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Elons Center for the Study of Religion, Culture, and Society (CSRCS) promotes the interdisciplinary study of
religion. It recognizes that religion is a source of both conflict and justice in the world and that religion has
complex connections to politics, international affairs, social change, and the identities of individuals and
communities. The CSRCS will be committed to scholarly inquiry and public dialogue about unfolding world
events that involve religious groups and their teachings, perennial human questions of meaning and value, and
historys lessons about the role of religion in human societies. Through its signature programs and initiatives, the
CSRCS will foster the understanding and exchange of ideas that lead to more inclusive, informed, and
empathetic societies.
CSRCS UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWS

Undergraduate research transforms students lives. Identified by the American Association of Colleges and
Universities as one of the 7 High-Impact Educational Practices that are exceptionally beneficial to student
learning, faculty-mentored undergraduate research has the capacity to ignite students enthusiasm for learning
and open up career possibilities they had not imagined.
By giving them hands on research skills, close supervision by scholars who are experts in their field, and
exposure to diverse and vibrant religious communities, undergraduate research on religion can prepare students
for leadership in the globalizing world. Some excellent recent and ongoing projects include these:
- Pamela Gutermuth (Class of 2015) mapped the growth of Buddhism in the rural United States
- Justin Brown (Class of 2016) studied aging and spirituality in the Hindu community of Cary, NC
- Daniela Sostaita (Class of 2017) analyzed the rates of conversion from Catholicism to Protestantism
among Latina Catholics
- Alexandra McCorkle (Class of 2018) compared the health benefits of spiritual forms of yoga vs. yoga
done specifically for fitness
On an annual basis, the CSRCS will name a set of Undergraduate Research Fellows in the Study of Religion to
support a growing student interest in conducting these kinds of inquiries into the role of religion in society. This
scaffolded program aims to raise the standard for training in research and to cement Elons reputation as one of
the nations top institutions for undergraduate research in religion. It works with students at various stages, from
introductory to advanced levels of research, to cultivate habits of disciplined inquiry and discovery in the
complex web of religion and culture. Details about this program can be found on the reverse of this sheet.
The Elon Center for the Study of Religion, Culture and Society
Brian K. Pennington, Director and Professor of Religion Studies
2960 Campus Box Elon, N.C. 27244
(336) 278-5988
bpennington4@elon.edu
TYPES OF RESEARCH GRANTS
Scholar Development Grants: Designed for first- and second-year students just embarking on the process of
understanding the role of religion in society, Scholar Development Grants introduce students to the research
process in a their individual disciplines, help them conceive a research topic, and prepare them to write research
proposals for external funding or for Elons signature research programs such as Lumen, SURE, or Honors.
Students and their faculty mentors receive access to a $1000 draw account for research and travel expenses.

Senior Fellow in Religion Research Grants: Students with advanced standing in any discipline are eligible for
grants that allow them to conduct a full summer of research at Elon under the supervision of a faculty member.
Students receive summer housing on campus and are supported by a stipend that helps replace the important
income from a summer job. Faculty mentors also receive a stipend.
ONE STUDENTS TESTIMONY

Conducting undergraduate research on the Sikh community of
Durham, NC with Dr. Amy Allocco has been the defining feature
of my college career, both on a scholarly and personal level. It is one
thing to read about research methodologies; it is an entirely
different thing to put those methods into practice. I have learned
to push myself outside of my comfort zone by doing research in an
area and a religion with which I was unfamiliar, but I have gained so
much experience and knowledge as a result. Further, working with
an experienced mentor like Dr. Allocco has given me an excellent
example of how to conduct research in the field. Personally, working
with the Sikh community has given rise to new bonds and
friendships and a love for a culture that I would have never known
without this experience of undergraduate research. It has given me
the confidence in myself and my abilities to know that I am able
to succeed in whatever I put my mind to, in college and beyond. I
whole-heartedly believe that conducting my research has not only
made me an improved student, but a better person as well.

- Melina Olivera
Class of 2016
The Elon Center for the Study of Religion, Culture and Society
Brian K. Pennington, Director and Professor of Religion Studies
2960 Campus Box Elon, N.C. 27244
(336) 278-5988
bpennington4@elon.edu

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Elons Center for the Study of Religion, Culture, and Society (CSRCS) promotes the interdisciplinary study of

CSRCS UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWS

ONE STUDENTS TESTIMONY

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