EMPLOYMENT
Senior Research Scientist, Department of Sociology, Duke University (2025- )
Graduate Faculty, Department of Sociology (2023- )
Lecturer, Department of Sociology (2022- )
Senior Research Associate, Department of Sociology, Duke University (2022-2024)
Research Associate, Clergy Health Initiative, Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research, Duke University (2020-2022)
Jim Joseph Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Concentration in Education and Jewish Studies, Graduate School of Education, Stanford University (2018-2020)
Teaching Fellow, Thinking Matters Program, Stanford Introductory Studies, Stanford University (2016-2018)
Lecturer, Department of Sociology, Princeton University (2015-2016)
EDUCATION
Ph.D. in Sociology, Princeton University, 2015
Dissertation: “Learning to Practice, Becoming Spiritual: Spiritual Disciplines as Projects of the Self” [Chair: Robert Wuthnow]
M.A. in Sociology, Princeton University, 2011
B.A. in Sociology (Summa Cum Laude), Psychology, Rutgers University, 2007
Honors Thesis: "Totalizing Cognitive Authority: Undivided Commitment to an Institutional Worldview." [Advisor: Eviatar Zerubavel]
RESEARCH AND TEACHING INTERESTS
Sociology of Religion; Cultural Sociology; Social Psychology; Socialization; Self and Identity; Culture and Cognition; Narrative; Practice; Embodiment; Emotion; Contemporary Spirituality; Politics and Polarization; Health; Gender; Qualitative Methods (including Ethnography); Theory
PUBLICATIONS [*Equal Authorship, ^Student Co-Author]
Books and Edited Volumes
Hjelm, Titus, Esther Chan, Erin F. Johnston, and Evan Stewart. New Oxford Handbook of the Sociology of Religion. Under Contract with Oxford University Press.
Johnston, Erin F. and Vikash Singh (eds). 2022. Interpreting Religion: Making Sense of Religious Lives. Bristol University Press.
Peer Reviewed Articles and Book Chapters
Rawlings, Craig, Erin F. Johnston, and David Eagle. 2025. "Peer Networks and Ideological Consistency: How Student Communities Facilitate Belief Liberalization in Higher Education." American Journal of Sociology.
Holleman, Anna, Erin F. Johnston, and Kelsey Miscke^.* 2025. "Walking the Tightrope: How White United Methodist Clergy Approach Race and Racial Justice." Sociological Focus.
Tice, Logan, Salgado, Glaucia, Johnston, Erin F., Nascimento, Barbara, Proeschold-Bell, Rae Jean, & Lee, Jane. 2025. "The Weight of the Yoke: A qualitative analysis of the stressors for clergy across a mental health continuum." Mental Health, Religion & Culture.
Johnston, Erin. F, Anna Holleman, and Laura Krull. 2023. "There's theology and then there's the people I love...": Authority and Ambivalence in Seminarians’ Attitudes Towards Same-Sex Relationships, Marriage, and Ordination." Sociology of Religion: A Quarterly Review.
Johnston, Erin F., Jennifer Headley, and David E. Eagle. 2023. "Pastoring in a Pandemic: Supports Used and Desired by United Methodist Clergy in the Early Period of the COVID-19 Pandemic." Journal of Psychology and Theology.
Johnston, Erin F. 2023. "'You are not the Body': (Re)Interpreting the Body in and through Integral Yoga." In Interpreting the Body: Between Meaning and Materiality, edited by Anne Marie Champagne and Asia Friedman. Bristol University Press.
Eagle, David E., Josh Gaghan, and Erin F. Johnston. 2023. "Introducing the Seminary-to-Early-Ministry Study." Religious Education. 118(2): 1-13.
Johnston, Erin F. and David E. Eagle. 2022. "Expanding the Horizontal Call: A Typology of Social Influences on the Call to Ministry." Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion. 62(1): 68-88.
Johnston, Erin F., David E. Eagle, Brian Perry, Amy Cornelli, and Rae Jean Proeschold-Bell. 2022. "Seminary Students and Physical Health: Beliefs, Intentions, and Behaviors." Journal of Religion and Health. 61: 1207-1225.
Johnston, Erin F., David E. Eagle, Jennifer Headley, and Anna Holleman. 2021. "Pastoral Ministry in Unsettled Times: A Qualitative Study of the Experiences of Clergy During the COVID-19 Pandemic." Review of Religious Research.
