Laura Ammon

Laura Ammon is a Professor of Religious Studies and Director of the Watauga Residential College at Appalachian State University's Department of Philosophy and Religion. Her research focuses on colonial religious dynamics, particularly the interplay between Aztec and Catholic beliefs in 16th-century Mexico, and the legacy of colonialism on modern understandings of race and religion. She co-authored Religion in Sixteenth-Century Mexico, analyzing religious syncretism in New Spain. Her work also bridges religion with contemporary issues like artificial intelligence ethics and science fiction's portrayal of spirituality.

Her academic journey includes a PhD from Claremont Graduate University (2006), an MA from the University of Chicago (undated), and a BA from Webster University (undated). Her teaching philosophy emphasizes public-facing pedagogy, as seen in collaborative publications on innovative classroom strategies. She explores how technology and media shape religious expression, such as analyzing Star Trek's implicit theology and AI's ethical implications in domestic spaces.

Her publications span colonial religious history, digital humanities, and interdisciplinary approaches to religion. Notable works include essays on Bartolomé de las Casas' rhetoric and horror literature's sacred dimensions. She actively contributes to academic discourse through book reviews and media engagements, such as podcast discussions on climate change and religion.

Laura's research and teaching reflect a commitment to understanding religion's fluidity across time and culture, blending historical rigor with modern societal questions. Her leadership in the Watauga Residential College underscores her dedication to fostering interdisciplinary academic communities.