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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.

• Vedic Studies
• Early Indian Buddhism
• Sanskrit Linguistics
• +3 more

Diana Lobel is an Associate Professor of Religion and Judaic Studies at Boston University, serving as Associate Director of Graduate Studies in classical and medieval Jewish studies. She specializes in comparative religious thought, focusing on medieval Jewish and Islamic traditions, particularly the interplay between philosophy and mysticism in figures like Judah Halevi and Maimonides. Her work bridges Eastern and Western philosophical traditions, exploring themes of religious experience, divine attributes, and ethical flourishing across cultures. Education: Ph.D., Harvard University (1995) M.T.S., Harvard Divinity School (1982) B.A., Oberlin College (1979) Her research integrates comparative philosophy with textual analysis, emphasizing how religious traditions renew themselves through interpretation. Courses taught include Scriptures in World Religions , Mysticism and Philosophy: Jewish and Islamic Perspectives , and Core Texts of World Religions . Research Interests: Lobel’s scholarship examines medieval Judeo-Arabic texts, Sufi influences on Jewish thought, and the philosophical underpinnings of religious experience. Key themes include divine names (e.g., Ehyeh asher Ehyeh), the symbiotic relationship between Islamic and Jewish philosophies, and the synthesis of Aristotelian and Neoplatonic ideas in medieval thought. Grants & Fellowships: Anna Smith Fine Chair in Judaic Studies, Rice University (1997–99) Harry Starr Fellow in Judaica, Harvard University (1999–2000) Meyerhoff Center for Jewish Studies Fellow, University of Maryland (1996–97) Labs/Teams: Lobel collaborates with interdisciplinary scholars in religious studies, comparative philosophy, and medieval textual analysis, contributing to global dialogues on faith, ethics, and intellectual history.

• Comparative Philosophy
• Religious Studies
• Medieval Jewish Thought
• +3 more

Signe Cohen is Associate Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Missouri, specializing in Hinduism, Sanskrit texts, and comparative mythology. She holds a PhD in Sanskrit from the University of Pennsylvania (1999), an MA from the University of Oslo (1994), and a BA from Oslo (1992). Research Areas: Cohen's work focuses on classical Upanishads, exploring concepts like karma and moksha. Secondary interests include ancient Indian automata narratives and mythological parallels across Indo-European traditions. Publications: Author of Textual Criticism and Sacred Texts (2023) and editor of The Upanisads: A Complete Guide (Routledge 2018). Recent articles examine mythological robotics in Sanskrit sources and religious themes in Tamil cinema. Teaching: Offers courses on Norse mythology, Hinduism, Buddhism, and religion in popular culture like 'Harry Potter and Magic.'

• Hinduism
• Upanishads
• Sanskrit Literature
• +5 more

Arun J. Brahmbhatt serves as Assistant Professor of Religion in the College of Arts and Sciences at Syracuse University. His scholarly work investigates language, place, and modernity within Hindu communities in South Asia and the diaspora, with a focus on the enduring role of Sanskrit through colonial and contemporary periods. His primary research interests encompass: Hinduism and South Asian Religions Sanskrit knowledge systems Religious narrative and poetry Commentarial traditions Postcolonial historiography Visual culture Recent publications demonstrate consistent engagement with Hindu mythological texts and their modern interpretations, particularly through conference presentations analyzing narrative structures in foundational scriptures like the Katha Upanishad. His work bridges textual scholarship with contemporary religious practice. Dr. Brahmbhatt actively mentors students through courses including Hinduism, India's Religious Worlds, and specialized topics on epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana. He serves on the American Academy of Religion's South Asian Religions Programming Unit committee, contributing to academic discourse in his field.

• Hinduism
• South Asian Religions
• Sanskrit knowledge systems
• +4 more

Steven E. Lindquist is an Associate Professor and Director of Asian Studies at Southern Methodist University. He specializes in South Asian religious traditions, with research focusing on Sanskrit literature, ascetic movements, and Indian narrative traditions. His courses include Hinduism, Myth and Epics from Ancient India, and Introduction to Asian Religions. Lindquist's publications explore narrative traditions, social structures in ancient texts, and pedagogical approaches to religious studies. His work frequently analyzes Sanskrit sources to illuminate philosophical and cultural dimensions of South Asian religions. Awards and Distinctions: Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Grant American Institute of Indian Studies Junior Fellowship Multiple research grants from Universal Council

• South Asian Religions
• Sanskrit Literature
• Ascetic Movements
• +2 more

Brian Collins is a Professor and holds the Drs. Ram and Sushila Gawande Chair in Indian Religion and Philosophy at Ohio University’s College of Arts and Sciences, within the Department of Classics and Religious Studies. He has been a faculty member since 2013 and is deeply engaged in the interdisciplinary study of South Asian religions, mythology, and the intellectual history of religious studies. His research interests include Hinduism, Buddhism, comparative mythology, religion and the occult, and the cultural intersections of religion with film and popular media. He explores mythic narratives, ritual symbolism, and the philosophical underpinnings of Indian religions, often employing critical theoretical frameworks such as Girardian mimetic theory. His work bridges academic scholarship with public engagement through podcasts and edited volumes on cinematic horror and religious portrayals in literature. His recent publications reveal a strong trend in reinterpreting Hindu epics, analyzing Brahmin warrior figures, and examining the material culture of religious fear in Bollywood horror. He also investigates lesser-known intellectual figures like Robert Eisler, highlighting forgotten interdisciplinary contributions to religious thought. Drs. Ram and Sushila Gawande Chair in Indian Religion and Philosophy Brian Collins advises students in religious studies and South Asian traditions, though specific advisees are not listed. He has secured research support through endowed chairs and has contributed to major academic presses. His work often involves collaborative editing and interdisciplinary grants, particularly in cultural and religious studies projects. He is affiliated with academic teams focused on Asian Studies and International Studies at Ohio University, contributing to program development and cross-cultural scholarship. His podcasting efforts also suggest involvement in digital humanities and public-facing academic initiatives.

