About the fellowship
The Jay Phillips Center Scholars in Interreligious Studies program brings together a small group of exceptional emerging scholars each year for mentorship, scholarly development, public engagement, and field-building. Fellows work closely with distinguished Senior Scholars-in-Residence and become part of a multi-generational network shaping the future of Interreligious Studies.
Next cohort
The 2027–2028 cohort
Rachel S. Mikva will serve as Senior Scholar-in-Residence for 2027–2028.
Dates will be posted when the call opens.
The call for applications will be posted here.
Eligibility and how to applyThree signature gatherings
Virtual community
About 3 hours a month of cohort dialogue, research exchange, and peer coaching, plus one-on-one mentorship with the senior scholars.
AAR & AIIS
Scholars attend the AAR Annual Meeting and AIIS events, with support in finding a venue to share their work.
Residency at St. Thomas
Four funded days in St. Paul presenting to public, community, and academic audiences, with cohort workshops and pedagogy sessions.
The 2026–2027 cohort
Senior Scholars-in-Residence
Scholars
Samah ChoudhuryAssistant Professor, DePaul University
Soren HesslerAssistant Professor in the Practice of Leadership and Administration
Shaunesse’ Jacobs PlaisimondAssistant Professor, Religion & Health, University of South Florida
Laurel Marshall PotterAssistant Professor, Theology, University of St. Thomas
Kate E. SoulesExecutive Director, Religion & Education Collaborative
Jizhang YiDirector, Institute for Humanistic Buddhist Thought & Practice at Trinity College, University of Toronto
Program leadership
The program is led by Dr. Hans Gustafson, Director of the Jay Phillips Center for Interreligious Studies and a scholar in the field. Dr. Gustafson is actively involved in all components of the fellowship, including cohort selection, seminars, mentoring conversations, professional development sessions, and the annual AIIS/AAR gathering.
In collaboration with
