CSLR Student Employee Spotlight

The Center for the Study of Law and Religion is pleased to recognize our student team members for their contributions to CSLR’s mission during “National Student Employment Week.”

Emory attracts some of the brightest and most promising students in the world. Our student team contributes substantially to every aspect of our work – from research and teaching to publications and digital scholarship. We benefit from a wide range of student expertise and learn from them on a regular basis. Many of our researchers are pursuing law degrees at Emory Law School, but others are future theologians, anthropologists, computer scientists, health experts, business majors, and more.

CSLR is deeply grateful to all of our student team members. We asked them to share some of their experiences and perspectives on working at the center, and are proud to share their responses below.

What is/was your favorite thing about working at CSLR, and how do you think your work here has prepared you for your career after Emory?

One of my favorite things about working at CSLR has been engaging, interacting, and working with new content whether with the Canopy Forum or serving as an editor with a scholar's book manuscript. As a developing writer and scholar, I appreciate the opportunity to work with the article submission, editing, and publishing process. Working on the Canopy Forum even encouraged me to write and submit my own pieces which has been significant as I begin my own journey as a minister and scholar. As someone who would like to write a book someday, working on the book manuscript has shown me that my goal to do so is attainable. It was a privilege journeying with the author through the editing process. Overall, working with the CSLR has provided me with the skills, knowledge, and experience that I need to be successful in my career goals as a writer, public theologian, minister, and scholar. – Deirdre Jonese Austin

What is/was your favorite thing about working at CSLR, and how do you think your work here has prepared you for your career after Emory?

Aside from my wonderful colleagues, my favorite aspects of working at CSLR are the interdisciplinary connections made across in the context of law and religion. Working at CSLR has highlighted the impacts of law and religion on all aspects of society and it's been a pleasure working with scholars from diverse fields and backgrounds. I've really enjoyed being part of the team alongside the amazing faculty and highlighting their work through Canopy Forum, social media, and newsletters. My work at the Center has drastically improved my communication skills and prepared me for leadership roles in an office or remote setting. As I aspire for a career that allows me to serve the community, I've really enjoyed managing projects and learning about various forms of communication (such as Mailchimp, newsletters, etc). Working at CSLR has ultimately advanced my professional development and administrative abilities as well. It has allowed me to grow as an interdisciplinary scholar and explore my own interests in law, religion, health and several other disciplines. — Sandra Bourdon

What is/was your favorite thing about working at CSLR, and how do you think your work here has prepared you for your career after Emory?

I enjoy doing research work because it helps me conduct more efficient legal research, preparing me to be a better and more knowledgeable attorney. — Josh Brennan

What is/was your favorite thing about working at CSLR, and how do you think your work here has prepared you for your career after Emory?

My favorite thing about working at CSLR was learning from my incredible mentor, Dr. Audra Savage, and getting to participate in incredibly important research related to corporate accountability for the perpetuation of racial inequity in our society today. — Gabrielle Carusello

What is/was your favorite thing about working at CSLR, and how do you think your work here has prepared you for your career after Emory?

One of my favorite things about working at CSLR is the community. I have greatly appreciated the constant support and guidance from my fellow student employees as well as professional staff members. I have also greatly enjoyed being given the agency to learn new skills, take initiatives, and lead projects. Through my work at CSLR I have gained both technical and interpersonal skills that I think will greatly benefit me in my post-Emory career. — Tara Farkouh

What is/was your favorite thing about working at CSLR, and how do you think your work here has prepared you for your career after Emory?

First, the culture and the team I am able to work with, they had allowed me to integrate to the workflow, they are supporting and considerate in our contributions at the CSLR. I've met people with different backgrounds and have learned from them, have exchanged different perspectives which I find extremely enriching. The second aspect is the continuous learning environment which I am grateful for because I am able to work while enjoying what I am doing and building skills for my long term career. It is also an internship. — Yelissah Gabala

What is/was your favorite thing about working at CSLR, and how do you think your work here has prepared you for your career after Emory?

Working under the supervision and guidance of Prof. John Witte Jr. provides a first hand experience of the intellectual vigor and excellence I wish to employ in my legal career. — Patrick M. Judd

What is/was your favorite thing about working at CSLR, and how do you think your work here has prepared you for your career after Emory?

My favorite part about working at CSLR has been the incredible amount of opportunities to use my passions, skills, and interests towards projects I care about, like Canopy Forum. Not only do I find my editing position intellectually challenging and fulfilling, but I know that each day on the job at the Center, I am taking tangible steps towards my future career goals of working in writing, journalism, and media. — Ana Knudsen

What is/was your favorite thing about working at CSLR, and how do you think your work here has prepared you for your career after Emory?

During my time as a research assistant, I have enjoyed being able to take a deep dive into the laws and regulations that shape religious institutions and the practice of religion as a whole. I have gained invaluable research experience that I will carry with me as I begin my legal career in the fall. — Kara McCord

What is/was your favorite thing about working at CSLR, and how do you think your work here has prepared you for your career after Emory?

Being surrounded by such amazing scholars and mentors has been such a valuable experience. The work I am doing has prepared me intellectually and has deepened my understanding of both law in Islamic history, and how it affects the modern politics of the Muslim world. — Sultan Minhas

What is/was your favorite thing about working at CSLR, and how do you think your work here has prepared you for your career after Emory?

My favorite thing about working at CSLR is the team! Everyone cares about the work and even more so about each other. It is a wonderful privilege to consider myself a part of the team! — Rafael Piloto

What is/was your favorite thing about working at CSLR, and how do you think your work here has prepared you for your career after Emory?

More exposure to constitutional law which has contributed to me being prepared for the bar. — Krithika Venugopal

What is/was your favorite thing about working at CSLR, and how do you think your work here has prepared you for your career after Emory?

As a CSLR research assistant, I have cherished the process of learning-by-doing. Professor Witte and others at the CSLR have not only modeled incredible law and religion scholarship; they have also equipped me with tools and opportunities to write and publish sound scholarship myself. With the personalized support of the CSLR community, I feel excited to craft my own voice on Christian public theology, law, and East Asia. — Eric Wang