Education

• University of Virginia - PhD in Religious Studies (2017 - anticipated)
• University of Virginia - MA in Religious Studies (2014)
• Graduate Theological Union - MA in Systematic Theology (2007)
• Fordham University - BA in Philosophy, summa cum laude (2005)

Dissertation

Sacred Illusion: On Purity and Creation in Je Tsongkhapa’s Philosophy of Tantra

Research Interests

My dissertation research focuses on the collected works of Je Tsongkhapa, a 14th-15th century Tibetan master who was the teacher of the first Dalai Lama. This thesis will comprise a detailed inquiry into the philosophical underpinnings of Vajrayāna meditation and yogic practices, as found in Je Tsongkhapa's writings. Through this study, I also hope to provide a clear theoretical foundation for further work in Christian-Buddhist dialogue, towards a comparative theology of contemplative prayer.

Teaching

• UVa Graduate Teaching Assistant for:
• Buddhist Meditation and Modern Times (2014)
• Buddhist Meditation and Modernity (2013)
• Theory and Practice of Yoga (2013)
• Contemporary Hinduism (2012)
• Introduction to Eastern Religious Traditions (2012)
• Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism (2011)

Fellowships (selected)

American Institute of Indian Studies: Ludo and Rosane Rocher Research Fellowship in Sanskrit Studies (2014-15)

Contemplative Sciences Center at the University of Virginia

Graduate Representative to the Board of Directors (2012-2014)