Aziza Shanazarova is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Religion at Columbia University, specializing in the religious history of Islamic Central Asia and the broader Persianate world, with a focus on the sixteenth to twentieth centuries. She holds a dual Ph.D. in Religious Studies and Central Eurasian Studies from Indiana University-Bloomington (2019). Previously, she served as a UCIS/REEES Postdoctoral Associate in the Humanities at the University of Pittsburgh. Her research examines Sufi traditions, gendered religious practices, and the intersection of Islamic scholarship with Central Asian cultural identities. Notable works include studies on female religiosity, Sufi manuscripts, and the evolution of shrine traditions. She received the Honorable Mention for the BRAIS-De Gruyter Prize, recognizing her contributions to the field of Islamic studies. Her forthcoming book, Female Religiosity in Central Asia , is set to be published by Cambridge University Press.
Anne Rawls is a Professor of Sociology and Chair of the Department of Sociology at Bentley University. She also holds roles as Professor for Interaction, Work, and Information at the University of Siegen (Germany), Senior Fellow at Yale University's Urban Ethnography Project, and Director of the Garfinkel Archive, LLC. Her academic career began with a B.A. in Sociology (Summa Cum Laude), M.A. in Philosophy, and Ph.D. in Sociology from Boston University, followed by a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research focuses on ethnomethodology, race relations, workplace studies, and the sociology of information. Notable works include Epistemology and Practice: Durkheim's Elementary Forms of the Religious Life (Cambridge University Press) and editorship of Garfinkel’s Archive . She explores how interactional practices shape social order, race dynamics, and modern democratic systems, emphasizing the role of 'constitutive practices' in creating moral and social facts. Teaching interests span race, gender, globalization, and the ethics of situated practices. Her consulting work addresses workplace studies and computer-mediated work design. Rawls' contributions bridge classical sociological theory (Durkheim, Garfinkel) with contemporary issues like racial justice and technology's societal impact. Her research highlights tacit racism in everyday interactions, the moral foundations of public life, and the interplay between sociology and technology. She has presented globally and contributed to debates on sociological methodology and the legacy of key theorists like Goffman and Garfinkel.
Amy B. Borovoy is a Professor of East Asian Studies at Princeton University, specializing in cultural and medical anthropology with a focus on modern Japanese society and welfare systems. Her research explores health care, mental health, and social welfare dynamics in Japan, including studies on alcoholism, hikikomori (social withdrawal among youth), eating disorders, and bioethics. She has held affiliations with the Institute for Advanced Study, Hitotsubashi University, and Sophia University. Borovoy has authored influential works like The Too-Good Wife: Alcohol, Codependence, and the Politics of Nurturance in Postwar Japan (2005) and is currently researching aging, neurological death ethics, and kidney transplantation practices in Japan. Her recent work analyzes postwar U.S. social scientists' engagement with Japanese societal models, critiquing American liberalism through Japan’s collectivist frameworks. Borovoy serves on the Bioethics Committee at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital and teaches courses like “Mind, Body, and Bioethics in Japan.” Awards: Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission Fellowship (2017-18), SSRC/CGP Abe Fellowship (2002-03), and multiple research grants. Key Research: Covid-19 containment policies in Japan, organ donation ethics, and critiques of neoliberalism. Lab/Teams: Affiliated with Princeton’s Global Japan Lab, Center for Health and Well-Being, and Global Health Program.