David E. Eagle, Erin F. Johnston, Jennifer Headley and Anna Holleman. 2021. "The Financial Impacts of COVID-19 on Methodist Churches in North Carolina: A Qualitative Study of Clergy Perspectives" Review of Religious Research.
Johnston, Erin F. 2020. "The Feeling of Enlightenment: Managing Emotions through Yoga and Prayer.” Symbolic Interaction. 44(3): 576-602.
Johnston, Erin F. 2020. "Yoga as a Way of Life: Authenticity through Identity Management," in Patrick Williams and Kaylan Schwarz (eds), Studies on the Social Construction of Identity and Authenticity. Routledge.
DeGloma, Thomas and Erin F. Johnston.* 2019. "Cognitive Migrations: A Cultural and Cognitive Sociology of Personal Transformation." In Brekhus, Wayne and Gabe Ignatow (eds), Oxford Handbook of Cognitive Sociology. Oxford University Press.
Johnston, Erin F. 2017. “Failing to Learn, or Learning to Fail? Accounting for Persistence in the Acquisition of Spiritual Disciplines." Qualitative Sociology. 40(3): 353-372.
^Translated reprint in: El postsecularismo y la religion vivida: aportes desde la sociología cualitativa norteamericana. David Smilde and Hugo P. Hernáiz (eds), 2021. abediciones: Universidad Católica Ándres.
Johnston, Erin F. 2016. "The Enlightened Self: Identity and Aspiration in Two Communities of Practice." Religions. 7(7), 92.
Johnston, Erin F. 2016. “Anticipating the Future: The Growth of Practice-Oriented Spiritualties,” in Eugene V. Gallagher (ed), Visioning New and Minority Religions: Projecting the Future. Ashgate-INFORM Series. Ashgate.
Lena, Jennifer C. and Erin F. Johnston. 2015. “US Cultural Engagement with Global Muslim Communities: Contours and Connections in an Emerging Field.” Grantmakers in the Arts (GIA) Reader. 26(1).
Johnston, Erin F. 2013. “'I was Always this Way…’: Rhetorics of Continuity in Narratives of Conversion.” Sociological Forum. 28: 3: 549-573.
Book Reviews
Johnston, Erin F. 2024. Book Review of Making Moral Citizens: How Faith-Based Organizers Use Vocation for Public Action - by Jack Delehanty. Contemporary Sociology.
Johnston, Erin F. 2023. Book Review of Situating Spirituality: Context, Practice, and Power - edited by Brian Steensland, Jaime Kicinskas and Anna Sun. Contemporary Sociology.
Johnston, Erin F. 2020. Book Review of Solitary Pagans: Contemporary Witches, Wiccans, and Others who Practice Alone - by Helen A Berger. Sociology of Religion: A Quarterly Review.
Johnston, Erin F. 2013. Book Review of Celebrating Debutantes and Quinceañeras: Coming of Age in American Ethnic Communities – by Evelyn I. Rodriguez. Social Forces.
Johnston, Erin F. 2013. Book Review of Mapping Religion and Spirituality in a Postsecular World – edited by Guiseppe Giordan and Enzo Pace. Sociology of Religion: A Quarterly Review.
Manuscripts Under Review and in Preparation
"I don't see myself as a senior pastor": An Examination of the Supply-Side Factors Shaping Occupational Gender Segregation in Religious Leadership" [with Bec Stargel, Kelsey Mischke, and Anna Holleman]
"Pipelines or Pathways? Examining the Religious and Vocational Trajectories of Seminary Students." [with Kelsey Mischke^]
"Gender and the Diaconate: Insights from the Career Plans of United Methodist Seminary Students." [with Anna Holleman, Bec Stargel, and Kelsey Mischke]
"Clergy-Congregation Political Misalignment: How United Methodist Clergy Experience and Navigate Political Tensions Post-COVID" [with Kelsey Mischke and Anna Holleman]
"Learning to Embrace the Mystery: The Prevalence and Experience of Theological Uncertainty at a Mainline Seminary."
