Leigh E. Schmidt

Leigh E. Schmidt is the Edward C. Mallinckrodt Distinguished University Professor of Humanities at Washington University in St. Louis, affiliated with the John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics. He previously held positions at Harvard University, Princeton University, and Drew University. His research explores American religious history, secularism, atheism, and cultural practices like holidays.

**Education**: B.A. in History and Religious Studies from UC Riverside (1983); Ph.D. in Religion from Princeton (1987).

**Research Interests**: Schmidt examines the intersections of religion, consumer culture, and secularism, with a focus on American unbelief, spirituality, and historical figures like Ida C. Craddock. His work bridges religious studies, cultural history, and social thought.

**Awards & Fellowships**: NEH Fellowships, Guggenheim Fellowship, Brewer Prize, and Distinguished Lecturer for the Organization of American Historians.

**Media Engagement**: Regular contributor to NPR, *The New York Times*, and *The Atlantic*, discussing religion, secularism, and cultural history. Teaches courses on American spirituality and unbelief.