trajectory from foundational work on classical Sanskrit poetics toward innovative explorations of translingualism and cross-cultural translation. Recent scholarship increasingly engages with contemporary art translation (notably Warhol), Buddhist philosophical concepts, and the metalinguistic dimensions of commentary traditions, demonstrating sustained evolution from textual scholarship to broader theoretical frameworks in comparative literature. As Director of Undergraduate Studies for Comparative Literature, Patel shapes academic programming while teaching diverse courses spanning Sanskrit epics, Indian philosophy, medieval poetics, and South Asian literary traditions. His instructional portfolio reflects deep integration of language pedagogy with theoretical literary analysis across multiple South Asian linguistic traditions.

Barbara A. HoldregeView profile

Professor

• Comparative Religion
• South Asian Traditions
• Jewish Traditions
• +4 more

Barbara A. Holdrege is a Professor and Chair of the South Asian Studies Committee at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), where she serves in the Department of Religious Studies. Her work focuses on comparative religious studies, particularly South Asian and Jewish traditions, with an emphasis on embodiment, sacred space, and textual analysis. She holds a Ph.D. from Harvard University. Her research interrogates analytical categories like the body, scripture, and ritual, advocating for a critical approach to dismantle Eurocentric paradigms. Key projects include Veda and Torah (1996) and Hindus, Jews, and the Politics of Comparison (2024), which explore cross-cultural comparisons. She has directed the Center for the Analysis of Sacred Space (CASS), integrating GIS technology into religious studies to map sacred sites like Vraja-Maṇḍala. Holdrege’s publications span embodiment in Hindu traditions, such as Bhakti and Embodiment (2015), and sacred space studies like her geospatial volume on Vraja. Her articles address topics like Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava theology, foodways in religious traditions, and postcolonial theory. She teaches courses on South Asian religions, comparative methods, and Sanskrit religious literature.

David CheethamView profile

Professor

• Philosophical Theology
• Interreligious Relations
• Comparative Theology
• +4 more

Professor David Cheetham serves in the Department of Theology and Religion at the University of Birmingham , holding the academic rank of Professor of Philosophical Theology since 2020. He previously served as Head of the School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion (2016-2020) and Head of Department of Theology and Religion (2012-2015). Current research focuses on theology of religions , interreligious hermeneutics , and theology and the arts . His work explores Christianity and Asian religions , theology of creation , and public theology . Recent publications examine interreligious aesthetics , postsecular theology , and theological pluralism . He has co-edited volumes on intercultural theology and scriptural reasoning . No scientific awards are listed in the provided text. As an ordained Church of England minister and professional musician, he integrates spiritual practice and musical engagement into theological discourse.

Manasicha AkepiyapornchaiView profile

Assistant Professor

• South Asian Religion
• South Asian Philosophy
• Intellectual History
• +7 more

Dr. Manasicha Akepiyapornchai serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Asian Studies at the University of Texas at Austin's College of Liberal Arts, specializing in South Asian religious traditions and intellectual history. She holds a PhD from Cornell University where her dissertation explored religious multilingualism in medieval South India. Her educational journey spans multiple continents, beginning with Pali studies at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand before advancing to Sanskrit and intellectual history training at Cornell University. This transnational academic background informs her unique perspective on South Asian religious traditions. Dr. Akepiyapornchai's research focuses on the medieval and early modern South Asian intellectual landscape, particularly examining how the Śrīvaiṣṇava religious community navigated between Sanskrit, Tamil, and Manipravalam in developing theological frameworks. Her groundbreaking book 'Surrender to God across Languages: Multilingual Intellectual History of Premodern India' challenges conventional scholarly dichotomies between Sanskrit and vernacular languages, demonstrating how linguistic choices shaped theological development regarding self-surrender doctrine. Her work reveals how Śrīvaiṣṇava authors made strategic linguistic decisions responsive to their social circumstances, thereby transforming religious discourse across linguistic boundaries. Analysis of her scholarly output shows a consistent pattern of examining how religious intellectuals used multilingual resources to develop sophisticated theological systems. Her publications trace the historical development of self-surrender doctrine across linguistic contexts, explore gender implications in Śrīvaiṣṇava theology, and investigate the transmission of religious texts between South and Southeast Asia. Dr. Akepiyapornchai actively contributes to academic discourse through presentations at major conferences including the Association for Asian Studies Annual Meeting and the World Sanskrit Conference. She serves on editorial teams for significant scholarly projects including 'Beyond the Āḻvārs and Ācāryas: Rethinking Śrīvaiṣṇava Studies' and 'The Afterlife of Tamil with Sanskrit: Śrīvaiṣṇava Manipravalam in Modernity.' Her teaching portfolio encompasses courses on South Asian religious traditions (cross-listed in Religious Studies, History, Anthropology, and Asian Studies), Sanskrit literature (Kavya, Vedanta, Buddhist and Jain Sanskrit), and translation studies. She maintains active research collaborations with scholars across institutions and is currently working on translating the Akattiyar Tēvāram from Tamil into Thai to expand Tamil studies to Thai audiences.