"Our Songs of Our Selves: The Social Performance of Self-Reflexivity." [with Thomas DeGloma*]
Research Reports and Professional Publications
2024. Johnston, E.F, Stargel, B. Lane, E. and David Eagle. "Inclusion and Discrimination in Divinity School: Student Experiences and Reflections." Durham, NC: Seminary-to-Early Ministry Study.
2024. Holleman, A., B. Stargel, B., Johnston E.F., Lane, E., and David Eagle. "LGBTQ+ Students at Duke Divinity School: Insights from Matriculation." Durham, NC:
Seminary-to-Early Ministry Study.
2024. Johnston, E.F., Stargel, B. Lane, E., and Gaghan, J. "'Building the Plane as We're Flying It': New Insights from Second Year Hybrid M.Div. Students at Duke Divinity." Durham, NC: Seminary-to-Early Ministry Study.
2023. Johnston, Erin F., Jumper, N. Lane, E. and David Eagle. "The Paradox of Flexibility: Further Insights and Nine Suggestions from 1st Year Hybrid M.Div. Students." Durham, NC: Seminary-to-Early Ministry Study.
2023. Eagle, D., Headley, J., Johnston, E.F., Gaghan, J., Holleman, A. Jumper, N., and Mischke, K. 2023. “Hybrid M.Div. Students at Duke Divinity School, 2021/22.” Durham, NC: Seminary-to-Early Ministry Study.
2022. Gaghan, Josh, Erin F. Johnston, and David Eagle. "Field Education: Student Experiences and Reflections." Seminary-to-Early Ministry Study.
2017. Johnston, Erin F. “Artists in Motion: A Survey of Recent Funding for Artistic Exchange, 2009-2015.” NYU Brademas Center.
2014. Lena, Jennifer C. and Erin F. Johnston. “U.S. Cultural Engagement with Global Muslim Communities: Contours and Connections in an Emerging Field.” Expanded report with index. NYU Brademas Center. Pp. 1-83.
FELLOWSHIPS, GRANTS, AND AWARDS
Recipient, Collaborative Project Courses Faculty Fellowship, Duke University ($5,000), 2024-2025
Project Lead (with Patty van Cappellen), "What is Hope? Bridging the Gap between Lived Experience and Research." Bass Connections, Duke University ($22,000), 2024-2025
Project Lead (with Chris Johnston and David Eagle), "Politics and Polarization in Mainline Congregations." Bass Connections, Duke University ($25,000), 2022-2023
Nominee, Bass Connections Leadership Award, 2023
Recipient, Karl Haigler Excellence in Gap Year Research Award, Gap Year Association, 2020
Principal Investigator, “Religion and the International Gap Year: An Exploratory Study,” Jack Shand Research Grant ($4,332)
Younger Scholars in the Sociology of Religion, Selected Participant (with travel funding), University of Notre Dame, 2018
Co-Principal Investigator (with Thomas DeGloma), "Travel as Transformative Experience." The Experience Project, funded by the John Templeton Foundation ($50,000), 2015-2017
Marvin Bressler Graduate Student Teaching Award, Sociology Department, Princeton University, 2015
Center for the Study of Religion Graduate Fellowship, Princeton University ($6,000 stipend per year plus research and travel expenses), 2010-2014
Robert J. McNamara Student Paper Award (Honorable Mention), Association for the Sociology of Religion, 2012
Princeton Sociology Department Dissertation Support Grant ($1,000), 2012
Dean’s Fund for Scholarly Travel Grant, Princeton University ($600), 2011, 2012, 2013
Department of Sociology Travel Grant, Princeton University ($500), 2011, 2012, 2014
Student Paper Award (Honorable Mention), Society for the Scientific Study of Religion, 2011
University Fellowship, Graduate School, Princeton University ($25,000 stipend plus tuition remission), 2008-2013
Best Undergraduate Thesis Award, Department of Sociology, Rutgers University (New Brunswick), 2007
(SELECTED) CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
"'I am constantly unaffirmed in my calling': Exploring the (Gendered) Career Plans of Seminary Students at Matriculation." Society for the Scientific Study of Religion. Pittsburgh, PA: 2024.
"Pipelines or Pathways? Gender and Religious Trajectories to Seminary." Association for the Sociology of Religion. Montreal: 2024
"Walking the Tightrope: How White United Methodist Clergy Approach Race and Racial Justice." Southern Sociological Society. New Orleans: 2024. [presented by Kelsey Mischke]
"Embracing the Mystery: Navigating Theological Uncertainty in a Mainline Seminary." Society for the Scientific Study of Religion. Salt Lake City, NV: 2023.