• Hinduism
• Buddhism
• Comparative Mythology
• +7 more

Krishnamurthy Kesavan is a Part-Time Lecturer at the University of Pittsburgh, specializing in teaching Sanskrit and Tamil languages. He has been affiliated with the university since 2001, offering foundational courses (Sanskrit 1 & 2) and advanced electives under the Less Commonly Taught Languages (LCTL) program. Beyond academia, he conducts free weekend sessions on advanced Sanskrit topics, including Hindu religious texts like the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and classical literature. Education: Ph.D., Nuclear Science & Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 1978 M.S., Nuclear Science & Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 1967 B.Sc. (Engg), Banaras Hindu University, 1963 His teaching emphasizes both linguistic mastery and cultural exploration, bridging ancient texts with modern pedagogical practices. Despite no listed publications, his contributions to language preservation and religious scholarship through community outreach are notable.

• Sanskrit Language Studies
• Tamil Language Studies
• Hindu Philosophy
• +3 more

LS Summer serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Wisdom Traditions Department at Naropa University, teaching Sanskrit, Mudra Space Awareness, and Fundamentals of Buddhism. Her academic career at Naropa spans two periods: 2000-2019 and 2024-present. She also teaches at Ayurved Sadhana Vidalaya in Superior, CO, and previously held positions at Colorado College (2005-2008) and the University of Denver's World Center for Languages and Cultures (fall 2015). Her educational qualifications include: MA in Buddhist Studies with Sanskrit Concentration, Naropa University (1995) Ms. Summer's research centers on Buddhist textual traditions, with specialized focus on prajñāpāramita literature, Upanishads, Yoga Sutras, and epic narratives. Her scholarly work explores pre-Buddhist Indian contexts, the interrelationship between Buddhism and Sanskrit language, rigorous textual analysis methodologies, and translation theory. This expertise informs her teaching in Sanskrit language and Buddhist philosophy across Naropa's BA and MA Yoga Studies programs. Her academic development includes advanced Sanskrit training with Vyaas Houston (American Sanskrit Institute) and Dr. Ram Karan Sharma, directly shaping her pedagogical approach to classical Indian texts.

• Buddhist Studies
• Sanskrit
• Yoga Studies
• +3 more

Dr. Swamini Svatmavidyananda Saraswati serves as Visiting Faculty at the Center for Dharma Studies, Graduate Theological Union (GTU) since 2015, with prior teaching experience at UC Berkeley and other national institutions. She concurrently holds leadership roles as Acharya of Arsha Vijnana Gurukulam and founding member of the Global Women's Peace Initiative. Education: PhD, University of California, Santa Cruz Research Focus: As a globally recognized Advaita Vedanta scholar, her work bridges ancient Upanishadic philosophy with contemporary crises including climate change and religious conflict. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates Sanskrit textual analysis with practical applications for interfaith engagement and global peacebuilding, emphasizing the relevance of Hindu theological frameworks to modern societal challenges. Organizational Leadership: Acharya of Arsha Vijnana Gurukulam (founded 2004), directing centers across Atlanta, Eugene, Washington DC, Detroit, Milwaukee, and Fort Myers Founding contributor to the Global Women's Peace Initiative addressing international humanitarian challenges

• Advaita Vedanta
• Upanishads
• Interreligious Dialogue
• +3 more

Thomas B. Ellis serves as Professor of Religious Studies in the Department of Philosophy and Religion at Appalachian State University, part of the College of Arts and Sciences. His interdisciplinary scholarship uniquely bridges religious studies with biological sciences, focusing on South Asian traditions and their cognitive-cultural dimensions. His academic credentials include: Ph.D. in Religious Studies from the University of Pennsylvania M.A. in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies – Indology from the University of Pennsylvania B.A. in Religious Studies from the University of South Carolina Ellis's research program centers on South Asian religious and philosophical traditions (classical and contemporary), the psychology and biology of religion, infectious disease-culture interactions, secular humanism, and methodological theories. His groundbreaking 2022 monograph Religion, Disease, and Immunology establishes him as a leader in examining immunological aspects of religious practices and pandemic responses, while his cognitive science work explores ritual behavior and religious cognition through biological frameworks. Recent publications (2025-2016) reveal intensifying focus on cross-cultural religious comparisons and disease-religion dynamics. His 2025-2024 Athens Journal of Philosophy articles compare Western and South Asian religious frameworks, while 2022 book chapters in Hinduism in 5 Minutes make complex concepts accessible. This body of work consistently bridges humanities and sciences, addressing topics from Tantra's biological dimensions to behavioral ecology of ritual. No scientific awards are listed on the department webpage. As a professor, Ellis advises undergraduate students in religious studies with research opportunities in his specialty areas. His sustained publication record—including books, journal articles, and reviews—demonstrates active research engagement, though specific grant details aren't provided. The department's Religion in Life program offers additional platforms for public scholarship through its weekly show exploring contemporary faith practices.

• South Asian religious and philosophical traditions
• psychology and biology of religion
• infectious disease and culture
• +2 more