curriculum vitae
My life’s course focuses on two educational pathways that are relevant to the work that I do: the university-track as a trained historian, and the dharma-track as a life-long dharma student. Both complement the work that I do in my communities where I lead discussions on ancient history, introductory teachings on religion, and community-building. These two educational tracks allow me to present teachings on general topics related to my and other ancient religions, though I primarily work on spiritual care and Buddhism for students today.
Education: contemplative + analytical
My background in History and Classical Studies means that I analyse historical questions about knowledge, causation, and ideology with a sustained “close reading” of the information relevant to those questions. With over a decade of training in analysing, synthesising, and presenting information in a variety of formats, my historian’s discipline guides my work and service. As with many ancient topics, many questions I answer require reading information with new perspectives, against the grain and peering through textual gaps.
BA in History & Classics
(2013-2017)
- magna cum laude
- High Honors
- Public Leadership
- Prizes in Latin and History
- ΦΒΚ
MA in Latin
(2020-2022)
- Latin Historiography
- Comedy: Plautus
- Satire: Horace, Juvenal
- Second Sophistic: Lucian
PhD in Ancient History
(2017-2024)
- Thesis: Roman Sanctuary
(400 BCE – 200 CE) - Advisor: Celia Schultz
- Specialties: Roman Religions, International Relations, Gender & Sexuality
my buddhist education
Most scholars would not include their religious background as education, but the work that I do is often informed by my religious background or focused on speaking to a community of fellow North American Buddhists. For that reason, my religious education and lineage are helpful to know from where I come as a practitioner, teacher, and householder.
- lineage: Karma Kagyu (Karma Thegsum Chöling and Karuna Buddhist Center)
- teachers: Khenpo Tshering Chophel (PhD Buddhist Studies, Vishva-Bharati)
Lama Nancy Burks (PhD Psychology, UNC) - ngöndro: Mahamudra, by Karma Chagme
- childhood: Nyingma (Palyul, Kunzang Palyul Chöling)
In terms of my practice, I received my practice and meditation transmissions from Lama Nancy Burks, a student of Khenpo Karma Tharchin Rinpoche who established the Karmapa lineage in North America, and Khenpo Tshering Chophel, a student of the 12th Goshir Gyaltsap Rinpoche. In 2023 I received Avalokiteśvara and Vajrasattva empowerments from Lama Karma Drodhul and Thrangu Lopön Lama Thobden, and permission to practice Milam Lungten Chöd.
WTDS Upāsaka 