Daniel M. StuartView profile

Associate Professor

• Buddhist Studies
• South Asian Religions
• Sanskrit and Pāli Texts
• +4 more

Daniel M. Stuart is an Associate Professor at the University of South Carolina in the Department of Religious Studies . He specializes in South Asian Buddhist traditions, meditation practices, and textual cultures. Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley Research areas: Buddhist meditation, Sanskrit/Pāli texts, Yogācāra philosophy, mindfulness historiography His research explores the interplay between Buddhist practice, textual production, and cosmological theories. He focuses on the Saddharmasmṛtyupasthānasūtra , a transitional text linking early meditation with later Mahāyāna developments. His work also examines the global institutional history of S. N. Goenka’s Vipassanā movement, analyzing tensions between traditional Buddhist frameworks and postcolonial secular reinterpretations. Recent publications highlight Buddhist multispecies epistemologies, karmic interdependence of humans and animals, and the evolution of meditative power concepts. Articles analyze canonical debates on mindfulness of breathing, ethical cultivation in monastic law, and the role of materiality in meditative cognition. Stuart’s methodology combines textual analysis with ethnographic insights, emphasizing historical contexts of meditation lineages. He contributes to critical editions of Buddhist manuscripts and interdisciplinary dialogues between religious studies and cognitive science.

Guy St. AmantView profile

Lecturer

• Religious Studies
• Intellectual History
• South Asian Studies
• +4 more

Guy St. Amant is a Lecturer in the Council of the Humanities and Religion at Princeton University and a Link-Cotsen Postdoctoral Fellow in the Society of Fellows. His research focuses on the religion and intellectual history of premodern South Asia, particularly the proliferation of scriptural texts among Hindus and Buddhists in the first millennium CE and philosophical debates around scriptural authority. Education: Ph.D., Columbia University (funded by Robert H. N. Ho Foundation and Khyentse Foundation) M.A., East Asian Languages and Civilizations, University of Pennsylvania B.A., Chinese Studies, University of Cambridge His research interests include the translation of Buddhist scriptures into Tibetan and Chinese, the role of language in marking texts as sacred, and the impact of writing on scriptural transmission. He is currently working on a book titled Age of Scripture and plans to teach a course on premodern South Asian religion in fall 2022. St. Amant’s work is affiliated with the Society of Fellows and Joseph Henry House at Princeton University.

• Contemporary Continental Philosophy
• Indian Philosophy
• History of Western Philosophy
• +9 more

R. Raj Singh is a Professor of Philosophy at Brock University, specializing in Contemporary Continental Philosophy, Indian philosophies (Vedanta, Buddhism, Gandhi), and the works of Heidegger and Schopenhauer. He holds academic credentials from Panjab University (B.A., M.A.), Brock University (M.A.), and the University of Ottawa (Ph.D.). His research focuses on trans-cultural philosophical dialogues, particularly between Eastern and Western thought. Key areas include the philosophical implications of Bhakti, the concept of death in Schopenhauer and Indian traditions, and Heidegger’s ontology of technology and dwelling. Dr. Singh has authored multiple books and scholarly articles, including Schopenhauer: A Guide for the Perplexed (2010) and Heidegger, World and Death (2013). His work bridges ancient Greek philosophy, phenomenology, and Eastern spiritual traditions, emphasizing ethical and aesthetic dimensions across cultures. He has been affiliated with Brock University since completing his doctoral studies, contributing extensively to the Philosophy department’s academic and curricular development.