"Ideology and Influence: Sociocognitive Foundations of Belief Change in a Sectarian World." Social Psychology Section Session. American Sociological Association Annual Meeting. Philadelphia, PA: 2023. [presented by Craig Rawlings]
"Embracing the Mystery: Navigating Theological Uncertainty in a Mainline Seminary." Association for the Sociology of Religion Annual Conference. Philadelphia, PA: 2023.
“Ideology and Influence in Core Belief Change.” INSNA Sunbelt Conference, Networks and Culture Panel, Portland, OR: 2023. [presented by Craig Rawlings]
"Overlapping Sources of Authority in the Narrative Accounts of Gay and Lesbian Affirming and Non-Affirming Seminary Students." Society for the Scientific Study of Religion. Baltimore, MD: 2022. [Presented by Anna Holleman]
"Pastoring in a Pandemic: Social Supports used by United Methodist Clergy in the Early Period of the COVID-19 Pandemic." Society for the Scientific Study of Religion. Baltimore, MD: 2022.
"Pastoral ministry in unsettled times: Doing and Redoing Ministry in Unsettled Times." Invited Session: "Religion and COVID-19." Sociology of Religion Section, American Sociological Association Annual Meeting, August 2022 [Los Angeles].
"Introducing the Seminary-to-Early Ministry Study." Religious Education Association Annual Conference. Virtual: 2022.
"Pastoral ministry in unsettled times: A qualitative study of the experiences of United Methodist clergy during the COVID-19 pandemic." Society for the Scientific Study of Religion Annual Meeting. Portland, OR: 2021.
"Religion on the (International) Gap Year: An Exploratory Study." Society for the Scientific Study of Religion Annual Meeting. Accepted for presentation (conference cancelled), 2020
"Yoga as a Way of Life: Authenticity Through Identity Management." Culture and Identity Regular Panel Session. American Sociological Association Annual Meeting. New York, 2019.
"Our Songs of Our Selves: The Social Performance of Self-Reflexivity" [with Thomas DeGloma]. Society for the Study of Symbolic Interaction Annual Conference. New York, 2019.
"Turning off Cruise Control: How Spiritual Communities Facilitate Personal Change." The Roots and Branches of Interpretive Sociology [ASA Pre-Conference]. Philadephia, PA, 2018.
"Failure in Religious Contexts." The Power of Failure: New Perspectives in Social Theory and Practice. Polish Sociological Association. Warsaw, Poland. May 2018.
“The Holy Spirit Speaks through our Affects: Models of Emotion at a Catholic Spiritual Center.” Younger Scholars in the Sociology of Religion Conference. Invited Panelist. University of Notre Dame, April 2018.
“The Holy Spirit Speaks through our Affects: Models of Emotion at a Catholic Spiritual Center.” Religion, Culture, and Identity Paper Session. Eastern Sociological Society Annual Meeting (Baltimore), 2018.
"The Holy Spirit Speaks through our Affects: Emotion Culture at a Catholic Spiritual Center." Sociology of Emotion Regular Panel, American Sociological Association (Montreal), 2017.
"“American Gap Year Providers and the Social Construction of Place.” Society for the Study of Symbolic Interaction Annual Meeting (Montreal), 2017.
"The Transformative Potential of Gap Year Programs." American Gap Association Annual Conference (Denver), 2017.
"Crafting Transformative Experiences: Self-Transformation and Personal Growth in American Gap Year Programs." Pragmatism and Symbolic Interaction Mini-Conference, Eastern Sociological Society (Philadelphia), 2017.
"It's about the Journey: Spirituality as an Aspirational Identity." Narrative, Biography and Culture Regular Panel, American Sociological Association Annual Conference (Chicago), 2015.
"Betwixt and Between: Constructing the Spiritual in Two Communities of Practice." Culture and Cognition Mini-Conference, Eastern Sociological Association Annual Meeting (NYC), 2015.
“Roots and Wings: Discipline and Agency in the Cultivation of Spiritual Selves." Ways of Knowing: Graduate Conference on Religion, Harvard Divinity School, 2014.