Ana Maria Vinea is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Near Eastern Studies and a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Michigan Society of Fellows. She holds affiliations with the Center for Middle Eastern & North African Studies (CMENAS), the Global Islamic Studies Center (GISC), and the Global and International Studies Center (GISC). Her research focuses on the intersections of medical anthropology, Islamic studies, and the entanglements of science and religion in healing practices. Education: PhD, City University of New York MA, American University in Cairo BA, University of Arts, Bucharest, Romania Her current book project explores the contemporary Egyptian landscape of healing, examining the revivalist Salafi-oriented practice of Qur’anic healing for jinn possession and sorcery, alongside debates with psychiatrists. Research interests include healing modalities, mental health, and the socio-religious dynamics of medical practices in Egypt and the broader Middle East. Affiliations: CENTER FOR MIDDLE EASTERN & NORTH AFRICAN STUDIES (CMENAS) FACULTY GISC FACULTY GLOBAL ISLAMIC STUDIES CENTER
Roger W. Nutt, S.T.L., S.T.D. , serves as the Provost and Professor of Theology at Ave Maria University in Florida. He co-directs the Aquinas Center for Theological Renewal and is Editor-in-Chief of Sapientia Press . A member of the Academy of Catholic Theology , his work centers on Thomas Aquinas' Christology and sacramental theology. B.E.S. in Elective Studies, St. Cloud State University M.A. in Theology and Christian Ministry, Franciscan University of Steubenville S.T.B., S.T.L., S.T.D. in Sacred Theology, Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) Roger Nutt's research explores Christological debates (e.g., Aquinas' single esse doctrine in De Unione Verbi Incarnati), contemporary sacramental theology (especially the Anointing of the Sick), and theological implications of Vatican II . His scholarship examines the metaphysical foundations of faith , the role of analogy in theology , and the ontological basis of priestly mediation . The 2015 book Thomas Aquinas and the Greek Fathers and the 2022 Thomas Aquinas and the Eucharist reflect his editorial leadership at Sapientia Press. Recent publications analyze predestination , the hypostatic union , and liturgical renewal . His 2023 To Die is Gain recontextualizes the Anointing of the Sick within modern cultural frameworks, while his 2021 edited volume Thomas Aquinas and the Crisis of Christology addresses ongoing theological disputes. Nutt's work frequently appears in journals like Gregorianum , The Thomist , and Harvard Theological Review .
Benjamin T Lynerd is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at Christopher Newport University. His academic work spans political theory, American politics, and religion's role in democratic societies. Education: Ph.D. and MA in Political Science from the University of Chicago; BA in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland, College Park. Professor Lynerd's research focuses on the history of political thought, American political thought, religion and politics, and democratic theory. His recent publications address Black political thought, emancipation themes, and analyses of Trump-era leadership dynamics. His scholarly contributions include articles in American Political Thought , Journal of Black Studies , and Leadership , with recurring themes of civic engagement, land rights, and comparative historical analysis across ancient and modern contexts. Publications demonstrate interdisciplinary engagement with theology, labor history, and existential philosophy, particularly in works examining Tocqueville's America and Henry Ward Beecher's theological progress narratives.
Simon Critchley is the Hans Jonas Professor of Philosophy at The New School for Social Research and Director of the Onassis Foundation. He specializes in continental philosophy, philosophy and literature, psychoanalysis, ethics, and political theory. His work bridges academic and public discourse, evident in his co-editing of The Stone column in The New York Times. Education: PhD in Philosophy, University of Essex (1988). Research Interests: Critchley’s interdisciplinary focus spans existentialism, cultural critique, and the intersections of philosophy with art, literature, and popular culture. He explores themes such as Greek tragedy, suicide, and the philosophy of sport, blending academic rigor with accessible writing. Teaching & Engagement: Recent courses include seminars on Heidegger’s Being and Time and Hamlet and Philosophy . He actively engages in public intellectual work through writing, lectures, and editorial projects.
Robert Peaslee is an Associate Professor in the Journalism & Creative Media Industries program of the College of Media & Communication at Texas Tech University , where he also serves as Associate Dean of the Honors College . His scholarship bridges media anthropology, fan studies, and adaptation theory, with particular attention to the cultural politics of superheroes, screen tourism, and global media flows. Education Ph.D., University of Colorado, Boulder, 2007 Research Interests Peaslee’s work interrogates how media texts and industries shape social power relations. Employing ethnographic and textual methods, he has examined: fan cultures and participatory audiences the spatial politics of screen tourism destinations such as Hobbiton and Game of Thrones filming sites the global circulation of superhero narratives and their moral economies representations of place, memory, and identity in film and television Across these strands he explores how media producers and consumers co-create meaning, often through transnational and digital contexts. Publication Trajectory His recent publications display a consistent focus on adaptation and transmedia storytelling, especially where comic-book superheroes and cult texts intersect with tourism and fan labor. The 2020 co-edited volume The Supervillain Reader and the 2016 collection Marvel Comics into Film exemplify his leadership in consolidating critical discourse around comic-to-screen adaptation. Parallel articles on screen tourism investigate how locations such as New Zealand’s Hobbiton or Northern Ireland’s Game of Thrones sites become contested spaces of authenticity and commodification. Awards & Honors Member, TTU Teaching Academy TTU President’s Excellence in Teaching Award Professing Excellence Award, Research Chair, Visual Communication Division, AEJMC (2011) 2nd Place, Top Faculty Papers Competition, AEJMC Visual Communications Division (2010) 2009–2010 Professing Excellence Award, Texas Tech University 2010 Nominee – Outstanding Faculty, Student Disability Services, Texas Tech University Teaching, Service & Leadership Peaslee teaches undergraduate and graduate courses that integrate critical theory with creative practice, including Visual Communication, Writing for Series Television, and Qualitative Research Methods. He has coordinated the TTU International Film Series and formerly served as Programming Chair for the Flatland Film Festival in Lubbock. His record of service includes editorial board membership for the American Communication Journal and leadership roles within AEJMC’s Visual Communication Division. Labs & Creative Spaces While no formal lab is listed, his ongoing longitudinal ethnographic projects on screen-tourism sites and his editorial collaborations function as de facto research collectives involving graduate students and international scholars.
