Ryan Richard Overbey

Dr. Ryan Richard Overbey is the Robert H.N. Ho Family Foundation Associate Professor in Buddhist Studies and Chair of the Religious Studies Department at Skidmore College. Holding a Ph.D. in the Study of Religion from Harvard University (2010) and an A.B. in Classics & Sanskrit from Brown University (2001), Dr. Overbey specializes in the intersection of Buddhist ritual theory and practice through critical analysis of esoteric traditions.

• Ph.D., Harvard University (2010)
• A.B., Brown University (2001)

His research focuses on Buddhist Studies with particular emphasis on Chinese and Indian religions, Tantra, and digital humanities. Recent work involves the interpretation of dhāraṇī scriptures, Pure Land rituals, and Buddhist stone inscriptions across Central and East Asia.

Dr. Overbey has received prestigious awards including the ACLS Ho Foundation Grant (2021–2022), Shinjō Itō Fellowship (2013–2015), and multiple Harvard University teaching accolades. His publications span editions of Buddhist scriptures and theoretical analyses of ritual practices.

• Books: The Vaults of Buddhas (under review), co-edited volumes with Brill and Oxford University Press
• Courses Taught: Introduction to Asian Studies, Buddhism and the Body, Religious Studies core curriculum