"Keeping Practitioners Engaged: Dealing with Failure in Spiritual Disciplines.” Social Psychology Regular Panel. American Sociological Association Annual Meeting (San Francisco), 2014.
“Anticipating the Future: The Growth of Practice-Oriented Spiritualties.” INFORM’s Anniversary Conference, London School of Economics (London), 2014.
“Becoming a Practitioner: Fostering and Sustaining Commitment in Spiritual Disciplines.” Society for the Scientific Study of Religion Annual Meeting (Boston), 2013.
“Becoming a Yogi: Investigating the Social Transmission of Spiritual Knowledge in Yoga Teacher Training Program.” Society for the Scientific Study of Religion Annual Meeting (Phoenix), 2012.
““I was Always this Way …”: Rhetorics of Continuity in Narratives of Conversion.” Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Symbolic Interaction (Denver), 2012.
““I was Always this Way …”: The “True Self in Neo-Pagan Conversion Narratives.” Graduate Student Ethnography Conference, SUNY-Stonybrook (New York), 2011.
INVITED AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS
"Interpretive Lenses in Sociology: A Panel Discussion on the New Book Series and Its Initial Volumes." Panelist. Society for the Study of Symbolic Interaction Annual Conference. Philadelphia, PA. 2023.
"Theology in the Making: The Structure of Belief Change among Students in a Protestant Seminary." Graduate School of Education, Stanford University. February 2023.
"Author Meets Critics: Situating Spirituality." Cirtic/Discussant. Society for the Scientific Study of Religion Annual Conference. Baltimore, MD: 2022.
"Pastoring in a Pandemic: Challenges and Opportunities for Clergy and Congregations in the Wake of COVID-19." St James’ Institute, Sydney, Australia, October 2021.
"How to Rock as an Interviewer." Creator and Facilitator. Training Seminar for "Art Seeking Understanding." December 2020.
"Yoga as a Way of Life: Authenticity Through Identity Management." Book Launch: Studies on the Social Construction of Identity and Authenticity, McGill University, Dec 2020.
“Mind Maps: Uses and Best Practices.” All Fellows Pedagogy Training, Thinking Matters, Stanford University, Fall 2017. [Co-organized with Risa Cromer]
“Artists in Motion: Trends in Private Sector Giving for Artistic Exchange, 2009-2015.” ACC Forum: Making the Case for Cultural Exchange (NYU), 2017.
"Cultural Mobility: A Bird’s Eye View.” Alliance of Artists Communities Annual Conference (Denver), 2017.
PANELS ORGANIZED OR FACILITATED
"Clergy Health." Society for the Scientific Study of Religion Annual Conference, 2023. Salt Lake City, NV. [Facilitator]
"Theological Education: Student Formation from Matriculation to Graduation." Society for the Scientific Study of Religion Annual Conference, 2022. Baltimore, MD. [Organizer]
"Clergy Health and Well-being: Insights from the Clergy Health Initiative." Society for the Scientific Study of Religion Annual Conference, 2022. Baltimore, MD. [Organizer]
"New Perspectives on Religious Education." Society for the Scientific Study of Religion Annual Conference, 2021. Portland, OR. [Organizer and Facilitator]
"Evaluating Qualitative Methods." Discussant/Respondent. American Sociological Association Annual Conference, 2020.