Dr. Anastasia A Vishnevskaya serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Relations & Strategic Communication Management at Texas Tech University's College of Media & Communication, where her research examines media narratives' impact on public perceptions of marginalized communities through global and international public relations, social media, political communication, and intercultural frameworks. Her academic credentials include: Ph.D. from Washington State University M.S. from Washington State University M.A. from University of Wyoming Dr. Vishnevskaya's interdisciplinary research investigates how media primes shape attitudes toward Muslim women, influence vaccine intentions during pandemics, and affect opinions about international events like the Beijing Olympics. She employs mixed-method approaches to analyze conspiracy theory dissemination, refugee crisis framing, and the interplay between statistical versus narrative health messaging, consistently addressing media representation of vulnerable populations. Her 2021-2023 publications reveal concentrated expertise in health communication (vaccine hesitancy, pandemic responses), international event coverage (Olympics, Rohingya crisis), and digital misinformation (QAnon, 5G conspiracies), appearing in premier outlets including New Media & Society and International Communication Gazette while co-authoring a book on Muslim women stereotypes. Key recognitions encompass: 2023 Harriett B. Rigas Award for Outstanding Doctoral Student (Washington State University) 2022 Award of Excellence for Graduate Student Instruction (Washington State University) 2017 Outstanding Student Service Award (University of Wyoming) While Dr. Vishnevskaya teaches International & Multicultural Public Relations and Public Relations Strategies, available documentation contains no specifics regarding graduate student advising or externally funded research grants.
Kristen Diliberto-Macaluso is a Professor of Psychology and Director of Undergraduate Research at Berry College, located in the Department of Psychological Science. She holds a Ph.D. from the University at Albany, SUNY (1996-1999), and has served in roles including Department Chair (2007-2013), Coordinator of the George Scholar Program, and has been a faculty member since 1999. Her research focuses on cognitive processes such as false memory, perceptual pop-out effects, and the interplay between emotion and memory. She also investigates practical applications like using mobile apps to enhance student learning and the psychological impacts of art. Recently, her work includes studies on academic burnout among students and autobiographical memory in Latino immigrants. Dr. Diliberto-Macaluso is deeply engaged in mentoring undergraduate researchers. Her articles span topics from religious schema activation to educational technology, emphasizing applied cognitive science. She actively participates in professional organizations like the Society for the Teaching of Psychology and the Psychonomic Society. Her teaching interests include cognitive psychology, research methods, and eyewitness memory. She has consistently integrated innovative pedagogical strategies into her courses, such as app-based learning tools, as highlighted in her Teaching of Psychology publication.
William Meyer is a Professor of Philosophy and the Ralph W. Beeson Professor of Religion at Maryville College, affiliated with the Division of Humanities. He has taught there for over two decades, specializing in metaphysics, philosophy of religion, philosophy and science, political/moral philosophy, and theology. His work bridges academic disciplines, exploring topics like Darwinian thought, theological ethics, and the role of religion in public life. Education : B.A., Northwestern University B.D., University of Edinburgh M.A. and Ph.D., University of Chicago Research & Teaching : Meyer’s courses include 'Life’s Ultimate Questions,' 'Philosophy, Science, and the Human Self,' and 'Darwin and Philosophy.' His research emphasizes philosophical engagement with science, ethics, and the intersection of theology with public discourse. He has authored two influential books: Darwin in a New Key (2016) and Metaphysics and the Future of Theology (2010). Grants & Advising : While no specific grants or advisees are listed, his long tenure at Maryville reflects a commitment to mentoring students in philosophy and religion. He has published numerous articles and reviews in his fields of study.
