I took my first religious studies class as a freshman looking to fulfill a cultural understanding credit. Through the comparative religions course, I learned about major and minor religions around the world. The class exceeded my expectations and peaked my interest in understanding other cultures. Through my various religious studies classes, I have learned the importance of understanding the worldview that I have constantly been immersed in as well as knowing how this differs for other people. Studying the religions and cultures of other people help to understand thought patterns and motivations, among other integral characteristics. My goal for completing a religious studies minor was to be able to better communicate and understand with people of diverse background and to build knowledge on complex topics such as cultural identity. I believe that I am better equipped to work and serve with a diverse community of people after this educational track. 

The following are examples of final projects and honors projects that I have completed through various religious studies courses. The projects provided for a method to combine my religious studies classes and my interests in neuroscience and medicine.

Interview

This is a synapsis of the interview that I conducted for my final project for Religion and Philanthropy 379 which focused on the impact that philanthropic organizations have on society. I reached out to a local non-profit that provides food, shelter, hot showers, and counseling to sex workers in the inner-city and I was able to interview Sarah Witter who works intimately with the women. This project aided in my communication and outreach skills and also helped improve my understanding of the needs of underserved populations within my city. 

Philanthropic Neurobiology

A requirement of being a member of the Honors College at IUPUI is completing a course that is designated as an honors course. To complete my honors credit for the Spring 2014 semester, I composed a research paper that focused on the neurobiology of philanthropy. It is a topic that is constantly changing because it is a relatively new topic of study. The paper was largely based off of an in-depth study of neuroscientist Ann Taves’ book Religious Experience Reconsidered. This was a project that perfectly combined my interests in neuroscience and religious studies.