“Spiritual Practices.” Learning Religion Conference, Graduate School of Education, Stanford University. April 2019. [Organizer and Facilitator]
“Reimagining education: launching a generation of global citizens.” Lunch seminar with Abby Falik, Founder of Global Citizen Year, Stanford University. February 2019. [Organizer]
"Interpreting Religion." The Roots and Branches of Interpretive Sociology: Cultural, Pragmatist and Psychosocial Approaches. August 2018, Philadelphia. [Co-organized with Dan Winchester]
"Identity Formation and Transformation." The Roots and Branches of Interpretive Sociology: Cultural, Pragmatist and Psychosocial Approaches. August 2018, Philadelphia. [Co-organized with Dan Winchester]
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Lecturer, Department of Sociology, Duke University (NC), 2022-
Theory and Society (Fall 2022, Fall 2024)
Religion and Public Health (Spring 2025)
Applied Sociology Research Tutorial: "What is Hope? Bridging the Gap Between Lived Experience and Research" (Fall 2024-Spring 2025)
Applied Sociology Research Tutorial: "Politics and Polarization in Mainline Protestant Congregations" (Fall 2022-Spring 2023)
Course Director, Field Semester Program, Verto Education, 2020-2021
Introduction to Sociology (Spring 2021)
Sociology of Identity (Spring 2020)
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (Spring 2020)
Lecturer, Department of Sociology, Stanford University (CA), Winter 2019
Sociology of Emotions (Winter 2019)
Lecturer, Stanford Introductory Studies, Stanford University (CA), 2016-2018
Empathy (Fall 2016, Fall 2017)
Belief (Winter 2017)
Reading the Body: How Culture and Medicine Define the Self (Spring 2017, Spring 2018)
Lecturer, Department of Sociology, Princeton University (NJ), 2015-2016
Travelers, Tourists, and Pilgrims (Spring 2016)
Self and Society (Fall 2015)
Introduction to Sociology (Fall 2015), with Professor Paul Starr
Visiting Faculty, Social Science Division, Bennington College (VT), Fall 2014
Self and Society (Fall 2014)
Transformations of the Self (Fall 2014)
Instructor, Department of Sociology, Kean University (NJ), Spring 2012
Self and Society (Spring 2012)
Graduate Teaching Assistant (Preceptor), Princeton University (NJ), 2009-2015
Introduction to Sociology (Fall 2013, Fall 2011)
Attitudes, Identities and Social Interaction (Spring 2013)
Sociological Theory (Spring 2011)
Sociology of the E-Street: Bruce Springsteen’s America (Spring 2015, Fall 2009)
Other Teaching Activities
Selected Participant, Collaborative Project Courses Faculty Fellowship, Bass Connections, Duke University, 2024-2025
Guest Lecturer, "Analytic Memos." Qualitative Analysis for Global Health, Duke University, Fall 2021
Guest Lecturer, "Developing Themes and Codes." Qualitative Analysis for Global Health, Duke University, Fall 2020
Organizer/Facilitator, "Visualizing Knowledge: Using Mapping Activities to Enhance Student Learning," Postdoc Pedagogy Journal Club Meeting, July 2019
Pre-Major Advisor, Undergraduate Advising and Research, Stanford University, 2017-2019
Student Advising (17 junior papers), Department of Sociology, Princeton University, 2015-2016
Invited Participant, Teagle Foundation Seminar on Teaching in the Research University, McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning, Princeton University, Fall 2012-Spring 2013
Participant, Teaching Transcript Program, McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning, Princeton University, Completed all Requirements: Spring 2013
Coordinator, Community-Based Learning Initiative (CBLI) Course Project in Bruce Springsteen’s America: Sociology of the E-Street, Princeton University.
STUDENT ADVISING
Suzanne Schenewerk (PhD), Sociology Department, Dissertation Committee Member
Mannes Matous (ThD), Examiner for "Qualitative Methods in Religion and Health"
ADDITIONAL RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Research Consultant, Episcopal Preaching Foundation, 2023-Present
Our team is charged with designing and implementing program evaluation for a new congregation-based program to improve preaching and foster lay engagement ("The Preaching Congregation"). Over the course of two years, our team will evaluate the program and its impact on priests and congregants using surveys, interviews, and focus groups. This program and research is funded by the Lily Endowment.
Research Consultant, Episcopal Preaching Foundation, Summer 2022
Collected survey and interview data with Episcopal priests and lay leaders to inform a grant application related to excellence in preaching from the Lily Endowment.
Qualitative Research Consultant, "The Art of Discernment," Wesley Theological Seminary, October 2020-2022
Designed and led an interviewer training session and advised on interview guide development (Fall 2020). Conducting thematic analysis to identify key findings from 25 interviews with seminary students on the role of art in their sense of call and their decision to pursue ministry. Analysis will result in an academic paper. This project is funded by the Templeton Religion Trust's "Art Seeking Understanding" initiative.
Qualitative Research Lead, "Faith-Based Responses to Reduce the Harm of Opioids," Duke Divinity School, 2020-2022
Designed focus group guides, trained focus group facilitators, and analyzed focus group data on the current practices and desired resources of North Carolina clergy and congregations in facing substance use issues in their communities. Findings will be used to create practical resources for clergy to better walk alongside those with substance use issues and their families in conversation with project PIs and community stakeholders. This project is part of the "Opioids Collaboratory" funded by The Duke Endowment. Resources will be made available through the Ormond Center's Churches Promoting Recovery website.