Dr. Stephen C. Berkwitz is a Professor and Department Head of Religious Studies at Missouri State University , affiliated with the Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities. A leading scholar in South Asian religions, he has published extensively on Buddhism , Theravāda traditions , and religion-colonialism intersections since 1999. Education : PhD (1999), MA (1994) in Religious Studies from UC Santa Barbara; BA (1991) in Religion from University of Vermont. His research focuses on Sinhala and Pali literature , Buddhist kingship , and post-colonial religious identity . Recent publications analyze Buddhist relic veneration, colonial-era texts, and interfaith dynamics. He co-edited the Routledge Handbook of Theravāda Buddhism (2022) and translated the Sinhala Thupavamsa . Scientific Awards : Fulbright Senior Scholar Award (2005) Luso-American Foundation Scholarship (2009) Multiple Ruhr-Universität Bochum fellowships (2011, 2017) Wabash Center grants for religious pedagogy (2010, 2015-2017) University Teaching Award (2004) As series editor for Routledge Critical Studies in Buddhism and editorial board member of three journals, Berkwitz actively shapes global Buddhist scholarship. He has conducted fieldwork in Sri Lanka , Germany , and Portugal , with expertise in South Asian manuscript cultures and Buddhist nationalism .
Rich Traylor is a Professor of History at Hardin-Simmons University, affiliated with the Cynthia Ann Parker College of Liberal Arts and the Department of History. He joined the faculty in 2003 and specializes in Early America and American Religious Culture. Education : Bachelor of Arts in Religion, Oklahoma Baptist University (1991) Master of Divinity in Theology, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (1994) Master of Arts in Southern History, University of North Texas (1997) Doctor of Philosophy in American History, University of Missouri-Columbia (2003) Dr. Traylor teaches foundational courses in U.S. history and advanced courses on Colonial and Revolutionary America, the Early Republic, and the Civil War/Reconstruction era. His research extends to biographical studies (Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, Robert E. Lee) and the intersection of religion and culture, as evidenced by his 2015 book on Baptist movements in Kentucky. He contributes to scholarship through publications in journals like Missouri Historical Review and Baptist History and Heritage .
Tat-Siong Benny Liew is a Professor and holder of the Class of 1956 Chair in New Testament Studies at the Religious Studies Department of College of the Holy Cross. His research focuses on biblical interpretation through cultural and racial lenses, including studies on the Synoptic Gospels, Gospel of John, apocalypticism, and intersections with Asian American history and literature. He holds a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University. Education: Ph.D., Vanderbilt University His work explores how biblical texts are interpreted across cultural contexts, particularly addressing issues of race and ethnicity. He contributes to critical race and ethnic studies, as well as Asian Studies, integrating interdisciplinary approaches. Though no specific articles or awards are listed here, his expertise underscores significant contributions to biblical scholarship and cultural studies. No advising students or grants are explicitly mentioned in the provided information.
David L. McMahan is the Charles A. Dana Professor of Religious Studies at Franklin & Marshall College , specializing in Buddhism and its intersections with modernity, science, psychology, literature, romanticism, and transcendentalism. He teaches courses on Asian religions, Buddhist traditions, and comparative religious studies. Ph.D., University of California, Santa Barbara His research focuses on Buddhist meditation practices across cultural and historical contexts, including their secular adaptations in modern settings. Key themes include the relationship between Buddhism and science, the emergence of "Scientific Buddhism" in colonial contexts, and the global transformation of Buddhist traditions. Recent publications include Rethinking Meditation: Buddhist Meditative Practices in Ancient and Modern Worlds (Oxford University Press, 2023) and collaborative work on meditation's role in corporate and psychotherapeutic environments. His academic contributions span historical analysis of Buddhist modernism, critiques of secular mindfulness, and explorations of Buddhist visionary literature. His work has been presented at major conferences including Harvard University, University of Toronto, and the Mind & Life Summer Research Institute Active in interdisciplinary dialogues about Buddhist studies
