51²è¹Ý

Ph.D., Religious Studies

Hometown:
Appleton, WI

What is your research area?
Within the sub-field of Systematic Theology, I study the theology of Martin Luther, particularly as it pertains to ecumenism, ethics, and ecclesiology.

What is something cool about your field?
Studying Luther means that I spend a lot of time in the 16th century, but it's cool to see just how far his influence extends today--even outside the realm of what would typically be considered "theological."

What is the best thing you've done as a graduate student at 51²è¹Ý so far?
51²è¹Ý and Perkins bring a lot of incredible speakers to campus, which provided me with the opportunity to hear and meet two of my theological heroes: Stanley Hauerwas and James K. A. Smith.

What is your favorite thing to do in Dallas?
Bike the trail around White Rock Lake, and take visitors to see the awesome Longhorn statues downtown.

What do you wish you'd known before starting graduate school?
A college mentor warned me that the most difficult thing about grad school wouldn't be classes, research, professionalization, or anything like that. It would be the fact that the natural isolation of grad school forces you, in one way or another, to confront yourself and all your bad habits. I wish I had taken those words to heart so I would have been better prepared when they proved to be true.

What is your favorite leisure activity?
I love hiking--the more rugged the trail, the better.