Research Consultant, University of the South, School of Theology, Sewanee, TN, Spring 2021
Designed research protocols and conducted focus group and in-depth interviews with Episcopal Church leaders and School of Theology alumni on the needs and future of the divinity school and denomination. Findings were used to advise the School of Theology on a grant proposal to the Lily Endowment.
Research Consultant, Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Arts, Building Bridges Program, 2016-2018
Using major grant databases, I compiled a report that details the state of funding targeting the MASA community in the US. This report will help inform future grantmaking initiatives in this area.
Research Consultant, John Brademas Center (NYU), 2017
Project: Artists in Motion: A Survey of Recent Funding for Artistic Exchange [you can read the full report here]
Research Associate, AKA|Strategy (NYC), 2014-2016
Using archival materials and major grant databases, I compiled reports to help inform new funding programs at major philanthropic organizations in the fields of arts and culture, including the Ford Foundation, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, and the Cuban Artists Fund.
Research Assistant to Jennifer C. Lena (Columbia University), 2014
Project: Annual Report – Strategic National Arts Alumni Project (Summer 2014)
Project: US Cultural Engagement with Global Muslim Communities (Spring 2014)
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND SERVICE
Associate Editor, Sociology of Religion: A Quarterly Review, 2023-2026
Graduate Faculty, Department of Sociology, Duke University, 2023-Present
Dissertation Committee Member: Suzanne Schenewerk (Sociology)
Organizer and Facilitator, Duke-UNC Sociology of Religion Workshop, 2021-Present
Chair, Selection Committee, Best Book Award, Sociology of Religion Section, American Sociological Association, 2024
Member, Program Committee, Sociology of Emotions Section, American Sociological Association Annual Meeting (Philadelphia), 2023
Member, Richard Peterson Prize for Best Student Paper Award Committee, Sociology of Culture Section, American Sociological Association, 2021
Chair, Graduate Student Paper Award Committee, Sociology of Religion Section, American Sociological Association, 2019
Pre-Major Adviser, Undergraduate Advising and Research, Stanford University, 2017-2019
Co-Organizer, “Learning Religion: Institutions, Texts, Practices, and Imaginaries" Conference. Graduate School of Education, Stanford University, 2019
Organizer, Roundtable Sessions, Section for the Sociology of Religion, American Sociological Association Annual Meeting, 2018
Member, Graduate Student Paper Award Committee, Sociology of Emotions Section, American Sociological Association, 2017-2018
Member, Program Scheduling Committee, "The Roots and Branches of Interpretive Sociology" Conference, Philadelphia, 2018
Member, ESS Program Scheduling Committee, Annual Meeting (NYC), 2015
Member, Organizing Committee, Interdisciplinary Ethnography Workshop: Blurring the Boundaries of Practice, Princeton University (2014-2015)
Cohort Representative, Graduate Student Advisory Committee (GSAC), Department of Sociology, Princeton University (2012-2013)
Member, Graduate Mentoring Award Committee, McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning, Princeton University (Spring 2013)
Ad Hoc Reviewer: Social Forces, Sociological Forum, Qualitative Sociology, Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion; Ethnography; Symbolic Interaction; Sociology of Religion: A Quarterly Review, Journal of Contemporary Ethnography
Member, American Sociological Association
(Sections: Sociology of Religion, Social Psychology, Sociology of Culture, Emotions, Theory, Teaching and Learning)
Member, Eastern Sociological Association
Member, Society for the Study of Symbolic Interaction
Member, Society for the Scientific Study of Religion
Member, Association for the Sociology of Religion
CONTINUING EDUCATION
"Rapid Turn-Around Qualitative Research: Strategic Decision-making for Rigor and Feasibility." Qualitative Research Summer Intensive. UNC: Odum Institute for Research in Social Science. Two-day class. Summer 2023.
"Implementation Research Projects: Designing and Applying Qualitative Methods." Qualitative Research Summer Intensive. UNC: Odum Institute for Research in Social Science. Two-day class. Summer 2023.